It's a jungle out there, conclusion

When we stopped yesterday, we said Peter told us to "be ready to tell" when unbelievers asked us why we lived the way we do....
The words Peter used mean a prepared, legal defense. They imply a thoughtful and logical presentation of the gospel. Are you wondering, like me, if he was remembering a certain night as he wrote these words? That miserable night that Jesus was betrayed, and Peter failed.....he was taken off guard by people who questioned him, and he ended up denying that he even KNEW Jesus. Wonder if he'd been prepared, would he have done better?
God often uses our failures in witnessing to show us that we need to be prepared. How many of us look back on lost opportunities and cringe? Times that we had a chance to tell about the gospel, and the changes it has made in our lives? And instead, we mumbled or fumbled, and lost that opportunity?
It's not a bad idea to get some training in how to share our faith!
It's pretty simple, really. We need to tell a person what sin is, and what it does to alienate us from God. They need to know Who Christ is, and how He bore our sins through His death and resurrection. And they need to know how to accept God's gift of eternal life and His forgiveness, through faith.
Learn one or two key verses for each point, and we've got it! Yeah, I know, I've been stressed out, too, because I was afraid they would ask some thorny question. And I wouldn't have the answer. But you know, as grandma told me, "Honesty is the best policy." She got that somewhere. But it's true -- we can always say, "I don't know, but I will try to find out."

See, we don't need to defend the Bible. Not really. That would be like our trying to defend a lion. We just need to un-cage it and it will take care of itself! Every person has the same basic problem; they are sinners. And every person needs the same thing: forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ.
Now, they may try to argue and squabble; some people do that to divert us, but we need to be careful to avoid arguing. That's why Peter uses the words he does; he means we should calmly present the truth in a clear, understandable way, with gentleness. With strength under control.
If we truly respect and reverence God more than men, we can speak confidently. We can share the gospel kindly, without quarreling, all the while praying that God will bring the person to Himself.

That's a powerful witness. And the power source is mentioned in verse 15: "revere (sanctify) Christ as Lord."  I learned in studying this passage, that Peter is quoting from Isaiah:

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. (Isaiah 8:13)

Here's the context -- the faithless king of Judah, Ahaz, had allied himself with Assyria, in order to ward off invasion by Israel and Syria. Isaiah and the faithful remnant were charged with conspiracy because they opposed Ahaz' alliance with godless Assyria. In the eight chapter of Isaiah, and in the verse highlighted above, the Lord is encouraging them not to fear the Assyrians nor those in Judah who accused them of conspiring. Instead, they were to fear the Lord of hosts, to reverence Him and regard Him as holy. Peter changes the "Lord of hosts" to the "Lord Christ," showing that he believed Jesus to be one and the same as the Lord in Isaiah.
He is telling us to revere Christ as God above anyone who threatens to harm us because of our witness. Because Jesus is the Lord of hosts, we can trust Him to triumph, no matter what suffering we may have to endure in the short term, for His sake.

As believers, we are called to bear witness through good behavior and reasoned words, in submission to His lordship. We know that He will return in power and glory to reign in righteousness.
Have we examined our lives this week? Are we making good deeds a habit? Are we able to make a gentle defense of the gospel? Are we revering Christ above all others?
Then God can use us mightily as witnesses for Him!

It's a jungle out there, continued

Peter is getting a hold of us this week and reminding us of the importance of combining good behavior with thoughtful words.... please scroll down to the post from yesterday, if you'd like to re-read our focus passage.

We'll wait on you. I promise.
(Whistling)
Oh, you're back? OK!
Several times in this passage, and in this whole letter, really, the theme of good behavior pops up. And Paul often emphasized the same thing in his letters, too. These early Christians may have heard a reading of some of these letters as they were passed around amongst the early churches.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:7-14)

There are other verses in Titus, also, but I'll just put the references here for you, so as to keep this post from becoming too lengthy! (Titus 3:1-2, and 3:8,14)
Paul not only encourages good behavior, he also says don't be like this:

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. (Titus 1:16)

As believers, it's important that we deal rightly with each other, and with those outside the faith, so that the name of Jesus Christ is not dishonored.
Ummmmmm, if you don't mind, can we say that again? (It's important.)

As believers, it's important that we deal rightly with each other, and with those outside the faith, so that the name of Jesus Christ is not dishonored.
I'm sure that you and I both have heard about Christians and supposedly Christian organizations, who are shady in their business dealings with the world. Maybe they don't pay their bills on time. Or they try to cheat. Or they are dishonest. Or they hassle the person that they are doing business with.
Is it any wonder that unbelievers sometimes say, "I don't want to have anything to do with Christians!"
It's a bad witness.
Peter mentions having a good conscience. That's pretty essential to being an effective witness. If we know we are covering up sin in our lives instead of confessing it and turning away from it, then we certainly need to keep quiet about claiming to be a Christian! Every time a television evangelist gets caught being unfaithful to his marriage vows, or dipping his hand into the offerings, the enemies of the Lord have an opportunity to mock and blaspheme Him. It can be the same way at our place of work, or the gym we go to, or the book club at the library.....if people know we are Christians but see us living inconsistent lives, that's a terrible witness and an opportunity for Satan.  But if we live obediently in Christ's will, we have a good conscience that makes a powerful witness.

