Tag: Faith

^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,” (I Peter 3:15).

To defend the Scriptures before an unbelieving culture begins with honoring Jesus Christ as holy. We are to do this with all of our being. This attitude leads us to our responsibility of always being prepared. The word prepared (ἕτοιμος; hetoimos) means to be ready, or to do that which is necessary prior to an event. We are to always be prepared to share the gospel prior to when we share the gospel.

For example, when my wife and I have Thanksgiving Dinner at our home, she prepares for this meal days ahead and not just hours. She thinks about the turkey she will buy, the assorted accessories to the meal (mash potatoes; dressing; her buttermilk squash) along with when she will actually begin preparing the meal earlier that day, which is hours before our guests arrive. She also prepares by having the dinner table set just so, perhaps even the night before. When our friends and family do arrive for Thanksgiving Dinner, they sit down to enjoy a meal that’s been well planned for everyone’s enjoyment.

Being prepared to share the Scriptures requires the same amount of discipline and preparation. It takes time. How do we then prepare? Here are some suggestions.

• Subscribe to an apologetic website: Apologetics315, The Poached Egg, Stand to Reason, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, Reasonable Faith, Cold-Case Christianity, Ligonier Ministries, Grace to You, and the Christian Apologetics Alliance.
• Read free articles from these resource pages on the most important arguments for the truth of Christianity.
• Buy a book that covers the basics:
  • The Reason for God by Tim Keller
  • On Guard  by William Lane Craig
  • Who Made God? by Ravi Zacharias and Norman Geisler
  • The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
  • Tactics by Greg Koukl.
  • Know Why You Believe by Paul E. Little.
• Learn why other worldviews are false (atheism, Islam, etc.)

The resources are easily available. Begin today to prepare to make a defense for the gospel.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^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,” (I Peter 3:15).

Not only are we to not fear, or be troubled, by those who would persecute us for being zealous for good and for God (I Peter 3:13-14), God also calls us to be prepared to share the gospel to those very same individuals. I Peter 3:15 provides believers with the foundational biblical text regarding the task and responsibility of biblical apologetics.

Apologetics addresses and answers any and all critics who oppose or question the revelation of God in Christ and the Bible. In short, it means to make a defense. The word apologetics is taken from I Peter 3:15 from the word defense (ἀπολογία; apologia). Rather than making an “apology” for biblical truth, the word means to speak on behalf of oneself or of others against accusations presumed to be false—‘to defend oneself. In this case, what the believer speaks on behalf of is the truth of Scripture in general, and the gospel in particular.

In preparing ourselves to defend the Scriptures, we in effect are honoring in our hearts Christ the Lord as holy. Our heart (καρδία; kardia) is our intellect, emotions and will, or our soul. It is the core of who we are. With all of our being, God commands us to honor Jesus. To honor (ἁγιάζω; hagiazo) means to hallow or to consecrate Jesus Christ as the holy God He is (Isaiah 6; I Peter 1:16).

One way to prepare our hearts to defend the Scriptures is by never forgetting what the Scriptures teach regarding God’s holiness. Reading and meditating upon Isaiah 6 is one way. Singing hymns regarding the holiness of God is another, such as the following by Reginald Heber.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Soli deo Gloria!

 

^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,” (I Peter 3:15).

Not only are we to not fear, or be troubled, by those who would persecute us for being zealous for good and for God (I Peter 3:13-14), God also calls us to be prepared to share the gospel to those very same individuals. I Peter 3:15 provides believers with the foundational biblical text regarding the task and responsibility of biblical apologetics.

Apologetics addresses and answers any and all critics who oppose or question the revelation of God in Christ and the Bible. In short, it means to make a defense. The word apologetics is taken from I Peter 3:15 from the word defense (ἀπολογία; apologia). Rather than making an “apology” for biblical truth, the word means to speak on behalf of oneself or of others against accusations presumed to be false—‘to defend oneself.’ In this case, what the believer speaks on behalf of is the truth of Scripture in general, and the gospel in particular.

