The Witness of Our Hope
“THEY WILL KNOW YOU BY THE HOPE YOU HAVE”
I Peter 3:15
How do we Share our hope on others?
1. FOCUS ON THE OBJECT OF OUR HOPE
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.
Hope is a POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE PLACED on a POWERFUL PROMISE
How do I know if I'm focused? When my heart is undivided
2. PREPARE TO GIVE OUR OWN REASONS FOR THE HOPE WE HAVE
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
The best reasons I can give are the PROMISES that mean the most to me.
How do I get prepared? Get very familiar with promises in the Bible
3. AVOID BEING OVERBEARING WHEN SHARING OUR HOPE
"but do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
How do I know if my attitude is right? When God’s Word is honored in your attitude
4. BE OBEDIENT TO GOD AND HE WILL GIVE US COURAGE TO SHARE OUR HOPE
"[Jesus] went and proclaimed God's salvation to earlier generations who ended up in the prison of God's judgment because they wouldn't listen. You know, even though God waited patiently all the days that Noah built his ship, only a few were saved, eight to be exact."
I Peter 3:19-20
The illustration of Noah reminds us of three things:
a. If Noah had JESUS with him, so do we.
b. If Noah didn't have to PRODUCE RESULTS, neither do we.
c. If Noah could handle the REJECTION, so can we.
How do I know if I'm really ready? When you start looking for opportunities to share your Hope