LIVING FOR GOD IN OUR WORLD, PART 7

I’ve Got Something To Tell You!
February 26, 2023

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Four things we need to have to share our faith story…

1. We need properly focused HOPE

I Peter 3:15 - “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

• The Christ follower’s hope is…

An OPTIMISTIC outlook based on POWERFUL promises.

• The world’s hope is…

An OPTIMISTIC outlook.

• How do I know if I’m focused?

1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

2. We need individually prepared REASONS

I Peter 3:15 - …”Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

The best reasons I can give are the PROMISES that mean the most to me.

How do I get prepared?

3. We need sincerely expressed GENTLENESS

I Peter 3:15-16 - “but do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

Hebrews 4:13 - For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

1 Peter 2:12 - Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

How do I know if my attitude is right?

4. We need courageously maintained CONFIDENCE

1 Peter 3:20 - God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

The illustration of Noah reminds us of two things:

A. If Noah didn’t have to PRODUCE results, neither do we.

1 Peter 3:20 - … it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water..

B. If Noah could handle the INSULTS and PERSECUTION, so can we.

Gen 6:5-6 - The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.

How do I know if I’m really ready?

1 Peter 3:15 - …But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord…