July 25
But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
1 Peter 3:15
We must here acknowledge that St. Peter addressed these words to all Christians, clergy and laity, male and female, young and old, of whatever state or condition they may be. From these words it will follow that every Christian should know the ground and reason of his faith, and be able to maintain and defend it where it is necessary. Yet with gentleness and reverence. That is, if you are examined and questioned about your faith, you should not answer with haughty words, and proceed to respond with contempt and hostility, as if you would tear up a tree by the roots, but with such gentleness and reverence as if you stood before God's tribunal, and were there required to give an answer. You must stand in faith, and not rely on your own strength, but on the Word and promise of Christ
"But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you."
Matt 10:19-20
It is right, when you are to answer, that you should prepare yourself well with passages out of Scripture; but beware that you do not insist on it with a proud spirit, since God will even take the most forcible reply out of your mouth and memory, though you were previously prepared with all your replies. Therefore reverence is proper.
O let me never speak
What bounds of truth exceedeth:
Grant that no idle word
From out my mouth proceedeth;
And then when in my place
I must and ought to speak,
My words grant power and grace,
Lest I offend the weak.
What bounds of truth exceedeth:
Grant that no idle word
From out my mouth proceedeth;
And then when in my place
I must and ought to speak,
My words grant power and grace,
Lest I offend the weak.
From Five Minutes a Day with Luther .... Pastor Robin Fish http://lcmssermons.com/5mins.php?d=2008-07-2
