The word 'apologia,' which is a Greek word for "a reasoned defense," is better illustrated in the courtroom. You have the prosecutor (which is against the defendants case), and the defendant (which is stating/defending their case).
For apologist/theologians the verse in (1 Peter 3:15) "But [sanctify the Lord God in your hearts], and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (NKJV)," is the staple for defending "the" faith, and rightfully so, but before it says to speak, it says to 'sanctify the Lord God in your hearts,' by which means to have reverence, respect, hold sacred, and keep as a vow in our hearts.
Such is to say even before we can speak of God, we must have Him who is sacred, set apart, holy, and of reverence, as the very nature in our heart's. Only then, can our words meet our actions and such a combination is indeed a reasoned defense for the question of the hope that is in us. Amen Lord Jesus!
Now once again, let us look to the verse, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and [always be ready to give a defense] to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
By the very next words in the brackets, it says 'always be ready.' Such is to know we should always have our belief/faith cemented in what we believe in, in which case we are speaking of Jesus as Lord! Now the words that follow 'to give a defense,' simply means, to state/present your facts, as in a courtroom—a defendant that is a winner, states conclusive facts, as the Truth unfolds.
Now let us take in the last portion of this staple of Truth, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense [to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."]
Now we see in the brackets, that our statement/presentation in the former paragraph meets up with 'to everyone who "asks," you a reason for the hope that is in you,' and not merely to be ranting and raving Jesus is Lord! like a crazy person, or speaking your faith to someone who doesn't ask, by which a man/woman in God's Wisdom and Understanding will see that an opportunity was not given by the Lord to speak.
Now before we get to the closing that is by far the greater of all this Truth which actually gives light and breath for such a hope to be made known 'with meekness and fear,' let us examine 'for the hope that is in you.' If hope is in you, then by all means you are hopeful. Not for a moment, but through all, and in all, as well as for all. It doesn't say (the hope that is ON you), as if it can be discarded, but the HOPE THAT IS IN YOU, to which, it is a part of us, part of our DNA—part of our soul. Amen!
Now for the closing, 'with meekness and fear.' As I pondered this, I said "Lord what do you mean by meekness and fear? What does the Spirit say?"
Moments later, I received an email, based on another verse I wrote about, and as I prayed for the one who received it gladly, this is what the Spirit said as I spoke, "What a great blessing it is to stand before God and His children, and speak of Him not presuming to know it all, but believing in the One who does, and will make known all things according to His Word." Glory!
Therefore, to respond with meekness is to be humble (always thankful) and submissive (acknowledging) to the One—who is God of heaven and earth and the sea and to all things in them, and to respond in fear, is to stand amazed at the fact you are blessed by God to even speak of Him, rather than speaking to someone as if you are higher than them, when it is YOU! who are privileged and should be honored to speak on behalf of God.
Therefore be quick to respond in such a manner that glorifies God, and doesn't glorify man. Amen Lord Jesus!
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