Defend The Gospel

by Micky Galloway

In last week’s “I Press …” Chris Simmons introduced a series of articles on our stewardship of the gospel. In keeping with this theme let us consider our “defense” of the gospel. The world is filled with people with lots of questions, but they are not getting proper answers. I am convinced that these are interested as much in the reasons (evidence) for your convictions as they are in the convictions themselves. Why do you believe what you believe?

The apostle Peter, writing to Christians who were suffering “for righteousness sake,” said, “Blessed (are ye:) and fear not their fear, neither be troubled; but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: (being) ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:14-15). Note the NASB, “always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” The word translated here as “defense” is apologian, which means a formal defense; a “verbal defense, speech in defense” (Thayer), of what you believe. Peter was urging Christians to be ready to give a reasoned, intelligent explanation of their faith to anyone who might ask about what they believed and practiced.

The apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison and knowing that some had evil motives intending to increase his suffering said, “I am set for the defence of the gospel” (Philippians 1:16 ASV). It was not his purpose to defend the religion of the Jews, or the various positions handed down by tradition. His determination was to defend the truth and he was “set” to do just that.

What does it mean to be “ready to make a defense” or to be “set for the defence” of the gospel?

“Sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord.” I Peter 3:14-15 quotes Isaiah 8:12-13 with application to Christ. What was said about sanctifying Jehovah as Lord of one’s life is here applied to Jesus, identifying Jesus with Jehovah of the Old Testament. To sanctify “Christ as Lord” recognizes His authority over us. Enthroning Him as the Lord of my life means that I submit myself to every commandment He has given. Jesus explained lordship when he asked, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). We must submit ourselves in obedience to His every commandment. Anything less than complete submission means that I have not truly removed myself from the throne of my heart and exalted Jesus there. Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

“Be ready.” Be prepared to give an answer. This is just like taking a test in school. I remember well that sick feeling in school when I read the question on the test knowing I had not prepared adequately. Peter tells us to have the foresight and anticipate the inevitable situations or questions that will arise, before they manifest themselves. Such anticipation involves knowing two things beforehand: (1) what will the questions be? And, (2) what are the answers to the questions? Therefore, we must study the word of God that we might be prepared to explain and defend what we believe. “Give diligence (Study KJV) to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). The Hebrews were without excuse for their lack of maturity and understanding. Reasonable time had passed for them to be teachers, yet the writer said, “ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food” (Hebrews 5:12). How sad it is when a person has the opportunity to use the sword of the Spirit to strike a blow for the Lord, but is incapable of defending the truth because of lack of growth and maturity (cf. Ephesians 6:17).

“Concerning the hope …” Christians should be prepared to explain why they have the hope of eternal life. This hope rests on the immutable nature of God. God has promised eternal life and He cannot lie (Titus 1:2). The hope of eternal life is assured by the resurrection of Christ from the dead (Acts 17:31). Very simply, this hope motivates us to work; to abound in the work of the Lord “forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58).

“… With meekness and fear.” That means with gentleness and reverence. We must someday report to the Master about how we used our opportunities to defend the truth. What will we say? Our attitude can severely distract from God’s revealed message. This occurs when we speak arrogantly, belligerently, self-righteously, and condescendingly. We must guard ourselves that we “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), always looking to ourselves lest we be tempted (Galatians 6:1).

Avoid hypocrisy. Peter explained that in defending the truth, Christians should so live that they have “a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner to life in Christ” (I Peter 3:16). Therefore, the best answers are: a good conscience, good conduct, and then good words. When a good scriptural defense is given without a good conscience and good conduct, it is nothing more than hypocrisy. The good morals of Christians made them so distinct that the pagan world thought “it strange that ye run not with (them) into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of (you)” (I Peter 4:4).

Are you prepared, “ready to make a defense” of what you believe and practice? No one can do it for you! If you are not, then plan to spend some time studying every day. Come to all the Bible classes. Look for opportunities to speak to your relatives, neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Make yourself “set for the defence of the gospel.”