Answering Tough Questions

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 3:13-17

One of the most daunting aspects of evangelism is knowing how to answer the different questions that we may be asked. In this sermon, we give some thought to this, looking at Peter’s instructions to a group of first century Christians. Peter is speaking to Christians who are facing opposition for their faith, but he knows the way they are living for Jesus is making people ask big questions. He wants the believers to be ready to answer these questions when they come up, and he reminds them that the way they handle themselves in giving their answers is just as much a part of their witness as the answers themselves.

Live In a Way That Makes People Ask: In verse 15, Peter is speaking to the believers about being ready to answer anyone who asks them about their hope. It is clear that he expects that people who don’t know Jesus are curious about what is motivating the lives of these Christians. They are not having to shoehorn Jesus into conversations, but rather are living in ways that are distinctive and notable, and that are prompting questions from those around them. One of the most powerful tools available to believers in sharing our faith is to live out the way of Jesus in such a compelling fashion that those around us find it striking. For the original recipients of this letter, that meant suffering for doing good. For us, it might mean the same, or it might mean living out the gospel in other ways. Whatever form it takes, our lifestyles are part of our witness, and as we practice our faith in our actions, it opens up the opportunities to also share it with our words.

Think About What You Will Say If You Are Asked: Peter wanted his readers to be prepared to answer the questions they were asked. Sometimes opportunities to share faith will take us by surprise, and we struggle to find words in the moment. Often, however, preparing ourselves in advance for some of the questions we are most likely to be asked can stand us in good stead for when the moment comes. Thinking in advance about how we can articulate our testimonies and share the key gospel message will make these things second nature to us as they come up in conversation. As well as these, there are also certain topics that frequently come up in evangelistic conversations – for example suffering and evil, other religions or how we can trust the Bible. Thinking through our answer to some of these questions in advance will prepare us for when we are asked and will help us speak about Jesus in ways that are clear and compelling.

How You Say It Goes a Long Way: For Peter, it was not enough that his readers had something good to say in response to the questions they would be asked. He goes on to tell them that the way they delivered those answers should be characterised by gentleness and respect. It is possible to engage in evangelistic conversations, and even to make good points, but to do so in a way that doesn’t honour the person. Sometimes we can be more focussed on being proven right and winning an argument than on reaching the person. Sharing our faith in the way Peter describes involves listening to the person, presenting our thoughts with humility, and showing we truly care about and value them. Acting in this way towards people is not only a good evangelistic strategy (although it is that) but also a demonstration of love that enacts the gospel that we are seeking to share with them.

Potential Applications:

• For some people, this passage is a challenge to think about their answers to classic apologetics questions. You may wish to signpost those who want to deepen their learning to some good resources in these areas.
• There is also a challenge to think about the way we live around those who don’t know Jesus. If our lives are not prompting people to ask about Jesus then this might challenge us to put our faith more clearly on display.