In his commentary on I Peter, Dr. R.C. Sproul writes:

Our preparation is to make us ready to give a defense and a reason for the hope that is in us…If your neighbor says, ‘I notice that you are a Christian. What is it that you believe?’ are you ready to explain not only what you believe but why you believe it? Some Christians tell those who inquire that we simply take a leap of faith with no bother about the credibility of the rational character of the truth claims of the Bible, but that response goes against the teaching of this text. The only leap of faith we are to take is out of the darkness and into the light. When we become Christians, we do not leave our mind in the parking lot. We are called to think according to the Word of God, to seek the mind of Christ and an understanding of the things set forth in Scripture.

This defense for the Scriptures and the gospel is done while in the context of persecution. Certainly, we should defend the Scriptures at all times, but especially when we are persecuted for our faith. Instead of retreating, we must prepare ourselves to stand firm and hold our ground in the reliability of God’s Word.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,^” (I Peter 3:13-14).

The Apostle Peter gives his readers what appears to be a rhetorical question in vs. 13. The obvious answer would appear to be that no one would seek to harm Christians when they are zealous for what is good. Yet, we know of believers who have been harmed for their zealousness for what is good and for God. Is Peter, therefore, wrong and by implication, God?

The word harm (κακόω; kakoo) means to be hurt or mistreated. Zealous (ζηλωτής; zelotes) means enthusiastic. Good (ἀγαθός; agathos) means beneficial and useful. In this statement of cause and effect, predicated upon an act goodness, no harm should befall the individual who is enthusiastic for that which benefits other people and which praises God.

However, vs. 13 must be read within the context of not only the chapters and verses preceding it, but also vs. 14 which follows. Peter does not ignore the obvious. He is not naïve and neither is God. Therefore, Peter makes this disclaimer or qualification.

Even if a believer suffers for righteousness sake, they will be blessed. Notice the contrast given by the conjunction of contrast “but.” To suffer (πάσχω; pascho) means to experience pain. Even if believers experience pain for doing that which is right in the eyes of God, they will be blessed. By whom? By God. Peter’s conclusion, quoting from Isaiah 8:12, is to not fear what men can do, neither to be troubled.

This promise mirrors Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:11-12 which says, “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.”

One commentator writes, “Though the adversary, through physical suffering or material hardship, would distress those who were eager (zēlōtai, lit., “zealots”) to do good, no real harm can come to those who belong to Christ. For even if suffering should occur, Christians are blessed and thus should not be frightened. The word here translated “blessed” (makarioi; cf. 4:14) was used by Jesus (Matt. 5:3–11). To be “blessed” in this context does not mean to “feel delighted” but to be “highly privileged.” Christians are not to be afraid of what men can do to them (cf. Matt. 10:28). Consequently 1 Peter 3:14 concludes with a quotation from Isaiah 8:12 which, in context, is part of an exhortation to fear God rather than men.”

Do you want God to bless you? Or course you do! Well then, realize the next time you are ridiculed or persecuted for your faith in Christ, God has highly privileged you before Himself. How awesome is that?

Soli deo Gloria!

^10 “For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; ¹¹ let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. ¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (I Peter 3:10-12).

Lest we believe that what Peter poses in I Peter 3:8-9, and what Paul shares in Romans 12:17-21, is exclusively a New Testament ethic, Peter immediately quotes from Psalm 34:12-16.

Psalm 34 is a Psalm of David. The historical context of the psalm is when David pretended to be insane before Abimelech the priest when David was also fleeing from the wrath of King Saul, as recorded in I Samuel 21. Saul was pursuing and persecuting David due to Saul’s jealousy of David. However, rather than seek revenge against the king, David did everything he could to honor Saul.

As one commentator writes, “In the psalm David called on the congregation to praise the Lord for their salvation. And after affirming that God is good to those who trust Him, he instructed the people on how to live a long life.”

David exhorted Israel to listen to his instructions regarding the fear of the Lord. The instructions were about living a righteous, peaceful life (v. 12), shunning evil and treachery (v. 13), and doing good (v. 14). This is wisdom teaching about the way of the righteous, which produces a life of excellence with the Lord’s blessing.

