1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Application:

Peter establishes a principle for his readers: generally, if you are committed to what is good, no one will harm you (3:13). However, even if you suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. God has you covered regardless, so do not fear (3:14). 

Whatever response you receive from the world, be prepared at any time to provide a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is within you (3:15). Christians must be strong witnesses for Jesus in their lives so that they have the opportunity to be strong witnesses for Jesus with their words. 

God is not looking for spectators but “players” who live for their King with righteousness and then give testimony about him with gentleness and reverence (3:16). It’s key that our message be one of hope. However, our hope must be communicated in the proper tone—not one of anger or resentment (Col 4:5–6).

To sanctify the Lord means to hallow Him, honoring Him as holy and enshrining Him in our hearts. Therefore, as in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9), God’s holiness is glorified within us, as our hearts serve as the dwelling place of His Spirit.

This is how we defeat the evil one, by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). 

Ref: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1356.
Ref: Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 508.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write or post articles that glorify God. I invite you to view this post as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have posted is true. Always consult your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be grammatical or spelling errors. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.

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