by Harry Osborne
With this issue, we begin another teaching effort as a part of the work of the South Livingston congregation. This bulletin will focus on teaching that answers questions about our hope and faith as revealed in Scripture. We pray it will equip the saints so that each can make a ready defense of the truth as we are called upon to give an answer for our belief and practice. To that end, we prayerfully seek God's blessings on this effort asking that He will aid in the spreading of His truth, the equipping of saints to defend that truth and the exhortation of all to live as servants of God in a world of opposition.
The apostle Peter by inspiration of the Holy Spirit gave the charge which we take as the masthead title for this bulletin. This charge is a divine mandate. Hence, we must understand it and take action to fulfill it.
The first step in the process is to "sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord." To be sanctified unto the Lord Christ means that we recognize our separation from the world unto the Master's use and that we act in a way befitting that separation. Sanctifying Christ as Lord in our hearts results in submission to His authority. Thus, sanctified Christians will seek the instruction of Christ's word to direct their steps in all things said or done (Col. 3:17). In and through Christ's word, He expresses His inherent, total authority to direct us in all things (Matt. 28:18-20; Jn. 12:48-50; Jn. 5:22; 2 Jn. 9-11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Next, the apostle commanded all to be "ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you." This charge includes several responsibilities that are all linked if we obey the command as given by God. Let us examine the implications of this charge.
1. Preparation Is Necessary Before Answering. God does not give us liberty to "wing it" when speaking about His will. Discussion of God's will with any person possessing an eternal soul is a serious and solemn obligation. In the same epistle as our text, Peter instructs all to "speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11). God also reminded us to "give diligence to present yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not to ashamed, handling aright the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Proper use of the word of God is the result of diligent study and application of the word. Failure to give diligent effort in learning and doing God's will not only makes us unable to answer the opponents of truth, but brings shame in the sight of God. We must take advantage of every opportunity to be prepared for readiness in leading others to truth. Ability to defend the truth is a learn behavior, not automatic.
2. Our Answer Must Be Rational & Understandable. The Greek word for "give an answer" is apologia. Commenting on this word, Kenneth Wuest said, "It was a technical word in the Greek law courts used to designate the work of a lawyer, one who presented a verbal defense for his client, proving that the charge preferred against his client was not true" (Golden Nuggets from the Greek New Testament, pp. 93-94). Not in a court of law, but in the far more hostile realm of a world without God and without hope, our task is to give a reasoned response that calls every questioner to the substance of a living hope found in the word of God (Heb. 11:1; 1 Pet. 1:3-12). The need for intense preparation is obvious when we consider the daunting nature of the task. But, however thorough the preparation, the defense of truth requires that rational answers be spoken to oppose false doctrine and uphold the truth. We must discuss the Bible answer for the hope desperately needed by actual people. No person or institution can absolve us of this responsibility. If we are silenced by timidity or laziness, souls in jeopardy of an eternal hell are not provided with the hope that only truth can bring (2 Cor. 4:1-4). Souls are not saved by mere plans, but by someone actually teaching truth (Acts 17:16-34).
3. We Must Recognize The Questions Being Asked. The average day gives us numerous opportunities to answer those who are asking for truth, but we often fail to recognize the questions. When discussions of morality arise, let us answer. When children ask what is right, let us answer. When faced with denominational error, let us answer. When brethren voice their doubts about the literal truth of some Scripture, let us answer. When faced with assertions that one church is just as good as any other, let us answer. When belief in the necessity of baptism is derided, let us answer. When we see a neighbor or co-worker lost in grief and questioning the purpose of life, let us answer. When laughed to scorn as a "Pharisee" for strictly adhering to the pattern of God's word, let us answer. When those around us give their thoughts on matters addressed by the Bible, let us answer, not what we subjectively think, but what the Scripture plainly says. If we will only take advantage of the opportunities that come our way, we can defend and proclaim our reasonable hope daily.