Southern Seminary Magazine (Vol 90.1) The Light of Truth: Apologetics in the 21st Century

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tom schreiner don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God” (2 Tim. 1:8). Don’t Detract from Truth That leads me to the next point, which is related to the first one. Living like Jesus is the only way also means that we will be humble. Our Lord calls on us to courageously and boldly testify to the truth, but sometimes the way we testify to the truth detracts from the truth. I remember when I was a young scholar, and some of the most prominent defenders of evangelicalism were known for their brilliance and their boldness in fighting error. But they were also known for their arrogance and egos. There is no excuse for departing from the truth of the gospel, but surely some have left evangelicalism behind because of the spirit with which we have defended the truth. When we are contending for the truth, we must not forget Paul’s admonition to Timothy: The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth (2 Tim. 2:24-25). It is hard for people to hear the truth that Jesus is the only way if we speak with an arrogance that suggests that we are the only way. We must be firm in contending for the truth, but Paul also commands us to be gentle and patient and to proclaim the truth with gentleness to those who disbelieve. Gentleness doesn’t mean that we are wimpy. There is a gentle firmness, a gentle sternness. But we must beware of anger, for it so often stems from the flesh. And those who oppose us are watching us, wondering if we are genuine or if we pontificate about truth to exalt ourselves. If they see anger, they conclude that we are defending ourselves rather than the Lord. They suspect that we defend certain positions to advance ourselves rather than Jesus. So, we may proclaim that Jesus is the only way but actually live as if we are the only way. Proper Thanks My third point reveals itself when we draw attention to ourselves rather than the way, Jesus. We aren’t living as if Jesus is the only way if we focus on ourselves in conversations. Like everything else in life this is a matter of spiritual wisdom. There are no formulas here. If you have opportunity, it isn’t wrong to talk about your writing projects and speaking opportunities. In fact, not sharing what we are working on may be a form of false humility. But we aren’t living as if Jesus is the only way unless we obey Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” If we are promoting our own name, we are not doing “everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” If we are living to impress others, we are not living for the glory of God, and we are not honoring him by depending upon him. If you dominate most conversations and don’t really listen to others, then you aren’t living as if Jesus is the only way. If in most situations, you are the big cheese, and you are critical, cynical, and negative, then your pride is motivating you rather than the glory of God. Do we listen—really listen—to others? We demonstrate our love for God as 1 John says by loving our brothers and sisters. We don’t truly love others if we don’t listen to them respectfully and seriously. One of the dangers of being Christian leaders is that we may listen to fewer and fewer people as we get older. And we may fall into the trap of having all of our prejudices confirmed, so we don’t really see ourselves as we are. That’s one reason it is a good idea to listen to our critics, for even if they exaggerate their critiques, they almost always see something that is true about us, something that we need to repent of. Finally, we live as if Jesus is the only way if we are thankful people. As Psalm 36 says, those who know God “feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.” Believers drink from the living water that Jesus gives us; we feast on the beauty of God; we find him to be our joy, our meat and drink; we are happy and thankful because of his love. We know that there is nothing greater than knowing Christ. Everything else is dung in comparison. And you know what? People will know, no matter your personality, if God is your portion. That can’t be hidden. It will be evident. And they will be reminded by your joy and contentment that Jesus is the only way. Tom Schreiner is James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology, and Associate Dean of the School of Theology. Editors’ note: This article was originally published at The Gospel Coalition. 38 the southern baptist theological seminary
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Southern Seminary Magazine (Vol 90.1) The Light of Truth: Apologetics in the 21st Century

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