WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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As a child, I was routinely asked a simple but profound question, “Ryan, why did you do that?” I have distinct memories of looking back at my inquisitors and giving the most honest answer I could muster, “I don’t know.” 

That was not a cop out, there were things I did as a boy for which I really did not have a logical cause and effect explanation. I saw the ball, and I threw it. I did not plan for it to go through that window, it just sort of happened. 

That might work for little boys (while they still have a shred of innocence about them), but it does not work for those who are believed to be competent adults. With maturity and growth we are expected to develop a better understanding of the “whys” of our actions and our beliefs. 

In fact, the child of God is expected to be able to do more than explain why we acted in one way or another, we are expected to be able to explain the root causes, motivations, and core values that drive our attitudes and choices so that others might see in us a reasoned and well examined faith. 

This is the driving force presented to us in the following passage:

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 

(1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV11)

Revere

In verse 15 we are challenged to “revere Christ as Lord.” Let’s break this idea down for a minute and see what this means. 

The English term, “revere” is a translation of the Greek term, ἁγιάζω (hagiadzō). This Greek term was used in the wider world to talk about setting aside something considered to be of value so that it might be offered to another. By identifying the potential treasure and choosing to set it aside, the thing that was being addressed would then be considered consecrated, special, or holy. 

In a way, we are being challenged to, “make holy” Jesus Christ as our Lord. Meaning that as we recognize Jesus for who he is, we willingly set him apart from all else in our lives and we choose to submit ourselves to him as our Lord. 

Lord

The term of Lord, as used here of Jesus Christ, is a term that we need to understand. 

It comes to us from the Greek word, κύριος (Kurios). The most common use of this term was found in the way that one might address a powerful landowner. This person was imbued with legal authority by the state as the master over his affairs. To address someone as kurios was to acknowledge their right to rule and dictate the affairs of all that fell under his ownership and authority. 

When we call Jesus our Lord, we too are acknowledging the rights held by the owner and master of all things. The one who has purchased our lives at a high cost, now enjoys the rights of an owner and master. 

Answer

If we are among those who willingly set apart Jesus Christ as our own Master and Lord, then we have a responsibility to answer the questions of those who question what they see and experience of our Master within us. 

People see Jesus in you. They do. Jesus himself made it clear that his people would carry his light into the darkness and as such, those living in darkness would be drawn to the light. As people see the light of Christ in you, they will want to know more. 

Questions

Those around us who see the light of Christ in us do not know how to ask us the right questions about Jesus, and so they will often ask us lots of secondary questions. Instead of asking about how we can know the Lord through the gifts of his Spirit, his truth, and his people, those around us will ask us about those things that they lack. 

Needs

In 1 Peter 3:15-16, the follower of Jesus is being challenged to listen to the questions being asked so that we can provide our examiners with answers that meet their true needs. 

When someone asks about the reason for our hope, they are asking a question about how they can also experience hope in the face of dark and trying times. This is our opportunity to speak to their true need and try and connect them to Jesus. 

Provide

We will be asked a lot of questions about our faith, many of those questions will seem accusatory and even blasphemous, but they simply reflect the lostness of the one asking. Listen to the questions you hear about Jesus Christ and do your best to respond with love. Love the other person enough to really listen and respond from a place of honesty and faith. 

It is my prayer that you would face a question about Jesus today. I hope that you will see the need behind the question. I hope that you will provide the questioner with a heartfelt and honest reply, one that points them to Jesus Christ. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Senior Pastor at PARK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Worked at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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