ARE YOU ALWAYS READY TO TALK ABOUT JESUS?
The apostle Peter wrote to encourage those who were being persecuted not to fear nor worry about those who threatened them. Instead of giving into fear and worry, they were to “sanctify” and “be ready.”
The word “sanctify” has as its first meaning, “to make holy.” Yet, certainly that cannot be the meaning here. For the Lord God is holy and in no need of our help, even if that were possible. No, the context has more the sense of “to set apart,” or “to revere.” We are to “revere” Christ as Lord in our hearts. Thus revering Him, we will have no fear of man.
Having set apart Christ in our hearts, we are always to “be ready” to offer a “defense” for the “hope” we have in Him. The word “defense” (Greek: “apologia”), has the sense of “to give an answer,” or “to offer a reason.” Instead of worrying about persecution or rejection, we are to be ready to give a reasonable defense of our hope in Christ to everyone who asks.
However, the attitude of our apologetic is not to be prideful or disrespectful. No, we are to offer our defense with “meekness” (“gentleness”) and “fear” (“respect”). Our answer is not meant as a self-defense, but a defense of the gospel. We are not to attack the questioner, but to humbly reason with them, that they might be convinced to believe.
Are you always ready to give a reason for the hope you have in Christ? This readiness begins in the heart. We talk about what is most dear to our hearts.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we set apart Christ as Lord of our hearts today. We set our affections and desire on pleasing Him above all others. We fear His displeasure more than we fear the rejection or persecution of man. Father, help us to keep our hearts and minds set on Jesus, so that we are always ready to answer those who ask about the hope we have in Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.