Why Deal with Texts that Trouble People

Sermons by Bob Vincent and Others

After looking at the demand the unbelieving pagans made to King David -2 Samuel 21-1-14-, we explored why it is important to address passages in the Bible that distress people.--1 Peter 3-15 commands us to put the Lord Jesus first and always to be prepared to give the reason for the Hope we have.--Most people have no hope, we must manifest the joy and peace that comes from walking with Jesus in such a way that people will ask why we are as we are.--We must answer them with gentleness. The Greek word that's translated -gentleness- is a word that means not really being hung up on your own importance -praut-s, -------- -the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one's self-importance,- BDAG, p. 861-.--We must answer them with respect. The Greek word there is the word for fear -ph-bos, -----, -b. reverence, respect, -. toward God . . . -. toward humans, respect,- BDAG, p. 1062-, and what does he mean to fear people-- It's not really fearing people, it's what the Christian has towards God- great respect.--We must not try to defend what people who claimed to follow Jesus did from AD 325 on, because it is apparent that most leaders did not follow the example and teachings of the Lord Jesus.--But it is important to be able to defend the Lord Jesus and his Word.