How can we prepare to answer questions about our faith like John did? Setting the Scene “So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’” (John 1:22) John’s Model for Answering • Knew his identity: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness” (v. 23). • Pointed away from self and toward Christ (vv. 26–27). • Quoted Scripture without hesitation (Isaiah 40:3). • Spoke plainly, humbly, yet confidently. Roots of Readiness • Saturated with Scripture (Psalm 119:11). • Anchored in a life of repentance and obedience (Luke 3:3). • Filled with the Spirit even from the womb (Luke 1:15). • Practiced solitude and simplicity, keeping distractions minimal (Luke 1:80). Practical Steps for Us Today 1. Study the Word daily – 2 Timothy 2:15: “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God… who accurately handles the word of truth.” – Schedule undistracted time; read whole books, not just verses. 2. Memorize key passages – John 3:16; Romans 3:23–24; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4. – Rehearse aloud until they flow naturally. 3. Pray for Spirit-led boldness – Luke 12:11–12: The Spirit supplies words in the moment. – Acts 4:31: Believers “spoke the word of God boldly.” 4. Cultivate humility – Proverbs 15:33: “Before honor comes humility.” – Remember, like John, we are voices, not the Light. 5. Live consistently – Titus 2:7–8: “In everything, show yourself to be an example of good works.” – A credible life gives weight to spoken answers. 6. Practice explaining the gospel – Use simple outlines (Creation–Fall–Redemption–Response). – Share personal testimony in three minutes: life before Christ, meeting Christ, life after. Key Scriptures to Keep on Our Lips • 1 Peter 3:15: “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.” • Romans 1:16: The gospel is “the power of God for salvation.” • Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Closing Encouragement Like John, we are simply voices pointing to Jesus. When the inevitable “Who are you?” comes, may our prepared hearts, Scripture-shaped minds, and Spirit-empowered words make Christ unmistakably clear. |
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