A REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU
Text: 1 Peter 3
12 February 2012
(I) THE PROBLEM OF HAVING PAST FAILURES IN DEFENDING OUR FAITH
1. Inadequacies
a) Inadequate knowledge of God’s word
b) Inadequate skills of defending our faith
c) Inadequate conviction of faith
2. Incorrect methods
a) Wrong spirit
b) Wrong focus
c) Wrong approach
3. Inner struggles after failures
a) Discouragement
b) Defeatist feeling
c) Dissuasion
(II) BEING DEEPLY CHALLENGED TO STILL DEFEND OUR FAITH
“And always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you…” 1 Peter 3:15
1. The challenge to still dare to defend our faith
“But…And…But…And” 1 Peter 3:14-15
2. The challenge to be more ready the next time
a) The challenge to improve readiness
b) The challenge is to be ready always
3. The challenge to have a reasoned defence for anyone and for any question
a) From children’s questions to adult’s questions
b) From sharing about salvation to the second coming of Christ
c) From defending the topic of creation to the topic of judgment
4. The challenge to find full conviction for the hope that is in us
a) Hope in God
i) A living hope created in us to an eternal inheritance ( 1 Peter 1:3 )
ii) A hope that rest fully on God’s grace ( 1 Peter 1:13 )
iii) A faith and hope in God ( 1 Peter 1:21 )
b) Hope in His Word ( Psalm 119:42-46 )
i) Answer for him who reproaches
ii) Hope in His word
iii) Speaking of His word before others.
(III) GROWING IN STRENGTHENING OUR DEFENSE OF OUR FAITH
1. Growing in Reverence for God above all man
a) Sanctify the Lord in our hearts ( 1 Peter 3:15 ) cf. Isaiah 8:22
b) With meekness and fear ( 1 Peter 3:15 )
2. Growing in our Regenerated life in order to have a strong testimony
a) Good conscience as an answer – Found in baptism ( 1 Peter 3:16, 1 Peter 3:21 )
b) Good conduct in Christ ( 1 Peter 3:16 )
c) Good works ( 1 Peter 3:17 )
3. Growing in Resolution to share our faith
a) Strong Faith to share
b) Good Courage to share