#soap # 1 Peter 03 ## Title: Apologetics ## Scripture: (1 Peter 3:15) “But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” (NET) ## Observation: Apologetics or “defense of the faith” is a phrase that comes from the Greek word “apologia” that is found in this text. Apologetics has become a whole subset of Christian education that teaches people the doctrines of Christianity in a way that prepares them to defend Christianity from those who would oppose the Gospel. This is one of the disciplines I have pursued in my doctoral studies. However, this is also one of the biggest problems apologetics faces. The passage is not talking to the elite in the room. Peter is appealing to everyone. He is telling everyone to be ready to explain why they believe what they believe. If we are not careful, we can overcomplicate the explanation of the Gospel. True, there are those who need a careful exegesis through Scripture. But, most people simply do not know the basics of who Jesus claimed to be, why we can believe Him, and what we need to do with that knowledge. So, ask yourself today. If someone were to ask you why you have hope in the Gospel, could you tell them? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn something called the Romans Road. It is a collection of Scriptures in the book of Romans that give a Biblical answer to this question. Start small and prepare yourself for the greatest joy imaginable… watching someone receive the same hope you have. ## Application: Learn the Romans Road: Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-11 ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for giving us the chance to know You and share You with others.