Topical Bible: Meekness: Saints should Answer for Their Hope With

◄ Meekness: Saints should Answer for Their Hope With ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Meekness is a virtue highly esteemed in the Christian faith, often associated with humility, gentleness, and a quiet strength. It is a quality that reflects a Christ-like character, enabling believers to respond to others with grace and patience. In the context of defending one's faith, meekness is particularly significant, as it shapes the manner in which Christians are called to articulate the hope that resides within them.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to embody meekness when defending their faith. In 1 Peter 3:15 , he writes, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect." This passage underscores the importance of a gentle and respectful demeanor when engaging in apologetics or discussions about one's faith.

Meekness in the Life of Jesus

Jesus Christ is the ultimate exemplar of meekness. In Matthew 11:29 , He invites His followers to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Jesus' life and ministry were marked by a profound meekness, even in the face of opposition and suffering. His responses to His accusers and His interactions with sinners and the marginalized were characterized by compassion and humility.

The Role of Meekness in Evangelism

Meekness plays a crucial role in evangelism and witnessing. It allows believers to engage with others in a way that is non-confrontational and inviting. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 2:24-25 , advises, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." This approach fosters an environment where the message of the Gospel can be shared effectively and received openly.

Meekness as a Fruit of the Spirit

Meekness is also listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 , which states, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." As a fruit of the Spirit, meekness is a natural outgrowth of a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit's work. It is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of strength under control, reflecting a life that is aligned with God's will.

Practical Application

For Christians today, embodying meekness means approaching conversations about faith with a spirit of humility and respect. It involves listening actively, responding thoughtfully, and maintaining a demeanor that reflects the love and grace of Christ. Meekness does not compromise the truth but presents it in a way that is palatable and persuasive, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who hear.

In summary, meekness is an essential quality for believers as they answer for their hope. It is a reflection of Christ's character and a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel in the life of a believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hope of the Redeemer's Return
... of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear ... of this promise constituted the
hope of the saints in those ... set before Abram was that his "Seed" should be a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter two the hope of.htm

Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ...
... The saints of the ... you make the subject of question is, whether God should be worshipped,
and whether this wise God and Christ should be followed ... where meekness? ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter x answer to the objection.htm

Of the Church
... Apostle himself explains it, means, "the saints," the holy ... the same spirit of lowliness
and meekness, of longsuffering ... the members of the Church should be holy ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 74 of the church.htm

Whether it is Fitting to Say that when Christ was Baptized the ...
... to the gift of fear, wherewith the saints delight in ... and from the fire, that their
simplicity should not be ... which is effected in baptism, "meekness was required ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is fitting to 2.htm

V. ...
... gone, and have exalted those to be saints, who teach ... of the hope that is in you,
with meekness and fear ... For though our honor, life and property should be taken ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iii v .htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... the church there 'with all lowliness and meekness, with long ... Now him that God receiveth,
him should you receive ... that God receiveth the unbaptized saints; I will ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... of several good works which Christians should diligently observe ... of life, as certain
false saints taught and ... your love, humility, patience and meekness if you ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventeenth sunday after trinity the.htm

The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those ... as well for the edification
of saints as for ... eldership connected with each flock should be competent ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm

The Mission of the Christian Home.
... all the rest "fellow-citizens with the saints, and of ... are called, with all lowliness
and meekness." "Magnify your ... And should God remove them from you by death ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter ii the mission of.htm

One of Paul's Thanksgivings
... of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering ... to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved. ... of the inheritance of the saints in light.". ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xiii one of pauls thanksgivings.htm