What You Believe — Does It Matter?

What You Believe—Does It Matter?
By: Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-16

I. Overview: A large percentage of Americans no longer believe in the truth of God’s Word. Most think any belief is acceptable as long as it satisfies those who hold to that view. As a result, people no longer have a clear sense of right and wrong. Violence, greed, and immorality are rampant. However, God’s standards haven’t changed. The consequences of sin—now and in eternity—remain the same. It’s vitally important to base our beliefs on the Word of God so that you and I can be a light to this dark world.

II. What do Americans believe?

A. Only a third of adults believe that the Bible is the fully inspired Word of God and can be taken literally word for word.

B. More than half of all adults surveyed believe that a good person can earn a place in heaven. But Scripture teaches otherwise: Because we are born with a sin nature, Jesus’ death was absolutely essential for us to enter heaven. Christ said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).

C. Forty-two percent of Americans believe Jesus was merely human, not divine—and that He rebelled against the Father during His lifetime. But Christ had to be absolutely holy for His death to pay the sin-debt of humanity.

D. Six out of ten adults believe Satan doesn’t really exist—that he is merely a symbol of evil. As a result, they will find it almost impossible to identify and avoid evil.

E. Of those surveyed, the majority of men and women under the age of 25 think that all beliefs are equally valid. The hopelessness they feel is reflected in school shootings and other crimes committed by young people.

F. Some seminaries teach their students to doubt the Word of God; the result is that fewer and fewer pastors are grounded in biblical principles. It’s not surprising that many people in our country lack a Christ-centered moral compass.

III. What does the Bible say about defending truth?

A. You and I should be prepared to explain what we believe (1 Peter 3:15). Knowing the truth protects us from being influenced by unbiblical teaching (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

B. Our values are vitally important because they affect every area of our lives. For the most part, our thoughts determine our actions. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you should develop a belief system based on the authority of Scripture.

IV. How does knowing what we believe help us?

A. To prevent us from being misled: Unless believers know the truth, they can easily be swayed by an eloquent or charismatic leader whose teaching is not based on the Bible (2 Tim. 4:1-4).

B. To protect us from intimidation: Notice that in 1 Peter 3:14, the apostle encourages believers not to fear. Those who are grounded in God’s Word can confidently stand against a world that mocks and attacks our faith. That’s why parents need to teach their children biblical principles.

C. To prepare us for answering sincere questions. Jesus said to preach the gospel to the entire world (Matt. 28:19-20). People may not want to hear the truth, but their eternal destiny depends on it. They may criticize and talk badly about you, but many times, those same individuals will come find you when they need help.

V. Conclusion: Can you defend your beliefs on the basis of principles found in God’s Word? If not, you leave yourself vulnerable to false teachings, open to temptation or satanic attack, and ill-equipped to defend your faith or share the plan of salvation with the lost. Prepare yourself to defend biblical principles. Then you will be ready to make a difference in a world that desperately needs the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

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