Dear Apologists: Avoid Making This Easy Mistake!

Apologetics

Jun 12

When we’re starting off in apologetics, we learn fascinating facts about the early dating of the gospels, the cosmological argument, ontological argument, or how information contained in DNA likely points to an intelligent designer.

We get excited and we want to share what we learned, thinking that our new information will finally bring that one friend, family member, or co-worker to Christ. Yet oftentimes, many become frustrated or disappointed when our apologia falls on deaf ears.Is our aggravation due to the validity or invalidity of the arguments or information? Or are we, in our own way, trying to take credit for something that only God can do: change people.

Focus On What You Can Do

This weekend my church went over 2 Kings Ch 5 where Naaman was healed by God through Elisha. He pointed out that Elisha didn’t accept Naaman’s gifts because he didn’t want to take credit for what only God could do: bring healing.

My pastor connected Naaman's story to Christians who try to do things that only God can do: namely, change hearts and minds. So, in trying to do something, or change someone, we usually just end up frustrating ourselves and becoming discouraged.It is only by Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit, that a person can be drawn to the Father (John 6:44). And, according to Paul, it is only because of Him that we are saved (“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus…” 1 Corinthians 1:30).

As Christians, we are only responsible for our intentions, speaking the truth in love, proclaiming the Gospel, and giving reasons for our blessed hope. How people respond to that is up to God.

Tips To Remember

The first thing to remember (and what I personally often forget) is that not everyone deserves an answer. It sounds harsh, but as our very own Nate Sala states in his piece, "We need to discern who is willing to hear the truth and who is not before we fully engage."

The late R.C. Sproul also reminded readers in his book, “Classical Apologetics” that the unbeliever has a stake in rejecting God and some even search for reasons to reject Him because God (especially the God of the Bible) is a direct threat to their autonomy. Moreover, Sproul points out that, “Though people are not always persuaded by sound and sufficient evidence, it does not follow that the evidence is therefore insufficient…”

Secondly, Christians should regularly revisit 1 Corinthians Chapter 1, as a good rule of thumb. In it, Paul lays down why the Gospel will be seen as either a “stumbling block” or “foolishness” to unbelievers: it was God’s intention that the means to come to God is not through human wisdom. It pleases Him that salvation comes to the world through what the world calls foolishness. (1 Corinthians 1:21)Why?

In order so that none can boast before Him. God has chosen to save the world in the opposite way the world would expect so that none can be prideful before Him. (1 Corinthians 1:27-30)

Don't Give Up

So what do we do then? Should we just "give up" and turn our backs on apologetics?

Absolutely not! In 1 Peter 3:15 we're told that we are to be ready to give an answer for the hope within us. Apologetics serves a vital purpose in tearing down roadblocks.

But what I am saying is that we don't need to put onto ourselves the added burden of trying to do only what God can do: change people.

All we are responsible for is our intentions, speaking the truth in love, proclaiming the Gospel, and giving reasons for our blessed hope. How our audience receives that information is not up to us. It’s up to God…and that’s very freeing.

So take heart and refocus. Have faith that the Holy Spirit will take your efforts and use it to His ends. Don’t let negative responses cower you into not talking about God or giving up apologetics.

Remember: