Whatever it Takes to Explain Jesus

When was the last time you talked with someone about Jesus?

How did it go?

1 Peter 3:14 (ESV)

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

1 Peter 3:14(NLT) — 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

Peter knows something about threats for talking about Jesus:

Story of Acts 4:1-31

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

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,

Always be ready to explain how Jesus has changed your life.

In other words, kids,

ALWAYS BE READY!

How often? Always

Always be what? Ready

The title was originally, “Whatever it Takes to Talk About Jesus,” but as we’ll see, Peter has more in mind than simply talking about Jesus.

Always be ready:

Live a life needing explanation

ILLUST - I’m a magician

If I do a magic trick that fails, you will not want to know more about it.

If I do a magic trick that works you will want to know more.

always being prepared to . . . to anyone who asks you

Why would someone ask you about Jesus?

Because they see Jesus making a difference in your life!

Acts 4:7 (ESV)

7 And when they (religious leaders) had set them (Peter and John) in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this (heal the lame beggar)?”

What had happened?

Acts 3:1–10 (ESV)

1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

What was Peter’s answer to the questions asked?

Acts 4:10 (ESV)

10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.

Peter told them that what they were seeing was the power of Jesus working through them!

ILLUST - My arms in your sleeves.

Kids: How many of you have ever made someone who couldn’t walk walk again? (We do believe Jesus can still heal!)

What are some other ways people might see Jesus’ power through what you do?

Obedience when it isn’t easy and everyone else may be doing the wrong thing.

Choosing the right thing when it is hard.

Responding in a good way instead of out of anger or sin.

Acts 4:13–14 (ESV)

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

I want to live a life that causes people to ask HOW?

I want to live a life that can only be explained by Jesus.

So, how can we live a life that can only be explained by Jesus?

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,

New Living Translation Chapter 3

15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.

Or, as we like to say here at Granger MC - Live a Jesus-first life!!

At school, at home, when playing, I am asking, “How can I do this in a way that people see the difference Jesus makes?”

But you must. . .

Always be ready:

Expect the question

always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you

This verse is not a call to argue people into heaven.

God does not need your wit as a part of His witness through you.

The questions come not because there is something WE are able to do or say - it is what Jesus does through us.

Be in place

It would seem that Peter is expecting that the people we are giving answers to are people with whom we are in relationship.

How will people know there is a difference in your life unless they know you.

Proximity facilitates relationship

This doesn’t just mean that you see people who don’t know Jesus from afar.

Is there anyone near you that would even ask the question?

Meaning they know you well enough to see a difference in your life and you have such a relationship with them that you can speak into their lives.

“Who’s at your table?”

It is becoming increasingly clear that fewer and fewer people who need Jesus will come through the front doors of the church even if invited.

How will we then reach them? We are called to a Great Commission - not a “Great Huddle”

Be prepared

“Defense” = apologia and is where we get our word, apologetics from

We are called to WITNESS not argue

Are you ready when the questions do come?

yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Always be ready:

Answer with a bold grace

Acts 4:29–30 (ESV)

29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Boldness does not require intelligence.

Acts 4:13 (ESV)

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Anyone can can be ready with an answer.

Acts 4:19–20 (ESV)

19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Evangelism is simply this:

This is who I was before Jesus.

This is what Jesus has done in my life (gospel).

This is what my life is like now that Jesus is a part of my life.

Boldness is not the same as rudeness

We can share about Jesus with intentionality, urgency, and even boldness without rudeness.

yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Notice it does not say with anger and superiority.

Answer others with the same grace you received.

It is by grace that you even have the hope in you, give it with grace.

Peter states we do all this with a good conscience, even if others say bad things about us, because

1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

The ultimate picture of the grace - the act which levels us all - is communion.