Message from Scripture: 7/21/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from 1 Pet. 3:15; “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, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

 

The word defense in our Scripture comes from the Greek word ἀπολογία (apologia), which means to give an answer, to offer a defense. In this case, Peter says we as Christians should be able to explain to others why we believe what we do, the hope we have in that which is spiritual, eternal. Certainly, all of us should be able to explain the plan of salvation, and the difference it has made in our lives.

 

For such an explanation to be meaningful to others, we need to set Christ apart as Lord in our hearts. In other words, Jesus must come first in our lives, which means we put Him first in our decisions, in our choices, in how we choose to live. Words will have little influence on others if they don’t see those words active in how we live. While we should be able to tell others why we believe Jesus is the Son of God, and what He would have us do to be saved from sin and have the promise of eternal life, if it isn’t important enough for us to put it into practice ourselves, why should it be important to them?

 

Peter emphasizes this as he goes on to say, “Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Pet. 3:16-17). Jesus framed it this way; “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46).

 

Today, let’s go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, so the world will know what we believe is real, because our words are matched by how we live. God bless.

 

Robert