Being Prepared in 2014 – audio

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As the new year begins, many people have made new year’s resolutions.

Have you made yours? As children of God, there may be some things we could do better. Consider our text: 1 Peter 3:15-17. Let’s focus on three things that Peter encourages Christians to do.

Be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15).

Peter encourages Christians to show why we believe what we believe! Many times we are asked about our faith, but how often can we steer someone to the right place in God’s Word for an answer?

When Jesus was faced with temptation by the devil, he often said, “It is written (Luke 4:4-12).” He knew what His Father wanted Him to do, and so should we!

Paul taught Timothy the importance of studying God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15), which we can all do better this year.

Peter teaches us to “desire the pure milk of the word, that we may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).”

Have a good conscience (1 Peter 3:16).

The Hebrew writer wanted to have a good conscience, and asked others to pray for him in that regard (Hebrews 13:18-19). It should be our goal to have a clear conscience before God and live honorably before Him.

Be prepared to suffer for doing good (1 Peter 3:17).

Jesus Christ is the perfect example for suffering for good. Many people persecuted Him, and He even died on the cross for our sins. If we are to follow Him, we need to be prepared to stand up for the truth when others oppose us.

Paul taught the Philippians, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Philippians 1:29).” Similarly, Paul told Timothy: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).”

We know that this coming year will bring tests of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Let us be prepared to give an answer for our faith, stand before God with a good conscience, and even suffer for doing good when necessary. May God bless us all as we serve Him this year!