How A Christian Defends Himself

by Mark Larson

Knowing self-defense may not, at first, seem all that important for Christians to know. After all, Jesus commands: “... Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Mat. 5:39). Yet, Jesus is condemning personal retaliation or revenge, not self-defense in this passage (cf. Luke 22:38).

However, the kind of self-defense that should be most important to us as Christians is not the physical kind, but the spiritual kind: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (2 Cor. 10:3, NASB). To “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12) and face our persecutors victoriously, we must use spiritual, not carnal means.

Christians who are living godly lives should expect to be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12). When, for example, false charges of evil are brought against us or accusations are made against what we believe and practice, we should know how to defend ourselves.

Thankfully, the Lord, through the apostle Peter, provides us with the instructions we need to properly and effectively defend ourselves from our persecutors: “... And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness (meekness – KJV) and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Pet. 3:14b-16).

“Sanctify Christ as Lord in Your Hearts”

First of all, Christians must “sanctify Christ as Lord in [their] hearts.” This is the foundation to our “self-defense” as Christians. No matter what the world may say about Christ (Note: the actual word in the Greek text is Christos / Christ, not theos / God), Christ remains holy and pure within the heart of Christians. Though others may say Jesus was an imposter, a fraud, or merely a prophet, our faith in Jesus as Christ the Lord is maintained. Christ is “sanctified” within our heart, separate from the profane or sinful comments and criticisms of our persecutors.

Christ is Lord in our hearts and thus the Lord of our lives. In order to defeat the intimidation of men, total devotion to the Lord is required (cf. Mat. 22:37). Christians who decide beforehand that the Lord will determine what they will say or do will face no uncertainty or confusion about what to do when persecuted. Christians belong to the Lord and therefore submit to the Lord and obey Him who is Master. Our loyalty lies first with Jesus Christ the Lord who has been given all authority (Mat. 28:18).

We Are to Be Ready at All Times to Defend Ourselves.

Today, the need to defend what we believe and what we practice in Christ is seen as unnecessary and even confrontational by many religious groups. Instead of standing for the truth, many have given in to secularism and the false teachings of society in order to get along with the world. Rather than refute the false charges or debate their persecutors, compromises are made in order to secure “peace” and “unity.” Nevertheless, we are commanded to “make a defense” or “give an answer” for the hope that is in us (1 Pet. 3:15). We have an obligation to give a verbal defense, a reasoned statement or argument in response to the charges of our persecutors!

Such readiness to answer our persecutors is not meant be an occasional preparation in which we speak up only when we are really “fired up” or upset about an issue. Instead, we are to be ready at all times. “... Always being ready to make a defense...” (1 Pet. 3:15). This requires prayer and a steadfast commitment to Bible study (Eph. 6:17-18; 5:17; 2 Tim. 2:15). Furthermore, we are to be ready to respond to anyone who may ask for an explanation of our faith: “... Make a defense to everyone who asks you...” (1 Pet. 3:15). There is a great temptation not to give a defense or answer to certain people like family members (to keep the “peace”) or coworkers and employers (to keep our job). However, we are commanded to make a defense to everyone, not just a few select people.

People Ask Because of Our Hope of Heaven in Christ

Often, the reason why people will ask for us to give an account, reason, or explanation of our faith in Christ is because of “the hope that is in [us]” – the hope of going Heaven. Unlike the world who does not have this hope (1 Thess. 4:13b), Christians have a genuine hope of Heaven because of their faith in the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:3-5; Heb. 6:19-20; Titus 2:13). Most people do not have much confidence or assurance in their salvation. Many are skeptical of the thought of an “afterlife” and demand an explanation. These are opportunities to give people the “answer” and share with them the soul-saving Gospel of Jesus Christ!

In Our Defense, We Must Respond As Christ Would.

The manner in which we defend ourselves is as important as the answer or explanation we give. In giving our defense, we are to speak “with meekness and fear” and “keep a good conscience” (1 Pet. 3:15-16). We should speak with boldness or confidence (Acts 13:46), but also keep our strength or power in check, lest we come across as harsh or rude. This requires meekness – the gentle, mild, calm, and kind spirit of Christ (Mat. 11:29; 2 Cor. 10:1). “Fear” or “reverence” is also important, treating each person with respect, just like we would want to be treated (Luke 6:31). Finally, a good conscience is absolutely essential. Let us not only be concerned with our conscience before God, but also before men, lest we appear as hypocrites (Acts 24:16). Effectively teaching the truth to others demands we live the truth ourselves: “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Tim 1:5). Our manner of speaking and our integrity is vital to representing true Christianity: “For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong” (1 Pet. 3:17).

