Living Hope: Part 7 Suffering Well

1 Peter 3:8-22

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Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12 that anyone who wants to follow Jesus will be persecuted. Peter agreed, and he shows us how to endure.

1) Live Counter-culturally

“8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
11 They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12 NIV

2) Suffer with Perspective

“13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 

Peter isn’t saying, “suffering isn’t real.” He’s saying it’s not ultimate, it’s not permanent, and you’re blessed despite it.

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:13-17 NIV

3) Trust Jesus’ Victory

“18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” 1 Peter 3:18-22 NIV

“If God preserved Noah when he stood in opposition to the whole world, he will also save his people, even though they are now being persecuted.” Dr. Tom Schreiner

Worship Song List:

Glorious Day

Firm Foundation (He Won’t)

Back to Life

O Come To The Altar