Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | 1 Peter 3:8–22 (2)

Introduction:

· Advancing secularism: How to live in a culture that feels so different from what we’re used to

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THIS IS NOTHING NEW. IN FACT, WE ARE MUCH CLOSER TO THE CULTURE OF THE EARLY CHURCH. SO WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

I) Christians Witness In the Way They Live (vv. 8-12)

A. Where are we? Christians are in Babylon

i. “All of you…Exiles”

1. Peter’s closing remarks speak to the WHOLE church(vs. 8)

2. And, Peter sees the church as “chosen exiles 2.0” (ch. 1:1)

ii. As Christians we are rooted in “Babylon”

1. We think of ourselves as “Promised Land” Christians, but we are Exiles

2. Expect a culture where Christianity is strange, out of touch etc.

B. How do Christians Live in Babylon?

i. Failed Options (and why they don’t work):

1. Avoid(which assumes the world is so corrupt, that it can spread)

2. Antagonize (the world must be conquered and its up to us to do it)

3. Assimilate (if the church is going to be relevant, we must compromise)

ii. In one sense, we are engaged with the world as representatives of Christ

1. A counter-cultural witness: We Live “IN CHRIST” (vv. 16; 8-9)

2. Many don’t reject logical arguments, they reject poor witness

3. EXAMPLE: We want to “destroy” in debates; critical; prideful

iii. In another sense, we are engaged in a way that leads to slander

1. BUT…our behavior will ALSO lead to hostility, slander?! (vv. 14, 16)

2. SO: a paradox! We are so engaged in the world that we are blessing the very people who are out to get us, AND, we are holding to convictions that will alienate the world

3. God has called you into your community, family, home, work, school, to represent Christ.

PETER IS REALISTIC ABOUT THIS TENSION.

II) How do we Witness Where We Are (vv. 13-17)

A. We witness by Giving an answer for our Hope (vv. 10-12)

i. The Problem: We WILL Suffer for Righteous living

1. The ideal (vv. 10-12) and reality (vv. 13-14) Peter is realistic

2. EXAMPLE: When you insist on honesty/integrity; when you reject the values of this world; don’t joint gossip…people WILL harass you!

ii. We are to be people with hope (vv. 15)

1. Our conduct isn’t self-righteousness, but points of a greater kingdom!

2. APPLICATION: Many of us are cynical about the world, we’re critical, we leave here on Sunday and by Monday we’re talkinga bout everything wrong; but do you have hope?

iii. We are to give an answer for our hope

3. APPLICATION: Consider who you might pray for who doesn’t know Jesus, talk about the hope you have in Jesus

4. BUT: a note – we are not to be jerks about it! (vs. 15b-16)

B. We can do this by setting apart Jesus As Lord

i. Two reasons we won’t do this:

1. Our Mind: We aren’t sure what to say (we’ll address that this summer)

2. Our herat: (troubled and afraid (direction of culture; kids etc.) (vs. 14)

ii. The one thing to do (vs. 15a)

1. Setting apart Jesus is a posture of the heart, recognizing HE is sovereign

2. EXAMPLE:

Transition:

Conclusion

* Positive changes for Christianity?