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. (1 Pet 3:14–17 NLT, emphasis added)
Guidance in the Face of Hostility
I serve black African college scholars on an HBCU campus. From the United States to Nigeria, there are people from all different parts of the globe. Among the diversity of the students in our ministry, a common question that Christians are asking is, “How do we as Christians confront doubters? Sometimes I feel unequipped with the adequate knowledge to defend my faith against people who doubt it, especially nowadays when it seems like so many people refuse to acknowledge God’s existence.”
This question arises out of a pressing need for students on the college campus. People can be hostile towards Christians because of their belief in Jesus. By the grace of God, Christians are not suffering physical harm in our current cultural moment in the United States. Though we are not suffering physical harm, there is often a social cost that comes with being a Christian, especially for Generation Z. Amid this, you are wondering how to convince people that Jesus is good news, not bad news.
You know Jesus is life changing and amazing, so you know it would be unjust to keep him from others! We want everyone to have the same treasure.
There are many ways that we can defend the Christian faith. We can see at least three ways. Take a peek at the 1 Peter passage above. The Apostle Peter writes 1 Peter. It is a letter to Christians who suffer at the hands of those against Jesus. Look at how he talks about defending the Christian faith.
Defending it With Reasoning
First, Peter tells us to use our words, “to make a defense.” We can use reasoning from the Bible, from philosophy, from science, from just everyday experience, etc. We need to be able to explain to people how important it is to follow Jesus.
Defending it By Our Good Works
Second, Peter tells us to live a certain way, “with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience.” We defend the Christian faith by living it well. People must be able to see God in the ways that we live! We enjoy Jesus to such a degree that people believe he’s enjoyable!
The Apostle Peter says not only to give a defense (persuasive words) but also to display your Christian character when doing it (persuasive lifestyle).
For our current times, the lifestyle part is more important than arguments. When I talk to people, they share that the ungodly ways that professing Christians live and think are a big “turn off” towards the Christian faith.
Now, I know we can’t be perfect; in fact, Christians are far from perfect. We fail often. Though we often fail, people are watching even how Christians handle our failures. Do we defend our failures? Or do we admit our failures and shout from the rooftops, “I don’t have to pretend to be great because my God’s love is great!”
Defending it By Suffering
My third and last thought is related to suffering. Peter assumes his audience is suffering for righteousness’ sake as they are defending their faith. We must endure suffering. Often, when the Bible uses the word “defense” in relation to the Christian faith, it happens amid persecution, suffering, and/or slandering. To defend something means that it is being attacked.
You must love people even as you suffer at their hands. You must love your enemies until they become friends.
Practical Tips?
What are some ways to prepare yourself to defend your faith?
In order to defend the faith, you must first know the faith. Find a church that takes studying the Bible seriously and takes reaching out to non-Christians seriously. Join a Sunday school class or a new members class that will give you a summary of the essential teachings of the Christian faith!
Second, there are plenty of apologetic resources online. Check out the Jude 3 project. It is an organization that helps Christians know what they believe and why they believe it, with a focus on equipping those of African descent. Get on their website and explore!
What is some wisdom that you have related to defending your faith? How have you seen God honor your willingness to suffering for Jesus?