Sermon notes

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. 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. (1Pe 3:8-18)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Col 4:2-6)

We talk about what we are interested in!

"know how to, or give an answer to, everyone”

“Be ready and willing to give an answer to those who do not yet believe”

1.  All believers have the responsibility to answer for their faith

Be ready to speak of the hope you have,

To answer in such a way – is both our responsibility and our privilege.

2. You will need to be ready with a range of responses to a range of situations

Paul - “reply”

A catch all term for any statement we might offer in response

To be natural in talking about God.

Peter - "defence”.

How we respond to people who criticise or accuse us because of our good works.

“speaking of the reason for our hope, with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

HOW? 

·   Listen to understand.

·   Be brief.

·   With gentleness and respect.

3.  The manner of our reply is more important than the content

Paul - our responses are to be “full of grace, seasoned with salt”

“seasoned with salt”

Peter - how we come across s more important than what we say.

So remember - the manner with which we respond is more important than the content

4.  Who Jesus is to us, is essential.

There is nothing more essential than for Jesus to be real for us.

So, the most essential thing we can do is to be close to Jesus.!

Peter reminds us of what Jesus has done and what that means for us

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, being put to death in the flesh that he might bring us to God,.., 1 Peter.3:18 

Remember...

Allow it to dominate our thoughts?

Because we talk about what we love and what is dominating our lives!

Paul - Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Col 4:2 

Spend time listening to and speaking with the Father God

So, if you are finding it hard to speak about Jesus the way forward is to get closer to Jesus

Fall in love with Jesus again.