Always Be Ready
1 Peter 3:15
Michael E. Grooms

Introduction:
 Having laid down some guidelines for Christian conduct, and a reassurance for
 those facing persecution, Peter gives an admonition to Christians to defend their
 faith. The faith that Peter speaks of is one that exists only in the heart of one who
 has “sanctified”  Christ as Lord in their heart.

  I. A Special Place in Your Heart
     A.To sanctify means to “set apart” for a special purpose
     B. To sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart is to devote your entire being to Him
     C. Christ should have the “seat of honor” in your heart, above all else

II. Be Ready
     A. “Be ready always to give an answer” (KJV)
          1. Are you ready to answer the questions one may ask you of your faith?
          2. Do you know why you believe what you believe?
     B.  “The hope that is in you”
          1. We have a real hope
          2. Our faith is under attack
          3. We must be able to defend our faith
          4. Hope is the anchor of the soul Heb. 6:13-20
     C. Many today attack the Bible and God’s existence
          1. They are without excuse Rom. 1:19-32
          2. This is much of the reason for the destructive things in our world
     D. We should be able to respond to other’s questions Col. 4:2-6
          1. Pray for God to open doors of opportunity
          2 Be graceful in speach
     E. God has revealed the answers to us, by inspiration, in the Bible (Luke 21:14)
          1. The apostles were told to not prepare before hand
          2. We have what was revealed to the apostles, we should be prepared
     F. Prepare by knowing God’s word 2 Tim 2:15
          1. Knowing God’s word shows us as approved by God
          2. We must use the Word of God responsibly
     G. Having learned the truth, teach others 2 Tim. 2:24-26
     H. Preach the word 2 Tim. 4:1-5
          1. Be steadfast, wether the truth is popular or not
          2. The Gospel should be used to encourage, and to rebuke

Conclusion:
 Be prepared. Strengthen your faith, defend your faith, and teach others so they too
 may share your faith. Every Christian has the responsibility to study the Word of
 God, to practice the precepts contained therein, and to teach others His will.