1 Peter 3:15 has long been one of my favorite verses...I know, I say that a lot, but this really is one of my favorites. We are commanded to set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts, meaning Lord of our affections, Lord of everything because we know that the heart is the spring of life as we have read in Proverbs 4:23. So we set Jesus apart as Lord, bringing ALL of our life under HIS LORDSHIP ready to make a defense for the hope that is in us. The word defense is where we get the word apologetics, it is not that we apologize, but that we are ready to make a clear argument (in a good way) for the hope that is in us...we are ready to make a good defense of the hope that is in us and we do this with what? GENTLENESS AND RESPECT! We don't beat people over the head with the truth, we speak the truth in love.
1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
If you think back over the past several days we have referred to Job several times and that in Job 3:25 Job said that "that which he had feared had come upon him." Then we looked at how at the end of Job that God was the only one Job feared. I believe that 1 Peter 3:14 teaches us the same thing...if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. We see this laid out for us in Isaiah...Is 8:12-13 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread."
Jesus was vague on this...I wish HE had stated HIS position more clearly...let's look at what HE said in Matt 10:28, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. WOW! It does not come any clearer than that!
We have discussed this many times that the fear here is a reverential awe and wonder. If we filled with awe and wonder when we see a tornado, hurricane, or a tsunami should we not behold the one who is sovereign over the entire universe and tremble and delight. Tremble at HIS incomprehensible power and might and delight that this very one shed HIS blood that we might be restored to HIM.
I love to run to HIM as Abba, Father, Daddy...and HE is, BUT HE IS HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. If you have never read The Knowledge of the Holy by Tozer you should put it at the top of your reading list! Tozer makes a simple yet profound statement..."What comes into our minds when we thing about God is the most important thing about us."
1 Peter 3:14-15 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,
Pursuing HIM together!
love,
m