1 Peter 3:15-16,
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and ready always to an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
The past few months I have been one whose spirit has been a little low. I for one have become quite tired perhaps even weary. Every time I turn on television, the radio, browse on social media it’s so much negativity. I do understand we are in midst of pandemic named COVID-19, facing yet again pandemic of racism and I do believe those things should be addressed. I’m afraid that our conversations and attitudes have been influenced by all of these issues of the world. I have notice more fear than faith. More anger than assurance. More reactive measures than proactive.
If you had any ounce of joy, you watch tv or scroll social media and sadly just pick up the phone and converse it will deplete it.
What needs to happen in the midst of a world looking for answer?
What needs to happen when all one feel is fear and faith seems to be on edge?
What needs to happen when thoughts and prayers aren’t enough?
I definitely know In the midst of all that is going on we need some hope.
Exegesis:
In our text Peter instructs Christians to focus intently on Christ's role as our master, living as if that were absolutely true in all cases, even in suffering and a pandemic . Peter calls us to full submission to Christ. In everything and everyway.
When we set apart Christ as Lord, it will change us. Peter says those who observe us will notice the difference. That difference is hope.
Hope by definition; is to desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment...to expect with confidence, it’s a trust factor. It’s our faith.
Even amid our suffering or a pandemic...our hopefulness or our confidence, our expectation ,our defense should be apparent. So, Peter instructs us to be ready to answer the question our life should inspire: "How can you be so hopeful in such difficult circumstances?"
Peter anticipates people will become curious. Hopefulness and joy are starkly different from the normal human response to suffering. So much so that people will be eager to understand it. What will we say when they ask?
Quite frankly, I think for those of us who have been weary and tired perhaps that’s God tug on our hearts burdening us to response in hope, love, and truth.
Here’s what’s next! Tell your story!
Application:
Here’s why you should tell your story... your story has hope and
1. Renews your faith
You ever tell of a happy memory and it cause you to have this big smile. It brightens you up. That what happens when you share your story it reminds you of when you first met God and it renews that passion and Fire.
Perhaps you been one who has been like Revelations says neither hot nor cold you been lukewarm. I pray you are not one that has to hear, “ I have an alt with you, you have left your first love!”
Maybe Today God is challenging you to go back to your testimony of how God saved you. Delivered and liberated you and watch how it renews your faith.
2. Introduces God’s love.
In 1965 there was this popular song penned by Hal David recorded by Jackie DeShannon .
After the second verse he penned kind of a pray or a cry to a God he says... Oh listen, lord, if you want to know.
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love, No, not just for some but for everyone.
When you tell your story it tells of a saviors love who died to set us free. Jesus is what we need. It’s more than enough. The world needs the gospel that’s why he calls us to be disciples.
Ecclesiastes 1:14 Solomon shared he tried all sorts of stuff and he penned
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
There are many who have this void and tried so much and don’t understand the love of God. They have sought love in the wrong places and in people. Some believe love is physical but it’s not it’s spiritual and it connects with us and therefore we connect with others.
When they understand God’s love it will birth love ...agape love ( unconditional love) in their hearts.
Finally,
3. Your story can unlock their breakthrough
I have often heard in evangelism classes I the quote from Revelation 12:11 . That we overcome by the blood of the lamb and my others testimony. That was the appeal to share your personal story of redemption and healing.
Your story connects with another and it can impact them to the point they say wait If God did it for you He can do it for me.
I love Clay Evan song there is no secret what God can do what he’s done for others He’ll do for you.
I have heard folks say I’m too deep now. God don’t love me. It’s no hope. I even heard believer say there is no hope for this world.
Good thing Jesus said I have overcome the world. There is nothing to impossible for God.
Allow me to renew my faith this morning.
He changed my life. Chronologically blessed saints would say I’m not where I want to be but I’m far from where I use to be. I can tell you Pastor Chris has been changed and now it’s hard to keep it to my self.
To the drug addict, to the alcoholic, to the prostitute, to the lustful, to America. He changed me and he can change you.Celebration:
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found Was blind but now I see...
Shackled by a heavy burden 'Neath a load of guilt and shame Then the hand of Jesus touched me And now I am no longer the same
He touched, oh, he touched me
And oh the joy that floods my soul! Something happened, and now I know He touched me, and made me whole.
+In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!