Tuesday, January 06, 2015

We’ve been studying 1 Peter 3:15-16 using the focus and amplify study method. I felt the focus is on being prepared to give a persuasive answer about our hope in a hopeless world. In our last visit we amplified the first point, having a proper relationship with Christ. Now let’s work at amplifying the second point, having a personal rational for our hope. Notice that you should be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you about your reason for the hope that you have. For many, our hope is intangible and hard to understand. Nothing seems certain in our world. What gives security to someone today might be snatched away tomorrow. Shattered dreams are common. Many anticipate disappointments to be a part of life. For most people “hope” is nothing more than wishful thinking. If at all interested, they want to know what our reason is for our hope. And they don’t want it explained in an abstract way. They want to know what your personal rational is for your hope. Have you given much thought about this? Are you prepared to give an answer to the enquiring mind? Is your reason logical? Is it Biblical? Is it thought through well enough that you can remember and articulate it on the spur of the moment? We are challenged to “always be prepared!” Let me suggest that if you have a proper relationship with Christ, it should motivate you to think through your reason for the hope you have. Write it out. Have other believers evaluate your reason. Then memorize it so you will always be ready to give your answer to the enquiring heart.