Getting Prepared to be Useful 1 Peter 3:14-16

Peter knew that problems were brewing for those who were committed to living for Jesus Christ.

14. But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."

15. 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,

16. keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

It is strange that although people are seldom persecuted for doing helpful acts for others they may be persecuted for saying helpful things. Perhaps this is why there is a reticence to share the gospel. If we are suddenly asked, “Are you a Christian then?”, we can feel apprehensive and even intimidated. What will they think of me? How can I best reply without causing offence?

This passage from Peter’s first letter tells us how to get prepared for such situations.

1. Be prepared in your heart

Uncertainty about our priorities is deadly. This is why Christians are repeatedly told to be clear about which side of the fence we stand on. Are we on the side of Jesus Christ or not? If we are openly committed to the God of the universe who will judge all that we do we will be much crisper in our responses. Verse 15 emphasises this,

“But in your hearts set apart Jesus as Lord.”

The quote in verse 14 comes from Isaiah chapter 8, a passage which emphasises that ultimately there is only one real fear, to be on the wrong side of an Almighty Holy God.

12. . . .do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.

The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary.

This is the message everyone needs to know, Christ is a sanctuary for those who love and fear him but he will be a fearsome enemy to those who reject him. A firm grasp of our own relationship with God is fundamental.

2. Be prepared in your mind

The Christian solution is not primarily about subjective religious feelings but is about a real God who truly entered this world as a baby in Bethlehem. There are very good reasons for affirming this. I have no interest in following a nice religious theory. I only want to follow Jesus if he really is who he claimed to be and can fulfil the promises he has made to his followers. Just as we expect children at school to do their prep, Peter urges all of us to have worked out clearly the reasons why we and everybody else should put our hope in Jesus. Christianity is a rational faith and we must therefore use our minds to confirm it and pass it on.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” v15

What a disaster it is that so many people attending church cannot explain the gospel simply to others. Peter summarises it very clearly two verses later,

“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

What a wonderful verse this is to explain to anyone interested in the gospel.

3. Be prepared in your conscience and behaviour

A guilty conscience will undermine our confidence and inhibit our saying anything about the Lord Jesus. Our hypocrisy may become apparent. Similarly a mean, selfish or unloving behaviour to others will severely weaken any words we say about the Lord. Conversely when others see that we really mean business with God by the way we behave, our lives will certainly add to the strength to our arguments. Furthermore some of the lord’s opponents may become embarrassed at their malicious gossip when out transparent lives are there for all to see.

“ . . . keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” v.16

In this short passage we are also given very good advice on how to be more effective in telling others about the gospel.

1. Answer respectfully

I remember seeing a young Christian student having a heated argument about Christianity with a fellow student. He actually felt proud of himself; he felt that he had presented a strong case! Although the truth of the gospel is vital, it is seldom the facts that draw people to Christ, it is seeing the effect of the Lord Jesus in other peoples lives. So all our answers must be given respectfully, allowing the person we are talking with ample time to respond to each point we make. The most effective witnesses for the lord Jesus are those in whom it is obvious that Jesus is their Lord by the way they live and the priorities they hold.

“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.” v. 15

2. Answer urgently

If it really does matter whether people belong to Christ or not, then our words and attitude must demonstrate this concern.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone . . .” v.15

This message is vital for everyone. It is important that we are looking for opportunities to share the good news effectively. One of my most frequent prayers is, “Lord, introduce me to someone I can introduce to you.” It is remarkable how often this prayer is answered. You pray before going on a walk and then you bump into someone who is also out for a stroll. Conversation shifts onto interests and your church is mentioned. It is so normal then to ask, “Are you involved in a church or aren’t you sure about these things?” By giving the alternative, you have said that it is understandable for people to be unsure. It also frequently provides an opportunity to be more personal and perhaps share your testimony as a common response is, “I used to go to a church once but . . .” Sometimes people will admit to something missing in their lives, “I do wish I had a faith.” Again this gives an opportunity for sharing how you came to faith without there being any embarrassment. After such conversations don’t forget to offer a follow up with the offer of a book or invitation for tea or even to your church. There is an urgency today as all too few are involved in helping others find Christ.

BVP