Soul Piercing (1 Peter 3:15)

Scripture:  1Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give an account (logos) for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

In this verse, there are two key words central to Peter’s meaning: they are apologia and logos. Apologia- basically means to defend something much like a lawyer would in court and this is exactly how the apostle Paul did evangelism (Acts 14:15-17; 17:2-4,17-31; 18:4; 19:8). He persuaded people to become Christians by offering rational arguments on behalf of the truth of the gospel. Logos- means evidence or argument that provides rational justification for some belief. Plato attempted to define knowledge. Basically, he said that knowledge is more than just true beliefs. For example: If you get hit on the head and as a result you now believe that water has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. You have formed a true belief. A scientist, however, who has studied the compound water for the past 6 years knows that this is how water is composed. You and the scientist have true beliefs, but he has knowledge and you don’t. The scientist has true belief plus logos (evidence). The scientist has good reasons that justify his true belief, you have a blind faith that just happens to be true. Peter is saying here that we are to be prepared to give rational arguments and good reasons for why we believe what we believe. Peter’s reference to gentleness and reverence implies that we are to argue but not be argumentative- that we are to use wisdom in our method allowing a contrite character to be the vessel from which our words come forth.

Prayer: Father, because of your great mercy you have come to give yourself up for us. You Oh Lord are the gospel. You Oh Lord are my only hope. Thank you for rebirthing my soul and bringing what was once a walking dead man to life again through the regeneration and indwelling of your Spirit. Lord you have commanded your slave to be prepared to offer an account (a reason) for the hope within me to all who ask. So often I feel inadequate for the high calling of following you and discipling others. Father, I pray for wisdom and diligence and the Spirit’s help in aquiring the knowledge of the Holy. I also seek for power in communicating your truth and grace. May my words and deeds and thoughts be annointed by your very Life and presence. In Jesus name, Amen.