We live in ominous, exciting, interesting, foreboding, worrisome, awesome, and frightening times. May I remind you that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power? May I remind you that God has commanded us not to worry but rather to pray? No matter what new immorality is championed as right and desirable, Christians still have access to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. No matter what recreational drug is legalized, Christians are still allied with the Sovereign God. No matter which self-identified “Christian” groups falter and submit under the torrential onslaught of “the wisdom of man” (political correctness), Bible believing Christians can take comfort from the knowledge that even though the tares will be with us until the end, those same tares will be uprooted and cast out at the end.
However, Bible-believing Christians must remember that we have been left here for a purpose. We are to seek the good of the city, state, and nation where God has placed us. The gospel message is the only remedy for what ails the lost and dying world at our doorstep. Because the gospel is under attack, Paul’s words in Philippians chapter one are very appropriate and relevant for us. Two times (v.7, 16) Paul speaks of his “apologia” of the gospel. “Apologia” is translated several ways in the New Testament but “answer and defense” seems to capture the sense of the word.
Unquestionably, the gospel is under attack and God has commanded us to be ready to give an “apologia” for our faith in the gospel. 1 Peter 3:14-16 is just as important to us today as the day it was written, “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 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; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” (NASU) Verse 15 tells us to be ready to give an “apologia” for the sure and certain hope that colors our very lives.
Generally speaking, those in my country have not yet begun to suffer for the sake of righteousness as Peter suggested. However, only a fool does not see it on the horizon. Perhaps some of us have not faced intimidation but most of us have. Only those who have kept their “allegiance” to Christ a secret have not faced intimidation. Verse 14 commands us not to fear the intimidation of the ungodly and not to worry. Fearing the world with God at your side is something like fearing Barney Fife with Arnold Schwarzenegger at your side, only the contrast is not nearly great enough but you get the idea.
Oh, what a beautiful thought in verse 15! Sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart! If anything will get you ready to answer critics and give an “apologia” for your faith, surely that will. Being ready is more than simply being watchful and willing. We must regularly and diligently study the Scriptures. Furthermore, we must allow the principles of the Scriptures to sanctify us and inform our every decision in every area of our public and private lives. Only then will we be able to give the needed “apologia” and do it with gentleness and reverence so that the intimidators will be ashamed.
