Introduction: 1. We suffer. We suffer for being a Christian. 2. When we suffer for being a Christian how do we react? 3. 1 Peter 3:13-22 tells us how to respond to our persecution. I. Don’t be afraid (verse 14). A. The challenge: Don’t be troubled shaken or stirred up or afraid of their terror intimidation/fear. Suffering has been a part of the Christian experience (Acts 5:40, 41; 7:57-60; 12:1-4). Don’t fear-seize with terror. B. Must face with courage (Josh 10:25; 1 Chron. 28:10, 20; Ps. 31:24). C. Knowing these promises (Ps. 118:6; Prov. 29:25; Ja. 1:12). D. Illustration: Martin Luther (Reformation leader) was told to deny the Lord. He said that God had never done anything to him and that he would not deny the Lord. He had the courage to stand against those that oppressed him for his beliefs. II. Sanctify the Lord in your heart (verse 15). A. The challenge-Sanctify set apart Christ as the sole object of our love, reverence, loyalty, and obedience (Rom. 13:14; Phil 3:14; Col. 3:4). Realizing his greatness Christians submit to the Lord’s will (Mk. 3:35; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 10:36). B. We are to submit to the majesty of God (Dt. 4:35; Ps. 90:2; 99:9). C. Illustration: Tom Landry, the legendary coach of the Dallas cowboys, was once asked the secret to his success. He attributed it to the priorities that he had in his life. He said they were: God first, family second, and football third. III. Keep a ready defense (verse 15b). A. The challenge: The Christian must defend the truth. (Defend as in a courtroom). The truth may be questioned but stand up for it (Jude 3, Phil 1:17; Acts 7, 19). B. Our defense of the truth must be: 1. Reasonable-intelligent, logical (Acts 24:25; Mt. 16: 7, 8). 2. Gentleness (2 Tim. 2:24, 25). 3. Respectful. C. Our defense must come from a studied position (2 Tim. 2:15; Ps. 1:1, 2; Acts 17:11; 1 Tim. 4:13; 1 Thes. 5:27). Remember Judges 2:10-14. IV. Keep a good conscience (verse 16). A. The challenge: Keep the inner part of man that acts or calls to action based on the highest standards clean (1 Tim. 4:2; Eph. 4:18; 2 Tim. 1:3; 1 Tim. 1:1, 19). Note: The conscience does not make light but it lets the moral light in and so it must be kept clean. The conscience would not be our sole or ultimate authority because of the possibility of being corrupt. B. Reason: When others make charges against us they will not stick (Tit. 2:7, 8; 1 Thes. 1:7, 8; 1 Cor. 9:27). V. Keep your eyes on Jesus (verses 18-21). A. The challenge: Remember what Jesus did. He suffered for man and thus reconciled man. B. Our responsibility is to look at Jesus (Heb. 12:2; Rev. 3:21; Mt. 14:29; 2 Cor. 8:9).
Entered on 4/27/2008
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