1 Peter 3:13-17

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

The Boy Scout motto is “be prepared.”  Peter wants his “troop” of believers to be prepared for life in a fallen world.  Christians should not be surprised or taken off guard when faced with persecution or ridicule.  These things should not discourage us or distract us from our mission.  In fact, these are the trials we face are instruments of God to conform us to the image of Christ and bring glory to Himself.  Preparation is key to being fruitful while serving and representing Christ in a fallen world.

PREPARE TO SUFFER FOR DOING GOOD: How is it that we can prepare to suffer for doing good?  Peter affirms that it is done by being zealous for what is good, not fearing godless men and by honoring Christ in our hearts.  This is the path to being blessed while suffering for righteousness.  We cannot allow our attitudes and actions to be influenced or dictated by those of godless people.  Though their intent may be to harm us, in reality, they are giving us an opportunity to experience the blessings of God.  We must not live in fear of what men might do to us.  Our focus must be on keeping our hearts close to Christ and in tune with His will. 

PREPARE TO SAY CHRIST IS YOUR HOPE: When we live a life of good works that is honoring to Christ, we will face accusations and questions about why we live the way we live.  When this happens, it is important for us to be ready to point to Christ as our source of hope and strength.  Our actions will almost always lead us to opportunities to speak the truth and point others to Christ.  These opportunities must be seized so we must prepare for them.  It is important that every believer know to clearly and concisely share the Gospel accurately.  We should rehearse this presentation and then use it frequently.  It should include a recounting of our own testimony that focuses on God’s work in our lives and what we believe about Christ.

PREPARE TO SMILE IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY: When we suffer unjustly, and have the opportunity to testify about Christ, we must remember to do it in a loving way.  Peter describes this as gentle and respectful.  It is easy to speak in anger or in a condescending way to those who cause us pain unjustly.  We must protect our hearts from this kind of vengeful spirit.  We are to continue to demonstrate the love of Christ with our lives. When we love those who show us hatred, we end up causing them to feel shame.  When we stoop to their level and respond with anger, we simply affirm their convictions about us and ruin our own testimony.  Since we are likely to suffer either way, it is always better to suffer for doing good than to suffer for doing evil.

APPLICATION: Understand that we will need to persevere in doing good as we live in a sin-cursed world. Don’t be controlled by the fear of men by the fear of the Lord.  Be ready to talk about what Christ has done in our lives in a way that clearly presents the Gospel.  Love the people around us, especially those who try to attack us.  Gently and respectfully share the love of Jesus for them and affirm our love for them as well.

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