1 Peter 3:13-17
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
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Nothing you
is worth
to God’s
.
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We
what other people do.
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We
what we do.
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is
with you.
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We need God’s
in the
of the
.
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No
can take away your
for
.
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1 Peter 3:18-22
18 For Christ also suffered[b] once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which[c] he went and proclaimed[d] to the spirits in prison, 20 because[e] they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
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Questions to Consider:
Why do you believe in Jesus?
Where would you be without Jesus?
What has Jesus motivated you to change?
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can do
than you
you can.
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You can
against
.
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your
.
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Sermon Discussion
1 Have you ever been ostracized or criticized for a righteous response to unrighteous behavior? What was the ultimate outcome? Read Matthew 5:10-12 and James 1:2-4. In light of criticism or persecution, where were you able to find blessing? What practical lesson did you learn from pursuing righteousness?
2 Read 1 Peter 3: 13-17. Peter writes that the consequences of doing what is right are worth any suffering that follow. How would we be different if we lived without fear of earthly consequences for doing right? Read Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28. How do Peter’s words echo Jesus’ teaching?
3 How do you deal with fear? Read Psalm 56:3-11. As fear increases for David, what also increases? How can intentionally praising God in times of fear make us less afraid? When fear creeps in, what qualities of God can we praise that will help push fear away? Read Isaiah 41:10, 1 John 5:14-15, and Psalm 46:1-3.
4 Placing faith in Jesus Christ leads to salvation that gives believers a tangible hope.
How does our hope in Jesus Christ lead us to peace when we face persecution or trials? Why should the hope and peace believers have make it easier to respond in times of stress rather than react?
5 Read 1 Peter 3:14-16. How does a gentle and Godly response to unrighteous behavior serve as a testimony to your faith?
6 What difficult situation/relationship/issue are you currently facing? How would your life change if you surrendered this to God, pushed the fear away, and fully relied on God’s strength? Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. How can you use the circumstance that seems overwhelming to glorify God?
John’s challenge for the week: 1 Peter 3:15 says in part: “… be prepared to give a de-
fense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the HOPE that’s in you.” Can you give a reason to an unbeliever for your hope in Christ?
Let these questions help you craft your answer:
1. Why do you believe in Jesus Christ?
2. Where would you be without Jesus Christ?
3. What has Jesus Christ motivated you to do or to change in your life?