1 Peter - Following Jesus Sample

We are to live good lives for God. But we are also to speak about him and his grace. Otherwise good lives will only bring glory to those who live them. So now Peter returns to the subject of speaking.

We already know that we are to declare the praises of God, but Peter wants to make clear that this will not be easy.

• What do we learn here about how unbelievers may respond to us?

We may hear all kinds of painful words spoken against us: slander, threats and unjust accusations.

• How should believers respond (v. 14)?

First, believers need to decide who to fear. How we behave will always depend on who or what we fear most.

Peter tells his Christian readers to fear or ‘revere Christ as Lord’ in their hearts (v. 15). This is crucial. Those who threaten and slander Christians may look very powerful, but their power is limited and temporary. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and he is Lord. He has authority over what happens to everyone in eternity. We need to remember that.

Secondly, Peter tells these believers that they need to be prepared to speak of their hope in Christ (v.15). When we are opposed and threatened, we may be tempted to say as little as possible about our faith. But Peter’s words challenge that reaction. Peter says we must always be ready to give people answers to their questions, so we need to think about what we will say.

Peter assumes here that the way Christians live will raise questions in people’s minds.

Thirdly, Peter tells his Christian readers how they should speak (vv. 15– 16). Everything about the way we speak should make the Christian message attractive. It should reflect what God is like. Believers should answer ‘with gentleness and respect’. The manner of explaining God’s grace needs to be gracious! Believers should always be ready to answer everyone. God’s generous offer of grace is open all hours to all people everywhere.

We must also keep ‘a clear conscience’. Our ‘good behaviour in Christ’ should display God’s goodness and contradict slander.

Living good lives and explaining God’s grace need to go hand in hand. It is not a case of choosing one or the other. God’s chosen people need to do both.

Pray

Pray you would revere Christ as Lord and always be ready to explain your faith in him.