The Story: This brief verse is packed with wisdom for those who are called to vindicate the Christian worldview before the scoffers of this age. The focus in these remarks is on the sovereignty of God and the certainty of His Word’s being fulfilled. Scoffers may choose to overlook Biblical truth in the array of “facts” they select as the foundation of their worldview. Christians know that the only thing that allows them to think, converse, make arguments, and continue existing is the Word of God, Who upholds the universe and all things in it (Heb. 1.3). We also know that Word has determined the course or human history and will one day fully and finally vindicate Himself against all scoffers. We rest in the sovereignty of Christ even as we argue the case for Christ, looking forward to the appearing of Christ, for which we earnestly long. We don’t have to “win” every argument, in other words; we simply need to make a reasoned explanation for others to consider. God Himself will make the final argument in His own defense, whether now or in the coming day of wrath.

The Structure: The only way we can keep from becoming angry, passionate, and denunciatory toward those who scoff at us is to rest in the sovereignty of God and to follow His example in giving a “reason” (Greek: logon) for the hope that is within us. God sent His Logos for all the world to consider; we bear witness to that Logos by Logos-like lives and “logical” (Logos-like) explanations of the faith, knowing that it is God Who gives life and brings forth fruit as He pleases (Jn. 6.63; 1 Cor. 3.7). So we don’t have to convince or convert anyone; we simply need to explain, gently and with respect, resting in the sovereign pleasure and timing of the Lord.

How would you suggest keeping this in focus as you are talking with an unbeliever who is beginning to become a bit heated?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “Blind to the Truth: 2 Peter 3.1-10,” simply click here.

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.