1 Peter 3:13-18

 

The rudimentary outline of 1 Peter 3:15 and the surrounding passage is, commit the right attitude toward Christ in your heart (a), then live this out (b), and when people see your behavior above reproach and ask you why you have this hope, be ready to answer them (c), not argumentatively but gently (d).

 

(a) The focus and main imperative though of 1 Peter 3:15 is “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts”, speaking to Christians, which means set apart in our hearts Christ as Lord, sovereign over our lives. This passage talks about not fearing the intimidation or persecution of people, but rather being confident in Christ because He is trustworthy…

 

(b) …and so, live out your beliefs. (This is NOT by our own goodness or efforts, but by Christ who enables us to!) And this despite suffering or opposition.

 

(c) The submissions for Project 3:15 aren’t necessarily a direct application of 1 Peter 3:15. This project just prompts and encourages Christians to prepare or articulate why they believe. It doesn’t mean that they are ready by submitting a response, but it prompts preparation.

 

(d) We are not trying to start arguments or heatedly debate our points because: God is sovereign; it is an issue of the heart, not intellect; it is to show the love of Christ to others and to uphold the truth, not for the sake of winning arguments or ‘being right’.

 

(e) This project also isn’t ‘convincing you that God exists’, but rather revealing what you already know (Romans 1:18-21).