Focal Passages: Acts
21:40-22:10; 1 Peter 3:15-17
On a scale of 1-10, I would
rate the importance of this lesson as a 10! The foundation of this lesson and
the next 12 lessons in the unit form the basis of not only what we believe as
Christians — but also why we believe what we believe. This concept is known as
apologetics — defending the Christian faith.
This lesson is critical for
every believer.
As Christians, we need to
know who we are; we need to know what we believe; and we need to be able to
share our beliefs with those in our circle of influence.
For example, do you know
what to say to a team of Jehovah’s Witnesses when they come knocking at your
door?
Are you comfortable
responding to someone who tells you they do not believe in God?
How do you answer when
someone asks if Jesus is the only way to get to Heaven? Can you explain to
someone why your life is different from theirs simply because you say you are
saved and they are lost?
Paul gives us three keys to
making our case to an unbelieving world:
- Be prepared.
- Know your audience.
- Share what Christ has done
in your life.
First of all, you cannot
share what you do not have.
“But in your hearts set
apart Christ as Lord” (v. 15a, NIV).
Be sure of your own
salvation.
“Yet I am not ashamed,
because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard
what I have entrusted to him for that day” (2 Tim. 1:12, NIV).
Paul instructs believers,
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the
reason for the hope that you have” (v. 15b, NIV).
Two essential preparations
are Bible study and prayer.
“Study to show thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15, KJV).
“Devote yourselves to
prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Col. 4:2, NIV).
Second, know your audience.
Paul spoke in Greek when he was talking to the Roman authorities (v. 37-40) and
then in Aramaic when he was talking to the Jews (v. 1-10). Try to connect with
people on their level. Listen to what they are saying. Find a common bond and
use that as a bridge to share the gospel with them.
Finally, share what Christ
has done in your life. Paul simply told his story (v. 3-10). You simply tell
yours.
A changed life is a powerful
testimony! You do your part — God will do the rest.