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Sound Doctrine Will Produce Sound Churches Demmanding Sound Doctrine

Edward O. Bragwell


"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."-- 2 Timothy 4:1-4.

A local church is going to be about as strong and sound as the preaching it receives and is willing to endure and support. Paul's solemn charge to Timothy had a sense of urgency about it. Preach the word now, while brethren will endure it, or face a time when they will not.

For several years this writer has been paying particular attention as seasoned brethren (preachers and otherwise) express their concerns about the churches of today. The one dominant concern seems to be the caliber of preaching coming from our pulpits of late. As one old soldier of the cross expressed it to me, "I am getting tired of going to gospel meetings and hearing `fluff'." He went on to explain what he meant by "fluff." Preaching that contained very little real Bible teaching.

Brethren, strong congregations cannot be built and maintained on "fluff." Did you ever buy cotton candy? Then you know what "fluff" is. I remember, as a youngster, that I would spend my dime on a huge stick of it at the county fair. It was spun and displayed so as to make me think that I was getting a lot more for my money than I was. I soon learned that I had bought mostly fluff--very little candy inflated with a lot of air.

The sad thing about it all is that many churches had rather have "fluff" than real spiritual food. As long a churches demand it, there will be those who are willing to be paid to spin it out for them.

Sermons and classes with real doctrinal content are held in disfavor by many of today's churches. The demand is for more "relevant"(?) matters. Themes more suited for psychologists and sociologists are replacing basic Bible topics. Topics that address so-called "real problems" and "real life concerns" of "today's Christian" are replacing those that deal with what the Book says about man's basic spiritual problem, sin; and his real basic needs--conviction of sin and the salvation of his soul. Lectures aimed more at enhancing man's present happiness and welfare than ensuring his eternal well-being are by far the most widely received. Preachers that entertain and make brethren feel good about themselves, rather than producing godly sorrow leading to repentance or any real depth of scriptural knowledge, are given the most favored status among brethren. Sermons that really teach the Bible are considered, "uninteresting", "too-structured" and even "crude" by some. All too often preachers who resort to such are asked to find some place else to do their preaching. We have observed a rash of this lately.

Subjects more suitable for a civic club seminar than for a gospel meeting are commonly announced. Sunday after Sunday, if what I hear is accurate, talks that would be welcomed in any denominational church in town are passed off as gospel sermons. Unfortunately, as the title of the old country song put it, "What Lola Wants Lola Gets?"

So, all too often, preachers and elders bow to the pressure of those who want this "fluff." We know a good preacher, who is capable of making Bible studies interesting, who began a study of Isaiah (with its emphasis on the Messianic prophecies) for a college-age class. There was so much opposition to it by some members of the class that the elders saw fit to set up an alternate class--so that those who wanted to could study something more "interesting" and "relevant." As my daddy used to say, "Now isn't that a pretty come off?"

A congregation constantly fed on "fluff" will not develop an appetite for sound doctrine. Any who may have had an appetite will soon loose it. Without a desire for sound doctrine churches are vulnerable to all kinds of fables.

Neither motivational hype nor emotional manipulation is gospel preaching. Such may produce increased activity of a sort. It may even build and inspire audiences after a fashion. It may enhance the speaker's standing with brethren as a dynamic speaker. But, it will not produce a well-grounded faith based upon a "thus saith the Lord."

Brethren, our preaching must follow the pattern that Paul outlined to Timothy. In form, it must have a well-rounded combination of convincing (reproving--KJV), rebuking and exhorting (or encouraging). In substance, it must have teaching (doctrine) at the base. It is no accident that Paul, in the preceding chapter, shows the Scriptures to be profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).

Book, chapter, and verse preaching/teaching that quotes or reads scriptures and then makes clear applications of the reading seldom sweeps folks along on clouds of ecstasy. Nor does it flow quite as smoothly as Dale Carnegie trained orations. Nor is it likely to make folks jump up and down with uncontrollable joy nor roll in the aisles with laughter. It will likely cause them to mostly sit and ponder on the validity of the message--comparing it with the Scriptures before them. Once convicted of the validity of the message, they will then be motivated to act with both an intelligent and emotional response to the great message preached. They are then moved by the power of the gospel preached more than the charismatic personal power of the preacher/teacher or dynamic qualities of his delivery.

