Be Ready to Make Your Defense
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Introduction
Introduction
Today we will conclude our Prep for Action Sunday message series in which we have been trying to edify the body to be prepared for personal and corporate evangelism.
Today we will conclude our Prep for Action Sunday message series in which we have been trying to edify the body to be prepared for personal and corporate evangelism.
There is much more that we will say on this subject in our coming Bible studies on Wednesdays as we continue to look at Gospel Talk from Acts!
There is much more that we will say on this subject in our coming Bible studies on Wednesdays as we continue to look at Gospel Talk from Acts!
But, today I want to present to you a word about our needing to be prepared to defend the Christian faith in our every day lives.
But, today I want to present to you a word about our needing to be prepared to defend the Christian faith in our every day lives.
So let’s look at 1 Peter 3:14-18.
So let’s look at 1 Peter 3:14-18.
I. There is a possibility of suffering for following Christ.
I. There is a possibility of suffering for following Christ.
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
A. We may possibly suffer for following Jesus.
A. We may possibly suffer for following Jesus.
B. You will be blessed in doing so.
B. You will be blessed in doing so.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
C. We are not to fear or be troubled by suffering for Christ.
C. We are not to fear or be troubled by suffering for Christ.
II. Christians must always be prepared to defend their beliefs.
II. Christians must always be prepared to defend their beliefs.
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
A. Honor Christ as holy in your hearts
A. Honor Christ as holy in your hearts
13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
B. Continuously be prepared to make a defense
B. Continuously be prepared to make a defense
Louw/Nida definition of ‘apologia’: to speak on behalf of oneself or of others against accusations presumed to be false—‘to defend oneself
Louw/Nida definition of ‘apologia’: to speak on behalf of oneself or of others against accusations presumed to be false—‘to defend oneself
1. to anyone who asks
1. to anyone who asks
2. How to do it?
2. How to do it?
a. gentleness
a. gentleness
b. respect
b. respect
III. Christians must remain godly despite opposition.
III. Christians must remain godly despite opposition.
16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
A. Having a good conscience even when slandered
A. Having a good conscience even when slandered
B. Continue your good behavior in Christ even if reviled
B. Continue your good behavior in Christ even if reviled
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
C. It’s better to suffer for good!
C. It’s better to suffer for good!
IV. Christ is our example of suffering for others’ benefit.
IV. Christ is our example of suffering for others’ benefit.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
As Christ suffered to bring people to God, so we may suffer to bring people to Christ!
As Christ suffered to bring people to God, so we may suffer to bring people to Christ!
12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.