I figure we'll knock this one out first so there is no confusion. 1 Peter 3:15 is the scripture reference I used at the beginning intro to this blog, but the answer is actually found in the next verse. Verse 16 says, "[so]...that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed."
We are constantly pressed to give account for our beliefs, but if we don't know why we believe, or we can not give reason for that belief, or if we can not provide factual evidence of our belief, then we fall susceptible to the "evildoers" (those that don't believe as we do).
You see, the enemy (Satan and his minions) know that the vast majority of Christians today do not know their Bible; that they do not comprehend the scriptures or their meaning. They know that a high majority of believers in Jesus Christ can not, and will not, give a defense for what they believe. Why? Because of ignorance.
Understand, we are at war. The enemy comes against us any way he can, and because of this, he is always looking for a way to undermine your determination as a Christian. He is always watching for the weaknesses you display in order to magnify that weakness, and thus overcome your ability to fight!
What Peter is saying in this scripture is: Don't be a fool, and allow your ignorance to become your weakness! He, and other writers of scripture (through the leading of the Holy Spirit), is begging and pleading with you to make sure you are knowledgeable about what you believe. If you are, you will silence those that try to come against your ignorance, and in doing so will prove their own ignorance in the process.
Why do you think Paul was telling Timothy to "...be diligent to present yourself approved to God..."? He was training Timothy to study so he would be able to give an answer for what, and in Whom, he believed. The fullness of that scripture proves this point. 2 Timothy 2:15 continues by saying, "...a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
King Solomon stated, "Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction." (Proverbs 10:14) He understood the basic principle of war...Know your enemy, know yourself. You see, the enemy will eventually talk himself into his own trap. If you know when to speak, when to not speak, and what to know, you will find that the enemy will defeat himself! This is something else that Solomon knew and shared with us just a few chapters later. He said, "He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit." (Proverbs 17:27)
The Bottom Line: Don't play the part of the fool! Study to better understand your position NOW, so when your enemy tries to attack you are prepared in what to say, what not to say, and when to say it! Always go to the source of knowledge -- the Holy Bible, God's Word!
"Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information on it."
---Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)