Additionally, for those who live righteously in the Lord (vs. 15, 17, 19, 21), God gives several assurances. First, He looks positively upon the righteous, which is a sign of protection (v. 15). However, the Lord is against the wicked and will cut off their memory … from the living (v. 16; Prov. 10:7b). Second, the Lord hears (vs. 6, 15) the prayers of the righteous who are broken in spirit.

It may well be hard to be nice to someone who has hurt you deeply. To say that you are broken-hearted would be an understatement. However, the way to overcome such pain is not to inflict pain of your own. It is God’s will that we bless rather than curse.

May our growth in Christ be evidenced by such an ethic beloved. Have a blessed day, and may you be a blessing.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

⁹ Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing” (I Peter 3:9).

The Apostle Peter now transitions in speaking to all believers in Christ about living peacefully in a pagan culture. We can all identify I believe with that since the culture we are now living in has become pagan before our eyes.

In light of the perspective of submission to the God created institutions of government, work and marriage, the apostle begins to encourage all believers to embrace specific Christian attitudes and behaviors in all areas of living. While not an exhaustive list, it is one which all disciples of Jesus should seriously embrace.

In vs. 8, Peter listed five virtues of Christian living specifically related to how we speak. I Peter 3:9 relates to how we physically behave towards others.

First, we are not to repay evil for evil. I’m sure you have seen the sign or bumper sticker which says, “I don’t get mad, I get even.” The phrase Peter used literally means to give back evil for having received evil. Evil (κακός; kakos) means to treat someone harshly, harmfully, or in a damaging way.

The Christians to whom Peter was writing to had experienced evil treatment by the government and possibly by others. It would have been easy for them to retaliate or to respond with the same type of behavior. It comes naturally, but God says no.

The Apostle Paul says something similar in Romans 12:17-21:  ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

So, instead of insulting the president, pray for him. Instead of yelling back at your boss behind his back, bless him/her. Instead of ignoring your wife or husband, speak kindly to them.

We may not be able to control the evil we encounter and experience in this fallen culture, but we sure can control how we respond to it. Have a blessed day!

Soli deo Gloria!

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (I Peter 3:8).

The Apostle Peter now transitions in speaking to all believers in Christ about living peacefully in a pagan culture. We can all identify I believe with that since the culture we are now living in has become pagan before our eyes.

In light of the perspective of submission to the God created institutions of government, work and marriage, the apostle begins to encourage all believers to embrace specific Christian attitudes and behaviors in all areas of living. While not an exhaustive list, it is one which all disciples of Jesus should seriously embrace regarding our speech.

First, to have a unity of mind. It means to be united in spirit (ὁμόφρων; homophron). It is to have the same attitude and to follow the same path. Believers are to pursue a likeminded attitude regarding the Scriptures and to not be argumentative with each other in areas of disagreement. In other words, while we may disagree at times we are never to be disagreeable.

Second, to have sympathy towards one another. To be sympathetic (συμπαθής; sympathes) means to be understanding, concerned and kind towards others. In other words, to be caring and compassionate.

Third, to have brotherly love. Brotherly love (φιλάδελφος; philadelphos) means to love one another as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It is to have a fond affection for fellow believers.

Fourth, to have a tender heart. Being tender hearted (εὔσπλαγχνος; eusplanchnos) parallels the previously mentioned word sympathy. It means to be compassionate and caring to others. The Apostle Paul used this word in Ephesians 4:32.

Fifth, to have a humble mind. To be humble (ταπεινόφρων; tapeinophrones) means to literally have simplicity of life, or to regard others as better than yourself.

Practically speaking, if we strive to put these virtues into practice in government, at work and in the home, I wonder how different life would become? Make every effort today to demonstrate these virtues before God and other people.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

³ Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— ⁴ but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (I Peter 2:3-4).

“Beauty is only skin deep.” This proverb was first recorded in 1613 by English poet and essayist Sir Thomas Overbury in which he wrote, “All the carnal beauty of my wife is but skin deep.” The meaning of his phrase was that a woman’s physical beauty is superficial and a person’s character is more important than how they look.

