Apologetics

So, after getting the word “apologetics”, I thought I was on my way! I thought I knew what the message was.

You’ve heard me say before that I thought God was taking me in on direction on a sermon, but He was actually taking me in a completely different direction.

I’ll explain a bit more about apologetics as we get into the message today.

Body

Today’s message is centered around 1 Peter 3:15-16, stand with me as we honor God while reading His word.

(repeat address)

Only 6 of my sermons, have a reference of 1st Peter in them. I find that curious since Peter is such a prolific figure in the gospels!

I admit I do tend to focus on Paul. Maybe because I relate to him.

But I’m coming around to Peter!

It’s amazing how there can be so much meat in just two verses.

1 Peter 3:15-16 (read from my bible)

Just so we can sort of fix that passage in our minds, I’d like to read it again, from different translations.

This is the RSV (Revised Standard Version)

15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

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YLT-15 and the Lord God sanctify in your hearts. And [be] ready always for defence to every one who is asking of you an account concerning the hope that [is] in you, with meekness and fear;

16 having a good conscience, that in that in which they speak against you as evil-doers, they may be ashamed who are traducing your good behaviour in Christ;

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BBE- v15 but give honor to Christ in your hearts as your Lord, and be ready at any time when you are questioned about the hope which is in you, to give an answer in the fear of the Lord and without pride

Let’s unbox this passage for a few minutes today.

Using this breakdown, I’m relying mostly on the NASB, which is not my “go-to” version, as most of you know.

NASB “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, but with gentleness and respect.

-So in a matter of minutes, you have heard ME read 5 translations...Church over!-

To get a somewhat fully understanding of what Peter is telling us here, we need to read verses 13-14.

BTW- if I say Paul, instead of Peter, please give me grace. I’m so accustomed to preaching from Paul’s writings, that it is just habit!

1 Peter 3:13–14 “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.””

re-read that first question and comment:

You’d think no one would have a problem with someone doing good, wouldn’t you? But they do, don’t they!

But even if they do, know this:

you are blessed

don’t be afraid of their threats

nor be troubled

then in v15, but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts!

Peter is quoting the OT from Isaiah 8:13 “The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread.”

That word “hallow” is translated in the Greek, to “sanctify” and vise-versa.

To sanctify Christ, we recognize, worship, and honor Him as the only Lord.

Ezekiel 36:23 “And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I am hallowed in you, before their eyes.”

Peter is exhorting, that when we become completely in reverence to Jesus, all fear of man-that Peter speaks of in v13-14, will be removed.

This begs the question for me: Is Jesus really Lord of my life?

The Greek word for Lord is (Key-REE-os) Kyrios,

meaning “one who has complete/absolute ownership, with sovereign power and authority.”

I read this recently from a reliable source:

Jesus is referred to 10 times as Savior, and some 700 times as Lord.

when mentioned together Lord always precedes Savior.

For me, this might suggest that He can’t be our Savior, without first being our Lord.

Something to think about

In fact, Paul (yes Paul), tells us that every believer has been purchased and redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and thereby He, Jesus; has absolute ownership!