Always Be Prepared To Give An Answer To Everyone Who Asks You To Give The Reason For Your Hope That You Have
In Your Hearts Revere Christ As Lord
1 PETER 3:13-17
“And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
”I Peter 3:13-17 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/1pe.3.13-17.nkj
v
God never promised Christian life would be easy. We can expect to face troubles and persecution (JAMES 1:2-4). The truth is, the more one does for the good of God’s kingdom, the more the devil will come against him.
I would be more concerned for those Christians who never seem to face troubles or persecution, for the devil will leave those alone who are heading toward the place of darkness.
Behind all our troubles, their is a spiritual source, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
You may not be able to stop others speaking evil against you or treating you badly, but by your response you can glorify our Father in heaven.
Therefore “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:17-21 NKJV
Some Christians believe their faith is personal and should be kept to oneself; it’s true to say one’s relationship with God is personal, and some things said should remain private, but we believers are called to share the Good News. We need not be boisterous or obnoxious in sharing the Good News, but always ready to gently and respectfully give answers when asked about our faith, our lifestyle, or our Christian perspective.
But we must practice what we preach, then our conscience will be clear. We must do more than preach righteousness, we must live it, not giving them any ammunition to attack our faith, but rather live our lives as representatives of Christ.
While we continue to do what is right, keeping our conduct above criticism, their accusations will be empty and will eventually be an embarrassment to them.
My brethren, we can expect to be constantly under attack for the good we do in Christ. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness— by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
I Peter 2:21-25 NKJV
My brethren, as we head toward the fast approaching return of Jesus Christ, we can expect to see God’s glory as He reaches out to His people in a final revival; but equally, persecution will rise globally and we can expect life to become somewhat uncomfortable at times as our world leaders bring more and more rules, restrictions, and fear to daily life.
Take heed of Paul’s words: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:13-20 NKJV
It is encouraging to know that no matter what the devil throws at us in the coming days of darkness, we are safe in God’s hands. “Therefore even in the midst of the battle, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV
After all, “who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
I Peter 3:13-17 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
