A Holy Person’s Witness to Others
I Peter 3:8-16
I. v15a - It’s to Be a Reasonable Witness
A. This is the explanation you present.
B. Give an answer (ἀπολογία) = a speech in defense, a plea, so - a reasonable explanation.
1. This from the word Word (λόγος) = word, an expression of an idea. (Jn 1:1 & 14)
2. We get our word “logical” from this word.
3. The college course “Apologetics” which is the defensive facts & proofs for Christianity come from this word.
C. You need to know what you believe & why you believe it!
1. You need an explanation for your faith.
2. How can the church help you?
a. Learn & take notes from the sermons each Lord’s Day.
b. Take the 13 week Discovery Bible School course.
c. Ask the elders & other mature Christians about their faith.
d. Have a daily quiet time with the Word so you can meditate & reason things out.
e. Ask for prayer support for your individual spiritual journey.
II. v15b - It’s to Be a Gentle Witness
A. This is the way you present it.
B. Gentleness (πραύ̈της) = meek, humble.
1. “Meek” does not mean weak!
2. Meek is having power & authority - but not using it. So it’s using restraint when it’s appropriate.
a. Num 12:3 says Moses was humble (meek). He was a bold leader who led 2 million + people + their live stock for 40 years across the Sinai desert!
b. The Lord was meek. He could have called 12,000 angels, but He didn’t. (Matt 26:53)
C. Meekness is a definite aid in teaching the truth!
1. II Tim 2:25, in the Living Bible, says, Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them, they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true.
2. ILL: “The Power of Blessing”.
III. v15 - It’s to Be a Respectful Witness
A. This is the attitude you have towards the people you present it to.
B. Respect (φόβος) = lit. “to fear”, probably means a respect for people’s dignity.
1. This is the opposite of the bold, arrogant, haughty attitude some have when they preach to you.
2. Remember - we are all dirty rotten sinners save only by grace! All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.- Is 64:6.
C. It is possible to be steadfast & faithful with your witness & still be humble & respectful!
1. “We are beggers showing other beggers where to find food!”
2. None of us have a monopoly on truth. Each of us has a lot to learn.
3. But we do have the Word of God; so you have the responsibility of knowing it & the Lord it reveals!
4. Don’t be on a guilt trip about what you don’t know - just testify about what you do know.
5. Then - get in the habit of constantly learning more!
6. Besides - you are the expert on what the Lord has done in your life. Share that!
IV. v16 - It’s to Be a Conscientious Witness
A. Your behavior is to be consistent with what you say so you can have a clear conscience.
B. Conscience (συνείδησις) = being aware of, having a moral consciousness, having a sensitivity.
1. This is a matter of being genuine & consistent.
2. You don’t want to be a hypocrite - professing a Christian life but not living it.
3. If you are at least “semi consistent” with living the life you profess, those who are inclined to point their fingers at Christians as hypocrites will find it difficult to use that line as an excuse for reject- ing the Lord!
4. So - strive to live as consistently as you can even though you’re not perfect.
C. Principles for Living a Semi Consistent Holy Life.
1. v8 - Live in harmony with your Christian brothers & sisters.
2. v9 - Respond to evil treatment with good.
3. v15 - Be serious about the Lordship of Jesus in your life!
a. This is literally is saying, “Make the Lord Christ holy in your hearts”!
b. So - be willing to let the Lord Jesus “call all the shots”!
You want to represent the Lord accurately & in the most positive light.
Make your witness reasonable, gentle, respectful & conscientious
and you’ll have the kind of witness God really wants!
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