I am often asked why I ride a motorcycle when they are so “dangerous”. I’m sure most of you have been too. What is your answer, I’m sure you have one.
What about other inquiries to your life? Why do love your spouse, your kids, your house, your job? Do we prepare for those questions or do they flow naturally?
One of the ways God has intended us to live is to know Him so that we can make a defense for our faith. I believe we prepare for that by getting to know Him so that it flows naturally. How do we do that?
Read the book
Pray
Study
Spend time with others who have that hope and encourage each other with that hope.
This is the Heart of Route 316
… and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
Context
13 And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
Peter is writing to groups of churches in Asia Minor, what is now Turkey. They are gentile (not Jewish) believers who are in the midst of being persecuted and suffering for their new faith. Something the western church is not that familiar with…yet.
Peter reminds the churches throughout the letter that God has gone to great lengths to allow them (and us) the opportunity to choose to follow Him.
Peter acknowledges that much of the suffering they are going through is unjust but reminds us that if we suffer for Jesus, and not as criminals, we will grow and be strengthened in our faith.
Peter is also constantly reminding the readers to live as God intended. To let our lives back up what we say we believe.
In the smaller context of 3:16, Peter is giving some instruction as to how NOT to fear the intimidation of those persecuting them. but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; (vs 15)
Sanctify Christ in your hearts… Be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks.
Why?
So you can give an account for the hope in you and keep a clear conscience when you suffer.
This begs the question, “What is the hope that is in you?”
Peter takes the time to write a letter to those who are suffering because of their faith. He asks them to continue to suffer for living as God intended them to live. I am sure that was not an easy task. I don’t think it is now. So there must be something to having this “hope” that will give us power to endure suffering when we are suffering for the right reasons, which Peter says may be seen as unjust.
Can you identify that “hope” in your heart? Can you defend that belief?
We often hear that we are the only Bible some people will ever read. Peter seems to say that is a big part of our walk with Jesus as well. When people start to ask questions about the Bible they are reading (you), does that catch you flat-footed? Does his statement to be ready to give a defense for the hope in you, Are you thrown for a loop? Or are you reading and studying all of the scripture so that when that time comes you are able to confidently, with gentleness and respect, answer those who are seeking that hope that is in you?
As our society and culture drift further and further from the Biblical instructions of how God intended us to live, the question of being able to explain the hope that is you will come up.
Once again…
Read the book
Pray
Study
Spend time with others who have that hope and encourage each other with that hope.
Lil’Cuz