Giving a Defense of the Hope
The New Testament assumes that a disciple is someone of the thinking type—one that is engaged in the very difficult work of thinking through the reasons and implications of one’s faith. Peter admonishes his readers to be ready always to give a “defense of the hope that is within” them. It is not enough for the Christian to experience the hope, but he must also be able to understand and explain it. Such an explanation of one’s faith has been called “apologetics”, coming from the Greek word for “reasoned defense”. Another way to say this is to say, that a Christian ought to be concerned with issues of theology. He must be reasonably versed in explaining the biblical revelation of God and his experience of the grace of God.
This is likewise seen in the numerous times in the book of Acts that the Apostle Paul is reasoning with those that he is evangelizing. He could only do this because he had done his homework. He knew the Scriptures; he had thought through the implications of the person and teaching of Christ; he had thought through the assumptions of the Jewish and pagan cultures into which he was speaking.
So, how about you? Have you done your homework? Have you thought through the implications of Christ and his teachings for your life and the life of your family, friends and neighbors? Are you ready to give a defense of the hope within you?
Something to think about from “The Kingdom Perspective.”
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; 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. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
~1 Peter 3:13-16
