1 Peter 3:13-22 ESV
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. 18 For Christ also suffered 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 he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because 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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A Christian’s response to suffering for doing good in hostile world:
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Remember you are blessed.
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1 Peter 3:14 ESV
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
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James 1:2 ESV
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
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Matthew 5:10-12 ESV
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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Don’t be controlled by fear.
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1 Peter 3:14 ESV
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
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Psalm 118:6-7 ESV
6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.What can man do to me? 7 The Lord is on my side as my helper;I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
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Set apart Jesus as Lord.
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1 Peter 3:15 ESV
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,
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Isaiah 8:13 ESV
13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
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Be ready to share your hope.
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1 Peter 3:15 ESV
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,
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Maintain a good conscience.
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1 Peter 3:16-17 ESV
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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Philippians 2:14-15 ESV
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
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2 Timothy 3:12 ESV
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
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Matthew 5:16 ESV
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
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Application:
Suffering, trouble, and hardship that come from doing good provide opportunities to tell others about Jesus.
