TITLE: Tomato Frog
TEXT: 1 Peter 3:13-17
PROPOSITION: Christians must be ready to defend their
faith
QUESTION: When?
KEY WORD: Preparations
SCRIPTURE READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
- In
Costa Rica is a red "Tomato" frog.
- When
attacked it emits a deadly poison.
- Attacker
spits him out – too late – already injured and dies.
- Christians
are often too late in putting up our defenses.
Defend what?
- The
gospel – Philippians 1:17 "set for defense"
- The
challenge – would defame, revile – verse 16
- Our
hope – verse 15 "be ready to answer reason for hope"
- Ourselves
– Acts 26:2
- Our
baptism – 1 Peter 3:21 "the answer (defense) of a good conscience"
- Against
Satan – Ephesians 6:11, 16 "put on whole armor of God"
Defend how?
- Ready
– always ready – text
- Prepared
– Romans 1:15 "I am ready to preach in Rome"
- Study
– 2 Timothy 2:15 "to show yourself approved"
- Prayer
– Ephesians 6:18 "pray always being watchful"
Defend when?
- Always
alert, on guard, watch – Matthew 24:42 "Watch, no know day or hour"
- Before
temptation comes – Matthew 26:41 "not enter into temptation"
- Before
darkness comes – 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 "not sleep, watch and be sober"
- Before
you are trapped – Luke 21:36 "counted worthy to escape"
Conclusion:
- The
best defense is a good offence.
- Christians
must be on the attack against evil.
- We
must be pro-active not reactive.
- Sword
of Spirit and Prayer are our offensive weapons.