We've mentioned before that lost people are watching our behavior, even if we don't realize it. If we are eager to do good, especially when we are mistreated, it's a powerful witness. We don't have to be sinless -- that's impossible anyway -- but if we sin and then confess and make it right with the people that we hurt, well, that's a whole different ballgame! That kind of righteous life is the foundation for a verbal Christian witness.

.....like the one that Peter talks about:

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (I Peter 3:15b)

The fact that they are asking means that they've noticed our behavior. They have seen us bear up with hope and joy, in spite of being mistreated. We've not responded with venom, nor with volume, but with gentleness and kindness. Sooner or later, they are going to ask, "Why? Why do you live the way you do?" So, Peter says, be ready to tell them!!

Hang in there, we'll continue tomorrow..... (Grin)

It's a jungle out there

Just to refresh our memories, here is our focus passage again:

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere 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 behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (I Peter 3:13-17)

Last time, we mentioned that Peter was hitting his stride here, on the same theme that he has discussed before -- our Christian witness in a hostile world.
But now he really hits the point home.... look at how many words in our passage really show the hostility of the world toward believers..... in verse 13, "harm you;" in verse 14, don't fear their "threats," and don't be "frightened." Then in verse 16, "malicious," "slander," and in verse 17, "suffer."
Wow.
It's a jungle out there, no?
Whether we are believers in a country where persecution of Christians is sanctioned, or whether we are in a country where we are simply ridiculed and discriminated against, it can seem like a jungle full of danger for a believer who wants to glorify the Father and witness for Him.
What are we to do in the midst of all that hostility? In between the "harm" and "threats" and "slander"?
Peter says we need good behavior combined with thoughtful words.... in these same verses, he says things like: "eager to do good," and "gentleness" and "respect." And as for the thoughtful words....he uses "apologia," which is a Greek word for defense, and also "logos" meaning account. Both terms refer to giving verbal witness -- speaking a word for Christ. Then the finale; he says "revere Christ as Lord," "good behavior in Christ," and "God's will." All of these are pointing towards keeping ourselves under His Lordship as we work and witness in this world.

It's interesting that Peter connects this passage to the previous one, where he quoted from Psalm 34. In several translations, there is an "and" at the start of verse thirteen, and in one, the word "now." Peter clearly meant to build on the concept he quoted, as he moved forward.
What does the quote from Psalm 34 say? It says that God will vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked. That is an important thing to keep in mind if we are facing hostility or if we're nervous about witnessing. Fearing God above all else will keep us from being intimidated, and give us the boldness that we need.
Also, by quoting the psalm, Peter was reminding his readers (and us) that believers are to seek peace, but also that there are people in this world who are righteous, and others who are evil. The implication of verse 13 (according to some commentaries I consulted) is that if we are zealous for what is good, generally speaking, we will be at peace with others. Kinda like this verse:

When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,    he causes their enemies to make peace with them. (Proverbs 16:7)

Now, we can't take that as a promise without exception....not a guarantee.....but a proverb that usually holds true. An upright life is more peaceful than a wicked one.

Another way that Peter's words may be considered is that he might be looking at ultimate harm and ultimate good. He was looking into the future, and reminding us that our lives are ordered by our Father God.  As my grandma used to say, "as long as the Lord's willin' and the creek don't rise" something might happen as we envisioned it happening. (Grin)
Seriously, though, our futures are in His hands, and under His protection. Remember Jesus telling His disciples:

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

Peter is pointing out that if we maintain a good conscience when we are slandered, someday our enemies will be put to shame.....it may be in this life, when our good behavior exposes their lies, or it may be at the judgement when God calls them to account. Those who do evil will suffer, either here or in eternity. Those who do good may suffer here, but they will be vindicated in eternity.

Now, it's true, and many a believer knows from personal experience, we may face suffering because of our righteous living. God may not immediately judge the wicked, so it may seem to us like they are "getting away with" their evil behavior and deeds. Sometimes unbelievers feel condemned in the presence of a righteous person, even if the believer hasn't said a word about God! It's just that their good behavior and words make the sinner's conscience get all bothered, and so they are extremely uncomfortable! They may even lash out at the Christian, who may find it all very puzzling....after all, they've not said anything....... but their life has spoken volumes to the unbeliever!

