Give a couple of examples from 1 Peter 3:15–16 as to why and how we should embrace apologetics in our faith journey.

[Austin]

The why I think we should embrace apologetics because it helps us prepare to answer that question, it strengthens our faith and helps us solidify our belief. Then our answer will seem reasonable and coherent. How we embrace apologetics should come from a love and conviction of our faith. The gospel is the reason for the hope we have inside. I am convinced that Jesus Christ is the way the truth and the life, I should be able to provide convincing evidence for the reason I am in love.

[Austin]

I’ve provided a couple examples below.

1. The Why: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
2. The How: “But do this [being prepared to give an answer] with gentleness and respect….”<sup style=”background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color); font-family: inherit; color: inherit;”> </sup>

[Austin]

The apostle Peter encourages believers in 1 Peter 3:15–16 to practice apologetics, which involves providing reasons and methods for defending their faith. One reason why apologetics is valuable is highlighted in verse 15, where Peter advises believers to hold Christ as Lord in their hearts and always be ready to explain the basis for their hope when questioned by others. This verse underscores the significance of being able to express and defend our faith when faced with inquiries. Through engaging in apologetics, we can effectively communicate the rationale behind our belief in Christ and share the hope we have in Him.<div>
</div><div>In verse 16, Peter also advises believers to defend their faith with “gentleness and respect.” This emphasizes the significance of how we approach apologetics. Instead of being aggressive or argumentative, we are encouraged to express our defense of the faith with humility, generosity, and consideration towards individuals who may have different beliefs. By engaging in gentle and respectful conversations, we can establish connections with others and successfully communicate the truth of the gospel in an appealing way.</div>

[Austin]

Some examples from 1 Peter 3:15–16 as to why and how we should embrace apologetics in our faith journey:

¹⁵But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

One example would be a recent experience I had. My mom went home to be with the Lord, I am a believer but my sister is not. This verse came to my mind as I tried to explain (not really defend, but I guess I was defending…) to my sister why I had peace. Its been a journey for both of us and I pray for her everyday.

Another example would be as a teacher. As a teacher in a Christian School (teaching HS) I know the students watch my actions and reactions so I am careful to try to model Christ like behavior to them. Many of them question why I believe, even suggest they are unsure, and I go to this verse to before I begin talking with them.

[Austin]

To support a Christian Worldview that Christians believe and uphold, it becomes necessary to always be prepared to defend our faith, exercising apologetics, based on historical facts and sound reasoning, to those who are questioning their faith and/or are Christian unbelievers. That said, we are called to make this defense in a humble, respectful and overtly positive way – called “Good Behavior” in 1 Peter 3:16 – that treats those we talk to as dignified humans while recognizing that this defense presents an important reconciliation for those to whom we discuss that has eternal consequences.