1 Peter 3:15 KJV: Be Prepared to Give an Answer
Introduction
In 1 Peter 3:15, the apostle Peter writes, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." (KJV) This verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared to share our faith with others.
The Command to Sanctify
The first part of the verse instructs believers to "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts." This means to set apart God as holy and to acknowledge His presence in our lives. It is a call to dedicate ourselves to God and to recognize His sovereignty over our lives.
The Importance of Being Prepared
The second part of the verse is a command to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." This means that we should always be prepared to share our faith with others, regardless of the circumstances. We should be able to give a reason for the hope that we have in Christ, and we should be able to do so with meekness and fear.
The Reason for the Hope
The "hope that is in you" refers to the hope of salvation that we have through Jesus Christ. As believers, we have a living hope that is anchored in the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ (1 Peter 1:3-5). This hope is the foundation of our faith, and it is what gives us the confidence to live for God.
Sharing the Hope with Others
The verse instructs us to be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks about our hope. This means that we should be prepared to share the Gospel with others, whenever and wherever we have the opportunity. We should be able to articulate the reason for our hope in a clear and concise manner, and we should be able to do so with gentleness and respect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 Peter 3:15 is a powerful reminder of the importance of being prepared to share our faith with others. We should sanctify God in our hearts, and we should be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks about our hope in Christ. May we be faithful witnesses to the Gospel, and may we always be prepared to share the reason for our hope with meekness and fear.
