Set for the Defence of the Gospel

Put Down Your Defenses

The word defences in Greek is the word apologia meaning "a reasoned statement or argument". It is the root from where we get the word apologetics, which is reflected in the text below.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ." I Peter 3:15-16

The Scriptures offer a number of statements about how we are to contend for the faith...righteously.

"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." James 3:13

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Galatians 6:1

"To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." Titus 3:2

"In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." II Timothy 2:25

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

There is nothing in the Gospel about defending ourselves. It is not our cause we are to champion, but the cause of Christ. Yet how many times are the two confused, even in the mind of Christians?

How can we defend ourselves and deny ourselves at the same time? Who are we really lifting up in our speech, our actions, and our attitudes? Who is our God? When our focus is on us, we have lost sight of Christ.

"My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart." Psalm 7:10