2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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A HEART IN WHICH GOD IS SANCTIFIED (III)
FRIDAY, MAY 14
1 Peter 3:1-17
Acts 17:16-32
“…a reason of the hope
that is in you…”
A HEART IN WHICH GOD IS SANCTIFIED (III)
Our need to give an answer (continued). As Christians, we are called to be witnesses to the truth; and that in the midst of a world that has abandoned the truth, and hence lost any firm ground for hope. Now “hope” here relates primarily to the hope of the gospel, but the principle of it extends to every aspect of life, to all the deep questions of life in this world. After all, the gospel is about a whole life that is transformed: rescued from sin and condemnation through Jesus Christ, and now conformed to the will of God.
The Apostle Peter’s exhortation, therefore, has implications that extend beyond its immediate application to the case of Christians suffering persecution patiently. Christians ought to live in such a way as to manifest the hope of the gospel in all the various arenas of life, and so must be ready to give an answer to questions that come dressed in the garb of all these various contexts. Not all of us will be placed in the position of Paul and Silas ‒ the question will not always be, “Why did you remain in the prison, when the bars were opened?” It may be, “Why are you able to rejoice even in the passing of a loved one, and speak of it as a ‘homegoing’?” Or it may be something else entirely.
After all, the Bible has something to say about all the deep questions of life; even the moral and philosophical controversies of the present day. And as Christians who have the undeserved privilege of knowing God’s Word, and holding it in our hands, we have a duty to bear witness to the truth in all these areas. Our position may not always be popular, but because we are convinced it is true, we must stand up and make that truth known. We cannot be silent, and hope to remain unnoticed. We cannot cower in the shadows, and practise our hope in the dark!
Now, that is not at all to say that we should seek to stir up controversy by making inflammatory remarks, or anything of the sort. But we do have a need to “give an answer” ‒ and that means we need the right preparation to give that answer. And that preparation comes down to the heart.
THOUGHT: Is my hope evident to others? Can I explain it, if asked?
PRAYER: Father, give me wisdom from Thy Word!