Simon Says W3

What is up Vertical. We have week 3 in our Simon says series. We are going through the book of 1 Peter to extra some biblical principles that we can apply to our live. Let’s go ahead and jump right in. Here is my main point:

Main Point: Our relationship with Jesus brings a promise in the commands, a blessing in integrity and an ability for hope.

Difficult Password: I want a latte rn

I will give $5 to anyone who can guess my password on the first try. You only get one guess, and I will give you no clues.

I know it was a trick game. Some of you are probably really frustrated with me or with yourself right now. I get it. I would be too. But that’s how things can be sometimes when you meet a challenge that seems impossible to overcome.

As we read 1 Peter 3, you may feel that some of this things are hard or even impossible to accomplish, but I want to encourage you today that we have the Holy Spirit within us that is working on our sanctification- making us more like Jesus. (1 Cor. 6 11)

Principle #1: A promise in the commands 8-12

1 Peter 3:8-12 “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.””

Peter is giving principles to live in a pagan culture- we live in a pagan culture.

V.8 “be like-minded”. What does it mean to you? No. What does it mean? Objectively

Being a follower of Christ encompasses these characteristics.

Like-Minded

Sympathetic

Love one another

Compassionate

Humble

Not vengeful

Kind

When Christians fall short of that is not God’s fault, is our sinful nature.

But these characteristic will give us a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)

Peter is quoting the Old Testament (Psalm 34) This principles are not new, they have been established by God for centuries.

God has set commands for us not as a way to oppress us but as a way to bless us.

The boundaries that God sets are ALWAYS for our good.

There is a promise in God’s commands but also

Principle #2: A blessing in integrity 13-17

1 Peter 3:13-17 “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.” 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.”

Persecutions occurs even when there is eagerness for peace and good.

Our integrity matters.

Do you have strong moral principles? Listen students, having a biblical moral principle is not a political statement.

Why are you a Christian? Why should someone else be?

Because it is true.

Why would someone ask you of the hope that is in you? Because they see your life, they see you suffering and they see you attitude towards life.

Gentle & Respect. How we share matters as much as what we share.

Brother Ramos- preaching everywhere He went.

An ability for hope

We have a hope to share with others. Here is one way I have found gives me an opportunity to share Jesus, to present a defense for my faith in a gentle and respectful way.

Share Jesus without fear

5 questions

Do you have any kind of spiritual beliefs?

To you, who is Jesus Christ?

Do you think there is a heaven or hell?

If you died, where would you go? If heaven, why would God let you in?

If what you are believing is not true, would you want to know?

Ask, can I share what I believe with you?

Would you be willing to read some Bible verses with me?

Bible verses to share the gospel

Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23

John 3:3

John 14:6

Romans 10:9–11

2 Corinthians 5:15

Revelation 3:20

Just like the first illustration, I know this sometimes feel impossible to accomplish but it is not. You have the ability to share the good news of Jesus with friends that are in dire need of hope.

Main Point: Our relationship with Jesus brings a promise in the commands, a blessing in integrity and an ability for hope.