We need preachers who will preach it just like Paul and other inspired men wrote it. Preachers who will preach the word in season and out, without regard to whether churches will endure and support it.

We need churches who not only endure sound doctrine, but demand it of those they support in local work, in gospel meetings and throughout the world. Unless we have this we will continue seeing churches slide toward religious error and philosophical foolishness and away from the sound doctrine based on "what saith the Scriptures."

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Are You Teachable?

By Larry Rouse

When I first became a Christian I thought that the key to bringing others to obedience to Christ was to have clearly reasoned evidence based on the word of God. I thought “if others could just hear the truth taught simply and plainly then they too would want to follow our Lord.” My thoughts were correct as to how one is always to teach. Paul wrote “But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Cor 4:2) Teach as you would have others teach you! A man with a good conscience simply wants the truth.

I was naïve, however, concerning the hearts of men. I had incorrectly assumed that everyone wanted to know clearly what God has revealed in His word and then if convinced they would obey it. Jesus plainly taught us about the condition of men’s hearts and how that condition affects the receiving of God’s word. In the parable of the sower Jesus showed four kinds of soil that reacted to the seed of God’s word. These soils represented hearts and of those hearts only one kind produced the fruits that God’s word intended. “But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.” (Luke 8:15-NASB)

Over the years I came to realize that there are many on the rolls of local churches who are not teachable! Just like my experience with the world, I had naively believed that all my brethren needed was a clear “thus says the Lord” to bring them to repentance and to live in harmony with God’s will. But just as men rejected the gospel because of their hearts, Christians, too, can find themselves on the outside of God’s will because of a hardened heart.

Where is your heart? We need to know if we truly are receiving the word of God or if we are as the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, confident and boastful, but having a heart that even Jesus, the master teacher, could not reach. Remember our Lord’s description of them “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” (Matthew 15:8)

Consider these questions to test your heart.

Are you willing to hear?

In the explanation of the parable of the sower Jesus said “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matt 13:9). Later our Lord made this observation about men: “And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears Bare hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’ (Matt 13:14-15)


When one is serious about hearing the Bible as God’s word, he is committing himself to a life of radical change. Jesus knew that few would have a heart for this: “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (John 3:19-21) Which of these groups describe you?

Are you living a principled life?

When one’s heart is feeding on God’s word there gradually becomes an order within his life. No longer will he be swayed by emotions or relationships as to how he should act and speak but by the consistent principles of God’s word. This was Paul’s goal for every Christian. He wrote: “ that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:14-15)

Are you approachable?

Most people do not want their hearts opened and examined. When God’s word is preached they will say: “It’s none of your business” or “that’s just your opinion.” When one is truly committed to learning they will engage the one whom they disagree with. One of the most able, capable men in the New Testament, Apollos, was taught by a humble Christian couple. This simple account is given by Luke: “So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” (Acts 18:26)

What is really first in your life?

Jesus commonly dealt with religious leaders who, while having a great knowledge of the scriptures, in fact had very little concern with actually following them. Why was it not possible that they understand that Jesus was the Son of God? Jesus confronted these men by saying: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” (John 5:39-40)

These men were unteachable! Jesus knew the reason why: “I do not receive honor from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” (John 5:41-44) Most men care what others think rather than what God thinks. Where do you stand?

The men whom God can help

Our Savior wants to help and to heal all men. He will not help anyone, however, who is not willing to learn. Are you weak, burdened and struggling? If so, then there is something you need to learn: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt 11:29-30)

Are you ready to learn?

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The Gap Between the Real and the Ideal

By Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

Since we live in an imperfect environment, there is always a gap between the real and the ideal -- between things as they are and as they ought to be.

All responsible people sin, even Christians (Rom. 3:10, 11, 21; 1 John 1:8, 10). Paul described his struggle with sin while under the law (of Moses) in Romans 7:14-25. His conflict is typical of every conscientious person's struggle to bridge the gap between the real and the ideal.

We know all too well that while there are a lot of good people, there are no absolutely perfect people. There are many good marriages, good churches, good businesses -- but no perfect ones.

People make a variety of attempts, good and bad, to cope with the gap between things as they are and things as we know they ought to be.

To some, the solution is to abolish the ideal. These deny that there is a perfect or ideal standard to which man is to be held accountable To some, the solution is to abolish the ideal. These deny that there is a perfect or ideal standard to which man is to be held accountable.

