DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
Teach us, O Lord, to know the reason of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15), and to be able to defend the faith against all who come. Plough deep in us, great Lord; and let the roots of your grace strike into the roots of our being, until it shall be no longer I that live, but “Christ that lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Holiness, also, of life we crave after. Grant that our speech, our thoughts, our actions, may all be holiness, and “holiness unto the Lord.” We know that there be some that seek after moral virtue apart from God. Let us not be of their kind; but may our desire be that everything should be done as unto the Lord, for you have said, “Walk before Me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1). Help us so to do, to have no master but our God, no law but his will, no delight but himself.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“…but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
We want Bible students as Christians—men who not only believe the truth, but have good reasons for believing it. We want men who can meet error with the argument, “It is written,” and can maintain the truth at all hazards, using weapons taken from the armory of God’s inspired Book. Oh, that we had among us more who were fit to be teachers! May we grow in grace so that, when the question is asked, “Who is this?” we may be able to answer it.
Covet earnestly this spiritual gift of knowledge, and give yourselves diligently to the search after it, that you may become fully established in the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a blessing you will be to others if you have much knowledge of the things of God!
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Know, understand, apply, share, and defend Bible truth
Today we prayed that God would help us grow in knowledge and holiness, so that we are better equipped to defend the faith and teach others. The study of theology is an important discipline for all Christians. It will always be well worth your time to think and study about who God really is (and not just who the world says he is).
A great resource for getting started with the study of theology is 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding and Teaching Theology by Gregg Allison. This book offers a quick, biblical explanation of fifty crucial doctrines.
Each doctrine covered in the book is explained and defended biblically, and then applied to our own lives — how does this truth change the way we live and follow God?
This is also a great book for those further along in their study of theology, serving as a quick reference and teaching guide for every doctrine (The book also shares tips for teaching these doctrines to others).
I hope you’ll grab a copy of 50 Core Truths and be equipped to “give a defense” for your hope.