1 Peter 3:13-17 Sonny Naz/Pastor 25 May 2008

“ How many Christ’s followers today will risk their lives for the sake of sharing the Gospel to others?”

“ Are you prepared to suffer for Christ?

I. Possibilities (vv. 13-14a) Readiness to Stand for JESUS 1. Possibility that we won’t suffer at all (v. 13) "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?" (v. 13) Q?: A: “ No One.”

I. Possibilities (vv. 13-14a) Readiness to Stand for JESUS 1. Possibility that we won’t suffer at all (v. 13) 2. Possibility that we might suffer for what is right (v. 14a) "But even if you should suffer for what is right" (v. 14a)

“ Doing right does not guarantee a trouble-free life.”

I. Possibilities (vv. 13-14a) Readiness to Stand for JESUS II. Peter’s Advise (vv. 14-16) 1. Be joyful (v. 14a-b) "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed" (v. 14a-b).

I. Possibilities (vv. 13-14a) Readiness to Stand for JESUS II. Peter’s Advise (vv. 14-16) 1. Be joyful (v. 14a-b) 2. Be brave (v. 14c) "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened" (v. 14c).

I. Possibilities (vv. 13-14a) Readiness to Stand for JESUS II. Peter’s Advise (vv. 14-16) 1. Be joyful (v. 14a-b) 2. Be brave (v. 14c) 3. Be sanctified (v. 15a)

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord" (v. 15a).

Only CHRIST matters.

I. Possibilities (vv. 13-14a) Readiness to Stand for JESUS II. Peter’s Advise (vv. 14-16) 1. Be joyful (v. 14a-b) 2. Be brave (v. 14c) 3. Be sanctified (v. 15a) 4. Be apologetic (v. 15b)

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect“ (v. 15b).

“ We must be winsome if we would win some.”

On a practical level, this means listening to people, paying attention to them, looking at them while we talk to them, listening for the details, remembering names, and letting them tell us about their spiritual journey.

I. Possibilities (vv. 13-14a) Readiness to Stand for JESUS II. Peter’s Advise (vv. 14-16) 1. Be joyful (v. 14a-b) 2. Be brave (v. 14c) 3. Be sanctified (v. 15a) 4. Be apologetic (v. 15b) 5. Be honest (v. 16)

"Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander" (v. 16).

I. Possibilities (vv. 13-14a) Readiness to Stand for JESUS II. Peter’s Advise (vv. 14-16) III. Ponder these Words (v. 17) "It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" (v. 17).

They may kill us but that's all they can do. They can't touch the soul.

But whether we live or die, God has promised to deliver us in the end. If you understand that, you are truly blessed.

If your heart is set on earthly things—possessions, pleasure, financial security, business success, upward mobility or career advancement, then you are most vulnerable.

“… if you give your life to Jesus and if you enthrone him as Lord , no one - not even the devil himself—can take that away from you. You are totally secure.”