Part Three: Why Is Our Lifestyle a Crucial Part of Apologetics?

This blog series is primarily about using apologetics as an aid (and often an avenue) to evangelism. We’ll also look closely at how and when to apply “law,” which can be crucial for opening the door to sharing the gospel in some instances. In this week’s blog article, however, I want to look more closely at lifestyle evangelism—the most important avenue of evangelism—and how it applies to apologetics.

Apologetic encounters are often spontaneous and unexpected, such as at a party or an encounter on an airplane. But whenever possible, apologetics should involve long-term relationships with unbelievers. A committed apologist will apply the basic principles of lifestyle evangelism that I’ll discuss below.

We must remember that we are asking unbelievers to change their entire view of reality—the fundamental way in which they see life. We are asking them to move from one worldview to another; to forfeit their basic beliefs and assumptions about religion and morality. This may take time. A relationship with a committed Christian apologist can be vital in order for their questions to be answer and their doubts to be removed, and to help them rethink their former beliefs, goals, and aspirations. Let’s look more closely at lifestyle; I think you’ll make the connection that apologetics and lifestyle evangelism go hand-in-hand.

As Christians, we are always on stage before unbelievers. Many people watch for opportunities to point out and criticize our failures. Paul warns in 2 Tim. 3:12 that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

But non-Christians also see how we respond to life’s challenges. This can make a tremendous impact on unbelievers. If we demonstrate through our lifestyles that we possess an inner strength and peace of mind that the world can’t offer, Christianity can become extremely appealing to people who have never been responsive to direct witnessing (proclamation).

The principle here is this: The life a Christian lives in the presence of an unbeliever acts as a preview to what an unbeliever will see his life becoming if he becomes a Christian. If we are legalistic, condemning, or self-righteous, a non-Christian will not want to become a Christian because that is what he will see himself becoming if he does.

For example, an untimely or thoughtless comment on smoking, drinking, or watching R-rated movies while sharing our testimony or doing apologetics will nearly always slam the door on evangelism. It doesn’t matter whether or not these behaviors are wrong. Even worse, if we live a life more in harmony with the world’s values than with the kingdom of God, an unbeliever will judge all Christians as hypocrites and believe that he was right all along in rejecting Christianity.

The point is many unbelievers will choose to accept or reject Christianity on the basis of what they see—not what they hear, including our best apologetics. Even if we are clumsy in sharing our faith (or attempting apologetics), it is often what unbelievers observe that draws them to Christ. If our lives reflect Jesus, it can create an interest in Christianity and lead to opportunities to share the gospel at a later time or generate opportunities to apply apologetics.

I can use myself as an example. For nine years my family lived next door to a Christian couple who not only “talked the talk” but also lived a Christian lifestyle. When we first moved into the neighborhood, I thought I was a Christian. I believed in God. I occasionally went to church. But I didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I didn’t even know what that meant. Observing my neighbors—not just listening to what they said—was a major force compelling me to attend church and eventually make a personal commitment to the Lord.

Lifestyle evangelism—by both the individual and the local church as a whole—can be a decisive factor in witnessing to unbelievers. However, one can’t be saved without knowledge of Jesus and His work of atonement (Rom. 10:14-15). Sooner or later all people will need to hear the Gospel, and see why they ought to believe it. This leads to proclamation and the several ways to apply it (including Law), which will be the topic of the remaining blog articles in this series beginning next week. ©