3:15 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,

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (1 Pe 3:15). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Does your life produce the necesssary evidence to be convicted of being a Christian?  This commonly used apologetics question comes to life in 1 Peter 3:15.  As the increasing threat of persecution becomes more of a reality, the opportunity for the Christ-follower to live out the Gospel will increase.  The critical starting point, according to 1 Peter 3:15, is the heart!

The heart-felt submission to Christ as King spurs one on toward actions that hold His name in the highest regard.  The fear of the Lord and the Lordship of Christ will rule and define one’s actions and intentions.  The motivation to share the Gospel, and the endurance to withstand persecution are rooted in a sincere passion for Christ and His Word.  Since it is His love that compels and saves us, we should be driven to share Jesus with love.

Being able to share Jesus calls for preparation.  Every beleiver should be a student of the Word, and be aware of culture.  The defense that Peter mentions is similar in verbage to a legal defense offered to a judge.  Our life and words should be so convincing and solid in our position that our faith can be defended.

Many extremists damage our name by their conduct in a failure to recognize the spirit of our defense, as described in 1 Peter 3;15.  Defending with gentleness and respect does not accommodate physical attacks, abuse, etc.  The grace which we can communicate and exhibit is often the key ingredient that religions are missing.  It is our grace and love that can compel people of other religions to be open to the Gospel.  This does not mean that Christians should be defenseless and quiet.  This does not mean that Christians should be tolerant of all religions and sin to the extent that we do not stand for truth.  It does mean that our words and methods should be covered with grace.

3:14  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (1 Pe 3:14). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The church is under persecution across the globe.  Friends in India face legal battles and threats of death, as they continue to spread the Gospel.  ISIS continues to broaden its grasp in the Middle East and beheads professing Jesus.  In an interview with “Fox and Friends” on March 8, 2015, Rev. Franklin Graham said, “I believe we’re going to see persecution in this country. We’ve already seen many laws that have been passed that restrict our freedom as Christians.” These facts ring true even further as I recall words of encourgement expressed to me personally on a trip to India in 2013.  Many of those pastors who have themselves been persecuted expressed a commitment ot pray for America, as they can see that persecution is coming our way.

1 Peter has had several mentions of the sufferings experienced by the church (1:6-7; 2:12, 19-21; 4:12-19; 5:9-10).  In 1 Peter 3:14 we are drawn back to very similar words used by Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12.  God promised blessing.  There is no need to fear, but to rejoice.  Our trust and hope should be in Christ alone.

While my flesh is anxious, as the father of two girls; my heart is overwhelmed with gladness as this likely reality at the likelihood of persecution in America.  All around us we see signs of Jesus’ eminent return, and around the globe His church is growing, in the midst of persecution.

5:16  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ga 5:16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

In modern day computer programming, it is common to utilize an “if, then” method.  Simply stated if one enters this data, then this outcome is provided.  In nearly every aspect of life, we understand the “if, then” principle.  If one eats too much, then they gain weight.  If one spends more money than they make, then they go into debt.  On a more critically important level, Paul offers a major “if, then” concept in Galatians 5:16.  “If we walk by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh”

Unfortunately, many believers ignore this advice.  In order to avoid feeding the fleshly desires, most feel that conferences, self-help books, podcasts, or counseling are required.  According to Galatians 5:16, it simply requires us to “walk by the Spirit”.

So what does it mean to “walk by the Spirit”?  The verb, “walk”, is an imperative written in the present tense. Often Paul will use the imagery of walking to describe the Christian life, or daily conduct of a believer.  In its broader sense, “to walk”, implies to walk around after someone or to walk in a particular direction.  Imagine the disciples who walked with Jesus.  They followed Him, wherever He went.  George wrote, “In Paul’s vocabulary, to walk in the Spirit or be led by the Spirit means to go where the Spirit is going, to listen to his voice, to discern his will, to follow his guidance.”  George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 386). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

It could simply be interpreted to “walk after” the Spirit.  This verb tense understanding allows for accurate application to present day life.  As we go throughout our day, and our life, we should seek to recongize the leading of the Holy Spirit in each moment and follow His lead.

I am not suggesting that conferences, self-help books, podcasts, and counseling are not beneficial.  In fact if the Spirit leads us to those things, then they become tools that He uses in our path.  It becomes a matter of perspective.  Are we dependent upon God the Spirit, or are we dependent upon our own strategic means?

5:7  You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Ga 5:7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

At a crowded starting line of a marathon, it is common to see a runner tripped up by congestion.  Perhaps he is tripped up by an aggressive competitor who intentionally impedes the racer’s progress.  This image gives us a good visual of Galatians 5:7.

Many athletes can start well, but it is important how one finishes.  Throughout Paul’s letters he would frequently use athletic references.  Running was used specifically here in Galatians 5:7, and also in 1 Cor. 9:24-27, Phil. 3:14, and 2 Timothy 4:7.  The idea of running carries with it endurance, persistence, fervor, and focus.  It seems that the Galatians had struggled with all of those characteristics.  From Paul’s first visit to them, they got off to a strong start.  As Paul said it, “You were running well.”

The word “hindered” literally means “cut in on”, or “held you back”. The visual of a crowded starting line in a race gives the imagery described.  A competitor cuts in on another racer to trip them up, or to gain an advantage.  Although in the form of the Judaizer, the answer as to who cut in was very clear.  Paul certainly understood that the Enemy was at work.

The Devil had craftily twisted their minds to fall away from the “truth of the Gospel”, as Paul references in Galatians 2:5, 14.  The perception is that the Galatians had not fully been convinced to follow the Judaizers, therefore Paul is arguing to convince them to return to the Gospel.

The Gospel is not simply to be heard, but is also to be obeyed.  The verb tense of “obeying” in 5:7 is in the present tense.  As believers we are called to obey the Gospel continually.  Our attention to the Gospel should influence all areas of our life, therefore a solid understanding of the Gospel is required.

We are able to resist the temptation of the Galatians if we develop a clear understanding of the Gospel, and walk in obedience as we apply the Gospel to our life.  We must always be aware of the Enemy’s schemes to impede our progress.  Praise the Lord.