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1 Peter 3:13-17
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. There are those who believe Paul suffered so much as a Christian because of the way he so ruthlessly persecuted Christians before his salvation. The truth be known, that idea is stuck in the craw of many Christians. They often times think that because of the way they thought and acted, the way they talked it treated other people before their salvation – that God is doing to them like they think he did to Paul “showing them how much they must suffer as Christians.” If you adopt that position it presents a wrong image and characterization of God! It makes God to appear to have an “I’ll get even with you” attitude toward people who get saved. That whole line of thought cannot be true, and you should never be tormented or intimidated by such heresy. Let’s consider 1st how Peter is telling us to
- SANCTIFY THE LORD! V. 15. The word “sanctify” can be translated “*dedicate-to service and loyalty to God.” The personal decision to establish, and maintain, Christ the Lord as holy, in your heart is the only proper way to live a sanctified, or proper life before God The Father and all other people. The most righteous and godly Christian who walks daily with the Lord and enjoys the blessing upon blessing and grace upon grace he brings to them in their daily life understands that such a fear of the Lord is what causes them to walk in humility and submission and obedience! Now let’s consider how to
- PREPARE A DEFENSE! V. 15. This verse often brings to mind 2 serious misconceptions that cause most Christians to hesitate in preparing a defense. The 1st mistake is assuming that the word defense means you’re being attacked by an unsaved or ungodly person who is trying to challenge you concerning your Christianity. The 2nd mistake is assuming that in order to prepare a defense one must have all the answers to all the questions that could be asked. Notice Peter says, “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks (who?) you for a reason for the hope that is in (who?) you.” Does that help? Peter is simply saying when somebody asks you a question about anything concerning your salvation, walk with the Lord, worship, doctrine, or anything else concerning your faith – you answer them from your own personal experience. Finally, we are told to
- PRESENT OUR DEFENSE! V. 15-17 Peter uses the word prautes which is translated gentleness and meekness. Our answer is to be in a proper humble attitude and not a smug or arrogant and canned answer. Someone once defined meekness as power under control. Gentleness or meekness you will recall is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:18. Peter also tells us our answer should be given with respect. It comes from the root word phobos meaning fear. The form of the word Peter used in this context is rightly translated respect, or one could say reverence. Someone might say we’re to show respect or reverence for the unsaved in the ungodly? Yes we are! Why would that be? Because they like us are created in the image and likeness of God.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
