By Hoyt Wilson
Pastor, Flatwoods Baptist Church, Holladay
Focal Passage: I Peter 3:13-22
Dawson Trotman, the founder of the evangelistic organization, The Navigators, said: “Soul winners are not soul winners because of what they know, but Who they know, and how much they want others to know Him.”
Peter wanted others to know Jesus. Because of that he wrote: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” He believed one is doing others a great service when they tell them of Jesus and what He has done on the cross for them. However, he recognized that a witness for Jesus could attract anger and reaction from nonbelievers. His encouragement was to say: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed” (I Peter 3:14 NIV). It is in that context that he said: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” There was always the possibility that good intentions would be misunderstood and bring threats or injury, but warned Peter: “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” We are commissioned by Jesus to be His witnesses. He did not say for one to witness only under ideal conditions. Peter was right on target when he said: “Always be prepared … .” Always being prepared to give a reason for one’s faith involves more than being a ready witness.
A witness for Jesus must be gentle in his or her presentation of the gospel. It is most effectively done with permission. Why not ask: “May I tell you about an experience that changed my life?” That is non-threatening. Or one might ask: “May I share with you why one needs to be saved, how one can be saved, and what one should do after they are saved?” Getting permission to share Jesus is an example of the gentleness and respect that Peter advocated. But there is still more in preparation to share Jesus.
Peter reminds those who are to witness that they must keep a good conscience. He also alludes to “good behavior in Christ” (v. 16 NIV). Many professing Christians will not witness because the community knows them and knows that they do not live well in relation to the Jesus they profess. No one has to be perfect to be a witness, but possessing a good reputation does gain listening ears. If you are accused or suffer, make sure that the suffering comes from doing good rather than evil. That is why Christ suffered.
Christ suffered for sins not his own. He suffered for the sins of a world lost to the purposes of God. He suffered unjustly but purposefully. He suffered misunderstanding, physical abuse, and death. Peter said His purpose was to “bring you to God.” That is why we tell the story of Jesus – to bring people to God.
Peter even shares how Jesus “went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits” (v. 19 NIV). Space does not allow for discussion of this, nor of water symbolizing “baptism that now saves you also …” but the quarterly gives a balanced account. Suffice it to say that people past and people present are only saved by grace and through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Jesus died as the Savior of all people and is now at the right hand of the Father as our mediator. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NIV). How much do you want others to know Him? Are you always ready to give an account for the hope you have in Jesus?
