Not Our Home #5 – Hope Worth Defending
1st Peter 3:13-17 - Victory Fellowship
May 14, 2023 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
Mother’s Day
I. Introduction:
I’ve mentioned these last couple of weeks, Peter is writing to a group of Christians who are experiencing a tough life. In today’s text Peter shares about a hope worth defending – even in the wake of suffering.
a. (Council of Nicea, 325 A.D.)
At the Nicene Council, an important church meeting in the 4th century A.D., of the 318 delegates attending, fewer than 12 had not lost an eye or lost a hand or did not limp on a leg lamed by torture for their Christian faith. I think of how easily so many churches closed their doors during this covid-19 event. I fear we are not cut of the same cloth as these 4th century believers.
b. The righteous will suffer (consider JOB)
i. Suffering in the New Testament is directly related to Christian testimony.
ii. Peter relates to a persecuted church that there is good in suffering for the gospel
c. Peter is basically saying “what goes around…” or “do unto others…” (Pay back w/ blessing) Most people will return good for good.
d. In their times of trial Peter wants to encourage these churches in Asia to check their attitude.
i. Lewis Dunnington: What life means to us is determined not so much by what life brings to us as by the attitude we bring to life; not so much by what happens to us as by our reaction to what happens.
e. Peter is not naïve: he knows that the threat of persecution is real and inevitable.
i. He is preparing the churches for this. He offers instruction on how they should live in the face of suffering.
II. PETER REMINDS THE CHURCH WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DEFINE THEM:
a. #1 - They are SET-APART. Holy. The Lord is sanctified in their hearts. They do not adhere to the ways of the world.
b. #2 - They are ALWAYS READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE FOR THE HOPE THAT IS IN THEM. Not only believe, but ACT like they believe that Jesus is primary. Hope worth defending.
c. #3 – They SHARE THEIR FAITH WITH TRANSPARENCY AND AUTHENTICITY
i. Meek and gentle
ii. Forgiving – remembering they are too
iii. Having a clear conscience
III. Peter indicates that for people who possess these characteristics they will identify more closely with Christ in their suffering and God will use it for good.
a. Christians can relate to these words
Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
b. Peter uses Noah to illustrate. (100 yrs-8 saved)
i. Boarded a minority, came off a majority
IV. Conclusion:
a. Peter’s point is that there is nothing a child of God will suffer that God can’t overcome and use for good. In Christ, we have a hope worth defending.
b.
We have a refuge and strong defense in the Lord
God invites us to call upon Him in our distresses
We can expect deliverance in keeping with His will
PRAYER
SONG: God Really Loves Us
1st Peter 3:13-17: Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?
But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! NLT