Now, what does Peter mean by blessed? He says if we suffer for the sake of righteousness, we are "blessed."
Has Peter lost it here? Are we supposed to feel warm and fuzzy and happy when someone is maliciously slandering us, or persecuting us for our faith?
I don't think he means that. I believe he means we will have joy knowing that our lives are pleasing to God. Jesus said:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  (Matthew 5:11-12)

And these words of Jesus, too:

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. (John 15:18-20)

Verse 17 in our passage makes it pretty clear: sometimes it is God's will that we suffer for doing what is right. But Jesus is still Lord, and we can trust Him and not fear.

Yep, it's a jungle out there. The world is hostile toward Christ, and if we are identified with Him, there is always the possibility that the world will be hostile toward us. But we are here to bear witness of His mercy.  And these verses will help us do that faithfully.
We'll continue tomorrow.

Prayer requests

This week as we open up this forum for prayer requests, I would encourage each of us to go back through the studies and pray for requests that have been mentioned in the past.....you can search the blog with those key words.

Many times the requests have been for long term illnesses, or for family situations that are not quickly changed.
Bring the requests up to Jesus, and ask Him to make His presence known to those who need His touch. Ask the Spirit to comfort those who need it, and to make joyful those who are sad.

And please feel free to leave a comment here if you have a matter that we can pray about with you. I'd like to ask everyone to rejoice with me, for I have finally decided on a surgeon and God has given me peace about having the first of two surgeries on my feet, about a month from now. It took much research and even more prayer....but I have confidence now that the innovative procedure is what God would have me do. (I will try to prepare some posts in advance for when I am "off my feet.")

Blessings to all who pause here, who leave us comments, and who we commit to pray alongside.

Are you a Christian? Danger ahead!

In today's world, it's dangerous to be a Christian!
Seriously.....we ourselves may be far removed from persecution, and feel that we aren't "qualified" to talk about it. But here are some facts as seen in reports released, from around the globe....

The country of Syria is in the midst of a bloody civil war -- at the start there were approximately 2.5 million Christians in the country. Five years later, the Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo reported that only 500,000 survived.  In Iraq, in 2003 there were about 1.5 million Christians; today they have dwindled to one-fifth of that number.
I found a Vatican Radio study that noted around half a billion Christians in the world are unable to express their faith freely, and that in 2016, around 90,000 were killed for their faith.  That is a little bit of a bright spot, since in 2016 the number was over 105,000.

Christians are the most persecuted religious group on the planet.

Recently, in China, an organization with ties to the Chinese Communist Party unveiled plans on how the government can enforce its restrictions on churches, including forced registration. Recent bans on unregistered church worship and on teaching Christianity to children have alarmed Christians there and across the world.

In Russia, beginning in July of 2016, authorities have prosecuted Christian churches and individuals for announcing upcoming services, for conducting home prayer meetings, for distributing religious-themed calendars, and for organizing a concert.

International Christian Concern reported that in September of last year, four Christians were killed in Hindi, Kenya, by al-Shabaab, the main persecution threat in Kenya. First, they ambushed and kidnapped a carpenter cutting timber in the forest. Due to the noise of the power saw, he didn't see the aggressors until too late.  The militants then went from house to house in the village and called out the other three victims, dragging them out into the street. The Christians were shot and then beheaded.
One of the village residents recounted the story, and said that the reason there were not even more people killed, as in 2014, was because the whole of the village is always alert at night. They have asked the government to set up one police post per every three villages, but this hasn't yet happened.

Are we so comfortable in our own lives that these stories fail to move us? We've never been threatened with prison. We've not been tortured for our faith. We've not have our property confiscated, or worse, had our family torn away because of our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know full well that day may be coming. But Peter's listeners faced a hostile world.

Here is our focus passage for this week:

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (I Peter 3:13-17) 

We have not yet paid that kind of price for our faith. Like I said, it may happen soon, in more places on this earth. But we have all faced the fear of witnessing to lost people about our Savior. Is it just our fear of conflict? Is it the sinful flesh within us, responding to the devil, who doesn't want us to witness? Whatever it is, we have all felt the churning stomach, the lump in our throat, and the thoughts, "Oh boy! I really need to talk to this person about Jesus! What do I say?"

Peter's theme in his letter so far has been our Christian witness in a hostile world. I truly believe that his words apply to us, whether we are facing torture for our faith, or whether we are just nervous about telling someone about Jesus.
Repeatedly, he has told us to witness; these verses are no exception. He is telling us yet again that the best witness in this world combines good behavior with thoughtful words, and all under the lordship of Christ.

We'll dig in more next time!

Easter week

Yes!

It's a fact!!

He is risen!

(I hope that you will indulge me in a week of rejoicing, battery charging, and family gatherings....)

I will be back next week.

In the meantime, let's all rejoice in the TRUTH that He is risen!!

Easter Sunday - Rejoice!