Date: June 17, 2018

Bible Text: Luke 20:27–47 |

Series:

Bible Text: Luke 20:27–47 | Preacher: Todd Dugard | Series: The Gospel of Luke | Pt. 5

Apologetics

Some people love a good argument. I’m not talking about an angry confrontation type of argument where people get irrational and red-faced. I mean a debate or discussion where ideas and beliefs are shared and points and counterpoints are made. Many people find such conversations stimulating and even fun. When debate centres on matters of faith in particular, the area of study is called apologetics from the Greek word, apologia, which when defined, means “making a reasonable defence.”

In what turns out to be the final time he is questioned by the religious leaders of Israel, Jesus gets into a debate in Luke 20:27-47 about the legitimacy of what he has been teaching. And because the questioners this time, the Sadducees, were more liberal in their theological bent, the discussion comes off as a debate on matters of faith. Their skepticism about miracles, angels and demons, and the resurrection form the basis for their inquiry. The whole thing feels quite different than the many discussions he’s had with the theologically conservative Pharisees.

Jesus’ answer is an apologetics response, and the encounter provides us with a pattern for addressing questions on matters of faith that we get from friends, co-workers, and family who are not yet believers. Some of those questions can be quite challenging to answer. As part of the message this weekend, I’ll be recommending a number of resources to help you become an apologist who can make a reasonable defence of the faith you hold.
Sermon Notes
The Gospel of Luke | Pt. 5
The Greater Condemnation
Pastor Todd Dugard // Luke 20:27–47
June 16–17, 2018

When answering a skeptic’s question about the faith…

…understand where they’re coming from (v. 27-33)

…answer their initial question (v. 34-36)

…then answer the deeper question about how a person is saved (v. 37-40)

…then address their unstated concern about Jesus himself (v. 41-44)

…finally, challenge the real issue: an unwillingness to change their way of living (v. 45-47)

…and keep in mind that even skeptics can be saved (v. 39)

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