13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
- How zealous are you for what is good?
- When you are attacked and suffering, how can you not be afraid and troubled?
- What does it mean to "in your hearts honor Christ the Lord"? How would this be evidenced?
- Is the hope that is in you evident to others around you? If so, how? If not, why not?
- How would you give a reason for the hope you have?
- How prepared are you today to make a gentle, respectful defense of your life in Christ?
- Why should you be careful in how you discuss Christ with non-Christians?
- How might your response to attacks put your attackers to shame?
It is interesting to me how I have heard this passage slashed about over the years. To some, the word defense means to debate, argue, quarrel, or just get angry. Yet the passage ends with the attacker being ashamed for their actions, not licking their wounds. Somehow our desire to do good because Christ is our Lord is to be motivated by the hope that we have. That is the core reason. We are not doing good just to do good. We are doing good because of the hope we have. Isn't that what the passage shows when you read it carefully. My fears are frequently attached to momentary hopelessness. I'm afraid I'm going to miss a plane because there is liitle or no hope of making it to the gate on time. This connection between fear and hope needs to be considered more. I suspect our non-gentle responses are motivated by fear. What do you think?
1 comment:
It seems to me that Peter is really talking about a matter of perspective. Whose fight are we fighting? If we are attacked for our actions and our actions are motivated by some self-interest, the attack is personal in nature and we're likely to give a natural response. (likely to bolster the attack and not put them to shame)If, on the other hand, we've been able to make inroads in developing our personal relationship with God, putting our faith and hope in Him, really believing that He lives within us, the attack becomes one on We instead of me. Who can sucessfully attack God? He will help us respond in a way that is above our normal abilities. Fear is a manifestation of an imperfect faith - which we all contend with.
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