1 Peter 3:15 – Your Testimony

^“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15)

If I am going to worship, I’m not going to just “go through the motions.” I have found myself doing that time and again, but right now in this season of life, my worship is deeper. I like how this verse describes it. When we remember who this Jesus is that we are worshipping, we want to be in awe of his majesty.

Context (1 Peter 3:13-22): There are many gems in 1 Peter 3, and in this section entitled “Suffering for Doing Good.” So “instead” of what? What comes right before this verse that would offer the alternative? It’s simply this: Instead of worrying about what people think of your faithfulness, remember God’s protection for doing good.

Does remembering God has your back give you a freedom to be you? I know I used to not like being called a “do-goody.” Was that ever a thing? But I remember kids thought I was quite the opposite of “bad girl.” The problem I had was that people didn’t take me seriously.

If we’re supposed to be on a mission for Christ as we live our lives, I want people to take me seriously. I want them to recognize that my life is centered around Jesus, and I’m going to worship him as this verse prescribes. Jesus is what matters in my life.

This verse came up this week as I’m preparing our Youth Group Alpha class. It’s a great verse to get the kids (and all of us) thinking about what we would say if asked about our faith. What is your hope as a believer? Peter suggests we should be ready to answer that question.

Why not take some time right now and jot down a few notes? If you know exactly what hope means to you, that’s awesome.

How many times have you shared your testimony of hope with others this week?

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for your unfailing love and faithfulness. I know I fall short, so please forgive me.  I want to stand ready at all times to tell others about you. Forgive me for my selfishness and short-sightedness that creeps in when temptation is near. Help me to see you in all things and learn from my mistakes. You are king of the universe, and I give you praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.