TITLE: Reasonable Hope

TEXT: I Peter 3:14-17

PROPOSITION: We must be ready to explain our hope.

QUESTION: Which?

KEY WORD: Questions

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

          1. The hope that is in you.

                    A. What is that hope? Eternal Life, Salvation

                    B. Reason for hope = reason for faith.

                    C. Many cannot give a reason for their hope.

          2. Let's ask some Pertinent Questions:

I. Who should be ready to give this reason?

          A. The preacher, elders, teachers

          B. All Christians

                    1] All who sanctify God in their hearts.

                    2] Col. 4:6 "know how to answer every man"

II. Why should we be ready?

          A. Command by God.

          B. Spread the Gospel, opportunity to teach

          C. Self-assurance, YOU NEED TO KNOW!

III. When should we be ready?

          A. At all times.

          B. When asked.

IV. To whom should we give an answer?

          A. All who ask.

          B. Be alert for those searching.

V. How should we answer?

          A. Meekness - Gentleness, kindly, with tenderness

          B. Fear - of God

Conclusion:  WHY AREN'T WE BEING ASKED?

          1. People don't see anything to ask about.

          2. THEY DON'T SEE ANY HOPE IN US.

          3. We have not "sanctified the Lord" in our hearts.

          4. Do you have hope?  What is the reason you have hope?