Word@Work 1Pet43 - 1 Peter 3:14b-15a
Published: Wed, 06/24/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
READY TO ANSWER
1 Peter 3:14b-15a ... do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (NIV)
People cannot become followers of Jesus if they have not heard about Him, and what He has done to save us. Although there are millions of Christians in the world today, many of their friends and colleagues have not yet heard them speaking about Jesus Christ. Some believers think that their faith is a private matter only for them; but Jesus told us to make more disciples for Him (Matthew 28:19). Many others are simply afraid of an adverse reaction from friends and colleagues. But Peter says, "Don't be frightened!"
Some believers have the gift to preach or teach publicly, but everybody who honours Jesus as their Lord and Master should want to speak well of Him. Most of the opportunities will come when we are questioned about our faith or lifestyle. So each born-again Christian should be ready with simple answers such as, "I believe in Jesus so I am learning to obey and follow Him"; or, "I know that I am going to heaven because Jesus died for me". Of course, these answers will probably trigger more questions, but trust the Holy Spirit to help you - and never be ashamed to say when you do not know, because you are willing to find out and tell them later.
Part of the reason for going to church is to get prepared to answer questions about Jesus: it is a significant part of a church leader's responsibility (cf Eph 4:11-13). We should not just listen to teaching, but use it to prepare ourselves to answer questions. Many people want to find the secret of life, and hope after death: it is only found in Jesus. But your friends may never know if you are unprepared to tell them. If you belong to a workplace Christian group, why not use the time to prepare your hearts and your answers - it could save someone's life.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for the people who first told me about Jesus. Help me not to be afraid or ashamed of speaking about Him. I really do want Him to rule my life today and prepare me for tomorrow. So please help me to work with Your Holy Spirit, by Your Word, to know how to answer questions about following Jesus. For his Name's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
People cannot become followers of Jesus if they have not heard about Him, and what He has done to save us. Although there are millions of Christians in the world today, many of their friends and colleagues have not yet heard them speaking about Jesus Christ. Some believers think that their faith is a private matter only for them; but Jesus told us to make more disciples for Him (Matthew 28:19). Many others are simply afraid of an adverse reaction from friends and colleagues. But Peter says, "Don't be frightened!"
Some believers have the gift to preach or teach publicly, but everybody who honours Jesus as their Lord and Master should want to speak well of Him. Most of the opportunities will come when we are questioned about our faith or lifestyle. So each born-again Christian should be ready with simple answers such as, "I believe in Jesus so I am learning to obey and follow Him"; or, "I know that I am going to heaven because Jesus died for me". Of course, these answers will probably trigger more questions, but trust the Holy Spirit to help you - and never be ashamed to say when you do not know, because you are willing to find out and tell them later.
Part of the reason for going to church is to get prepared to answer questions about Jesus: it is a significant part of a church leader's responsibility (cf Eph 4:11-13). We should not just listen to teaching, but use it to prepare ourselves to answer questions. Many people want to find the secret of life, and hope after death: it is only found in Jesus. But your friends may never know if you are unprepared to tell them. If you belong to a workplace Christian group, why not use the time to prepare your hearts and your answers - it could save someone's life.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for the people who first told me about Jesus. Help me not to be afraid or ashamed of speaking about Him. I really do want Him to rule my life today and prepare me for tomorrow. So please help me to work with Your Holy Spirit, by Your Word, to know how to answer questions about following Jesus. For his Name's sake. Amen.
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