Daily Devotion | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Defending Your Faith

Posted on Apr 28, 2021 in Devotions |

Text: 1 Pet 3:15

Introduction: The SAND MAN who was turned into the ROCK MAN named Peter writes,

“15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

Are you able to defend your faith? Not argue, mind you, but intelligently share with others why you believe what you believe. We live in a world where there are those who say it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. Others claim to have a special revelation. Misinterpreting the Scripture can lead to false teachers as we have seen in our day like Jim Jones, David Koresh, and a host of others. Today we are discussing “The WHY’s, WHEN’s, and HOW’s of witnessing.

1. The WHY’s of giving a LOGICAL defense! (1Pet 3:15)

“15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

The words “give an answer” have insights for CHRISTians living in a pluralistic society.

“Answer” is the word ἀπολογία, apologia (ap-ol-og-ee’-ah), which means give a verbal defense (particularly in a law court).

This means to intelligently and logically explain to someone who may be in error why their interpretation or understanding is wrong. It can be done in LOVE, and without hypocrisy.

If we are praying for opportunities to share the LOVE of Jesus, then our motives will be right. Instead of criticizing, we should attempt to win them!

Paul writes,

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2Tim 2:24-26)

2. The WHEN’s of giving a LOGICAL defense! (1Pet 3:15)

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

The word “be ready” means be prepared. Peter also emphasizes be ready “always”! Are you ready? Can you get ready? What do you need to do in order to get prepared? It is not about worthiness but it about purposefulness.

3. The HOW’s of giving a LOGICAL defense! (1Pet 3:15)

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

How? By first “sanctifying” the Lord Jesus in our hearts.

The word “sanctify” is ἁγιάζω which means set apart, treat as holy.

Can you say we set Jesus apart in our everyday life? Is His holiness setting us apart from the world?

Notice the words “meekness,” gentleness and “fear,” respect. Are we gentle to those who oppose us? Do we listen to them and give them respect even though we may disagree?

Conclusion: In order to defend our faith we must know the Word of God. Thank you for being a student of the Bible!
You would not be reading these devotions if you were not a follower of Jesus Christ. Yet, at the same time, there is a calling for us to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ. In so doing, He will give us a hunger for His Word – to study, to learn, to apply, and to teach others. The Holy Spirit will guide us into “Truth.” Consequently, we will be better equipped to lovingly share “truth” with our family, friends, and neighbors trusting Jesus to change their hearts for His glory!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese