Sermon Notes—“Overcomers - Submission in the Family (Part 3)”
“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”
13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.
If you Live Life God’s Way you will gain the RESPECT of those around you, both believers and unbelievers.
7 When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.
But if you Live Life God’s Way you will also certainly be PERSECUTED at some point by somebody.
12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
51 “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division;
How can you prepare yourself to suffer for righteousness?
1. PREPARE to share your faith in a spirit of meekness.
1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (ESV) 2. PROVE you’re a Christian by how you live, not just by what you say.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
3. PROTECT your heart from discouragement by remembering God’s plan and that Jesus has already claimed the victory.
Fear is the consequence of being short sighted.
When believers suffer for righteousness it is part of God's plan to reach the lost.