There is a perfect standard for living in the world -- the Holy Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). This standard is called "the perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25). We are expected to look into it and to measure and correct our lives by it. Many, who do not deny it outright, pervert and water it down until it is meaningless as a perfect standard of living. (Gal. 1:8, 9).

To many, the solution is to accept the real without improvement. These are aware of their imperfections. They freely acknowledge their sinfulness. Yet, they have no desire to correct themselves. While a Christian must not willfully continue in sin (Rom. 6:1; Heb. 10:26), he does sin from time to time. He knows that as he sins he must correct the matter by obeying God's conditions for forgiveness. (1 John 1:7-9).

There are many areas in our lives where we fall short of the ideal, so we must continue to press on toward perfection. (Heb. 5:12-6:1; 2 Pet. 3:17,18; Phil. 3:12-15). Yet, there are many who resist improvement. They are kind of like country comedienne Minnie Pearl's brother. She said "Brother is no failure, he just started at the bottom and liked it there." Many Christians, so-called, show no desire to improve their spiritual skills.

To others, the solution is to abandon the struggle for the ideal. To others, the solution is to abandon the struggle for the ideal. The great apostle, Paul, knew that he had not yet attained the ideal for which he had been struggling so long, but he kept right on striving. He said, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." (Phil. 3:12). To others, the solution is to abandon the struggle for the ideal. The great apostle, Paul, knew that he had not yet attained the ideal for which he had been struggling so long, but he kept right on striving. He said, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." (Phil. 3:12).

Many abandon the struggle for the ideal within themselves. They know they have not reached perfection and are not likely to in this life, so they cease all efforts to improve the moral and spiritual quality of their lives. They may accept the status quo and drift along, satisfied with their present level of development, without any further effort to improve. Or they may turn to some form of escapism, such as substance abuses and hedonism, trying to avoid the pressure to improve their lives. Some even turn to suicide to get away from what they consider a hopeless struggle.

Many forsake the struggle for the ideal in their personal relationships. Since their families, their jobs, and their brethren are not ideal, they just walk off and leave them. Or, as often happens, they jump out of one relationship into another in an endless search for the ideal marriage, ideal job or ideal congregation until they finally realize there are no completely ideal situations; and that they must take their imperfect predicament and try to improve upon it or they become so dejected that they virtually become dropouts from life.

To still others, the solution is to patiently strive for the ideal. To still others, the solution is to patiently strive for the ideal. A Christian works on himself to that end. He strives to avoid sin, yet he does sin, so he repents, asks God's forgiveness, and tries again. (1 John 2:1-3). He works within his various personal relationships to bring them ever-closer to the ideal. To still others, the solution is to patiently strive for the ideal. A Christian works on himself to that end. He strives to avoid sin, yet he does sin, so he repents, asks God's forgiveness, and tries again. (1 John 2:1-3). He works within his various personal relationships to bring them ever-closer to the ideal.

A good sister may be married to a non-Christian. This is not an ideal situation, but rather than leave it, she patiently sets the proper example of a Christian before her skeptical husband, hoping to influence him to obey the Lord. (1 Pet. 3:1, 2). A father has children who are far from perfect, he patiently "bring(s) them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Eph. 6:4). This involves teaching and discipline.

A Christian is a member of a "less than ideal" congregation, but one in which he can remain and maintain his personal faithfulness. So he through "lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit" (Eph. 4:3, 4), preaches the word, reproving, rebuking and exhorting with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Tim. 4:1-4). He hangs in there making improvement where and when he can.

Impatience has a tendency to wreck rather than to build ideal situations. Nagging and coercing may force external changes, but teaching changes men from the inside out. The former may produce noticeable changes faster, but the latter produces real and lasting changes for the better. If we are not careful, our desire for instant results may cause us to lower the standard so that it can be more readily met. Impatience can also cause one to simply give up on others too quickly.

At the same time, we need to realize that patience and longsuffering have their limits. We cannot become a partaker of other men's sins in the name of patience (1 Tim. 5:22). There comes a time when stronger measures must be taken and one has to withdraw himself from those who persist in sin.

Yes, there will always be a gap between the real and ideal that must be bridged by the grace of God. We must cope with this fact. While it may be true that we will not be lost for not reaching the absolutely ideal in this life -- we may very well be lost for not reaching for it.

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