In today’s world, we face a multitude of challenges—physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and, most critically, spiritual. Our faith is constantly being tested. The only effective way to defend our hope is through a deep knowledge of Scripture, understanding God’s will, and living in obedience to it.
Galatians 2:4-5 – And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. (NKJV)
The call to give a defense for the hope within us is not optional—it is a requirement for all Christians.
- Can we truly answer questions about our faith?
- Are we prepared to explain the foundations of Christianity with clarity and conviction?
Jesus Himself described His generation as “faithless and perverse” (Matthew 17:17), and Peter declared in Acts 2:40 that the way to “be saved from this perverse generation” is to be “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).
Yet, as Paul warns in Acts 20:29-30, we will not entirely escape the perversions of our age. Wolves will arise—even from among our own number—speaking perverse things to draw believers away from the truth.
A Spiritual War, Not a Physical One
Throughout Scripture, we are warned about false teachings and false teachers who twist God’s Word for personal gain. This is part of the larger spiritual warfare in which every Christian is engaged—not against flesh and blood, but against the forces of darkness.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (NKJV)
The defense against such perversions is not optional—it is our duty. As Galatians 2:5 teaches, we must never yield to false teaching so that the truth of the gospel is preserved. God has promised to preserve His Word (Psalm 12:6-7), but we are commanded to defend it against distortion.
The Subtlety of Satan’s Deception
We may believe that we are insulated from false teachings, that the church walls will protect us. Yet, Satan is a master deceiver, often attacking where we least expect it.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness. (NKJV)
One of our primary responsibilities as believers is to protect our families. We must equip our children with a strong foundation in the truth so they can discern error. As Proverbs reminds us:
Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (NKJV)
In today’s culture, moral boundaries are constantly shifting—marriage, divorce, and same-sex unions are increasingly normalized under the guise of “changing times.” Without a biblical foundation, even believers risk being swept along with these cultural tides.
Testing the Spirits
We are commanded to evaluate every teaching and influence against God’s Word.
1 John 4:1 – Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (NKJV)
This testing is essential, for many will speak the language of faith yet promote the agenda of the world. Only by knowing the spirit of truth and the spirit of error can we stand firm.
Equipped Through the Word
The ability to defend the truth requires diligence in study.
2 Timothy 2:15 – Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (NKJV)
We must study God’s Word to recognize error, understand the nature of our spiritual enemy, and know how to respond effectively. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 that we commend ourselves as ministers of God “by knowledge”—knowledge that must be applied with wisdom and prayer.
Always Ready to Give an Answer
Peter’s words serve as both an instruction and a challenge:
1 Peter 3:15-16 – Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. (NKJV)
Our defense must be firm in truth, yet gentle in spirit—rooted in love for God and for the souls we seek to reach.
Final Exhortation
We live in a world that persistently challenges our faith. The perverse generation Jesus spoke of still exists today, and the wolves Paul warned about still prowl. Our defense must be built on God’s unchanging Word, strengthened through study, prayer, and unwavering obedience.
The battle is spiritual, but our weapons—truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—are mighty through Him. Let us be steadfast, watchful, and always ready to defend the faith for the glory of God.