Be Ready To Answer 1 Peter 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;”

Introduction We must always be ready: To give an answer; To do a good work; To demonstrate our faith; To enter heaven upon our death.

Introduction To give an answer This word is from apologia which means to offer a defense. Phil 1:17 “I am set for the defense of the gospel.” It implies we are ready to make a defense of our belief to anyone who asks.

Introduction Of the hope within us This is the reason we do what we do: To please the Lord, To obey His commands, To do His will, To rely upon His promises,

Introduction A reason for the hope. The word for reason is logos. It means a word, and specifically to communicate. The reason we offer is not some wild theories, or rantings, but a clear concise explanation of our belief. This should be done free from emotions All this implies a knowledge of God’s word.

Things Implied By This Passage. That a Christian’s hope is defensible. Our faith can and needs to be defended. If you cannot defend your faith, you cannot believe your faith, and you cannot benefit from your faith. We believe we are going to heaven, because Jesus went to prepare a place, and God has told us how to get there.

Things Implied By This Passage. That there is such a thing as absolute truth. God gave it to us. Many in the world deny that such is a possibility. By appealing to the Bible, the word of God, we put our trust in the absolute truth of its teachings. We are to hold fast the faithful word 2:Timothy 1:13

Things Implied By This Passage. That we can understand the revelation God has given to us. Many argue that we cannot understand the Bible alike. That is because they do not want to submit to the truth, because it conflicts with what they want to do. Eph 5:17 understand the will of the Lord Eph 3:4 you may understand my insight

Things Implied By This Passage. That a Christian should be able to defend what he/she believes. 2 Corinthians 4:3 we believe we speak Faith is not blind, but is supported by evidence. Just how much evidence we need for convincing depends upon us.

Things Implied By This Passage. That there is a duty to teach others. We should not do this in arrogance or pride, but with meekness and fear (a genuine respect for God’s word). We should not be ashamed of the gospel Romans 1:16 Acts 20:26-27 I have not shunned to declare unto the whole counsel of God.

The reason why This does not mean one has to be a public speaker or a professional scholar. But it does mean that we should be comfortable enough with our knowledge to share it with others. To correct error as Aquila and Pricilla instructed Apollos. To contend for the faith; Jude 3

Conclusion Be ready To make a defense (give an answer) Of the hope within you, Yet with gentleness and reverence. Know the scriptures well enough to believe them yourself, so that you can convince others of the importance to them.