There is no question that physical appearance dominates the contemporary culture. It does not matter if you are a woman or a man, there is a preoccupation with a preferred physical form which is advertised and promoted by magazines, fitness clubs and fashion. More than about being healthy, it is about achieving an idealized image of a man or woman.

While one’s physical appearance is overemphasized within the culture, the pursuit of character is an afterthought, if it is even thought of at all. Character is defined as possessing moral excellence. It is being a person who pursues the highest of moral goals intellectually, emotionally and behaviorally.

In speaking to wives, the Apostle Peter hit upon this theme of beauty being only skin deep. He encourages women to not be fixated about their outward appearance. The word adorning (κόσμος; kosmos) means beauty or to make beautiful. God says to not pursue a beauty which is only external: such as the way a woman styles her hair, the clothes she wears, or the jewelry she places on her body.

Rather, true beauty, orderliness and adornment is determined by the way an individual thinks, feels and behaves in a way which glorifies God. Peter gives two examples of such a godly character. It is to possess a gentle (πραΰς; praus) or humble personality along with a quiet (ἡσύχιος; hesychios), peaceful and non-quarrelsome spirit.

Some of the most physically attractive people in the world have characters which have made their lives a train wreck. This has resulted in broken marriages, addictions, immorality, and illness for many of the so-called “beautiful people.” They may appear to have it all, but if so, why do so many seem so unhappy?

God views Christ-like character in a woman as precious and valuable. As King Lemuel said in Proverbs 31:30, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

^24” He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (I Peter 2:24).

The penal-substitutionary atonement by Jesus Christ while on the cross is the one of the most important doctrines contained in the Scriptures. The doctrine is that Jesus Christ took the sinner’s place while on the cross and received upon Himself the just wrath of God. It is taught not only in I Peter 2:24, but also in these selected portions of Scripture.

Isaiah 53:4-6, 11 – “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. ⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. ⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ¹¹ Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.’

Matthew 8:14-17 – ^14 “And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. ¹⁵ He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. ¹⁶ That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. ¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

Hebrews 9:27- 28 – “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, ²⁸ so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

I Peter 3:18 – “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,”

Take time today, and each day, to thank Jesus for bearing your sins on the cross. Read and meditate upon these portions of Scripture. I would also encourage you to read Romans 3:1-26 and Ephesians 1:1-2:10.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

²¹ For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ²² He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. ²³ When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (I Peter 2:21-23).

What example has Jesus set for us when we encounter suffering and persecution for our faith in Christ? How did Jesus respond to the persecutions He encountered? Once we see how our Lord reacted, it will give us a clear understanding of how we should react when facing tribulation.

Peter writes that when Jesus was reviled, He did not revile in return. The word reviled (λοιδορέω; loidereo) means to be slandered, strongly insulted and abused. Jesus received all manner of such abuse when He ministered for three years. However, He did not slander, strongly insult or abuse others in retaliation. Jesus was the perfect example of patient submission when He faced unjust suffering.

Peter goes on to say that when Jesus suffered (πάσχω; pascho) or experienced pain, He did not threaten (ἀπειλέω; apeileo) those who were inflicting Him with the pain. Jesus did not get mad and He did not get even.

Jesus also kept entrusting (παραδίδωμι; paradidomi) Himself over to the Father who judges justly. Jesus trusted, depended, was committed to and worshiped the Father all the while He was being persecuted.

One pastor writes, “Humanly speaking, the provocation to retaliate during Christ’s arrest, trial, and crucifixion was extreme. Yet He suffered in silence, committing Himself to God. Peter explained (1 Peter 2:24) why the One who could have destroyed His enemies with a word patiently endured the pain and humiliation of the Cross. God was justly judging our sins which His Son bore (2 Cor. 5:21).”

When facing unjust suffering and persecution for your faith in Christ, look to Jesus. Look to Jesus not only to see His example of patient endurance, but note that His suffering brought you by grace alone, through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone into the kingdom of God and for God to declare you righteous.

Soli deo Gloria!