THE REASON FOR YOUR HOPE

INTRODUCTION

For the past 2 months the focus of our worship service and Wednesday Bible classes has be evangelism and sharing the Gospel.

This has caused me as I hope for you to do some serious introspection

The future of the church must become more important than the future of the world

Evangelism must be at the forefront of our future

OBJECTIVES

What does it mean to be ready to give the reason for your hope?

Wherein does this readiness consist?

How are we to become ready and stay ready?

Meaning of “Ready to Give the Reason For your Hope”

Jesus talk about this concept of “being ready”

Luke 21:12–14 ESV

But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer,

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

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,

There is a very close connection between honoring (sanctify, reference) the Lord Christ in your hearts and always being ready to give a reason for your hope.

What do you meditate on the most?

Does God have first place in your mind or is He the occasional celestial bellhop, spare tire, or Santa Claus

How do you know He is First?

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

What Does this Readiness Consist of?

One key to understanding what it means to honor the Lord Christ in our hearts is to notice that this is the alternative to fearing what men fear.

1 Peter 3:14 ESV

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

Isaiah 8:12–13 ESV

“Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

Isaiah 8:14 ESV

And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

A sanctuary is a place where you can feel safe and secure and peaceful.

This does not mean to be constantly gripped by the emotion of fear - This is Reverence!

Matthew 10:28 ESV

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 12:4 ESV

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

How are we to become ready and stay ready?

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Embedded in the message is the Greek work “apologia” - give a defense

We must give a defense of our hope

Understand that how hope lies in Christ. And this is was we need to show the world

God’s Plan for Your Salvation