Young Adults' Group

Ready To Give A Defence

by Pastor Mark
December 05, 2019

The theme of the Youth conference 2019

This year’s theme is “Ready to give a defence”. While this is an appropriate theme for our young people, it is also a relevant concern for all of us. The Apostle Peter wrote to the pilgrims who were dispersed from their homes. It was because of the persecutions that were inflicted on them. Many enemies challenged their faith and caused them many sufferings. Peter encouraged the brethren to give a defence of their faith to all who may question it. But how are we to give a defence?

Sanctifying the Lord God

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” (1 Peter 3:15) The word “sanctify” in Greek is “hagiazo” which means “to make holy, consecrate”.

Peter wrote of the sanctification of the Spirit. (1 Peter 1:2) There are two ways in which we are sanctified. We are given salvation through Christ and is made holy before God. It is done through the cleansing by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:2) Positionally, we are sanctified and made holy.

Another aspect of sanctification is personal. The Holy Spirit will help us to apply this idea of sanctification into our lives. Peter wrote, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”” (1 Peter 1:15,16) We are meant to live in holiness as God is holy. The Holy Spirit helps us to be holy in all our personal conduct.

As we are sanctified, we seek to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts. We are to hallow Him and to revere Him in our hearts. It is to fear the Lord. Let us be challenged to sanctify the Lord in our hearts first so that we can work towards being ready.

Be ready to give a defence

The word “hetoimos” means “prepared, ready”. It is a state of readiness that we should have. It takes preparation just as the Lord Jesus prepared the disciples to be ready to give a defence in their ministry. A defence refers to a word, an answer or a response to whoever is raising a question. Let us be challenged to be prepared in being ready to give a defence.

A reason for our hope

The word “logos” means “a word, a reason”. We have a reason for the hope that in us. It is a reference to the living hope that is in us. (1 Peter 1:3). It is a hope that is alive, and our hope is placed in God. Through faith in Christ, we have this living hope in our hearts.

With meekness and fear

A defence is not meant for us to argue with others. If we have sanctified the Lord in our hearts, we will share our faith with meekness and fear. There should be gentleness and humility. There should also be a sense of reverence and fear given to the Lord. Let us never allow pride and arrogance to fill us in giving an answer to anyone. Let us be challenged to answer in the manner of meekness and fear. Let us be challenged to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts first, and to prepare and to ready ourselves to answer anyone who asks for a reason for the living hope that is in us.

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