Suffer for Righteousness

Intro

Have you ever suffered for doing the right thing?

Yeah pastor, every Sunday when I make myself listen to your sermon!

As we work through more teaching in 1 Peter, I invite you to visualize a time (past, present, or hypothetical future) where this might be the case

The letter has many good points made in seemingly haphazard order; best to take it step-by-step

Read 1 Peter 3:9-18 and pray.

Suffer for Righteousness

We all suffer for a variety of reasons

Peter is NOT talking about:

Self-imposed suffering

From mistakes or doing the wrong thing (i.e. getting fired from Safeway for stealing $5 deposits from water bottles)

Avoidable suffering

Do not seek out or glorify suffering (i.e. self-flagellation)

Not required to stay in a place of suffering if betterment is possible

It’s not good advice to “pick up your cross” and stay in a physically abusive marriage situation. Get safe!

Grief and suffering

The suffering that comes from tragedy and loss is legitimate, but not the scope of what Peter is teaching here

Peter refers to “suffering for righteousness’s sake” (v. 14)

In other words, suffering for doing the right thing

Small things

Give examples of the $100 bill (grocery money) or refusing to join the rumour mill

Big things

2011 movie “Courageous;” man whose family is barely scraping by is offered a promotion… if he helps cook the books; turns out to be an integrity test

Faith things

Refer to conversation with Thor and the hardship of being a Christian student in high school and university in particular

Story of John Bunyan - Puritan preacher arrested in England from 1660 - 1672 for preaching the Bible; had a wife of 1 year (after first wife died) and had four children under 10; read from page. 56.

Do Not Fear

The first step to respond to unjust suffering for doing the right thing is to not be afraid

It is less likely that people will harm you when you do good (v. 13a)

When you live peaceably with others and do not revile them, you will have more friends than enemies

Even if you do suffer for doing the right thing, don’t fear those who seek you harm (v. 13b)

Peter is aware that there will always be those who hate Christians, just as there were those who hated Christ

Cf. John 15:18-19.

This will be the exception, but it is also to be expected from some, especially as “the world” moves further away from Christian values

In these rare instances, we should not fear this hatred or any threats that come with it

Instead, our we should fear the Lord

Cf. Matthew 10:28 (Jesus sending out his apostles)

Fear the Lord because He is our eternal judge

Yikes! That is harsh… but also makes sense

Fear the Lord in reverance of His holiness (v. 15)

Different type of fear; now attributed to Christ the Lord as holy

Respond Gently

Having overcome fear, we can respond gently

Fear = fight or flight; neither help endure suffering well; just fan the flames

Similar to advice you would give your child about a bully at school

Give a gentle defense to the hope that is in you (v. 15)

Suffering for doing the right thing and following Christ still allows us to give a defense

We aren’t to be doormats who never stick up for ourselves

But this defense needs to be given in “gentleness and respect” (v. 15)

Hard to do when harsh words and false accusations come your way

Can help deflate a situatoin and calm down conflict

Advice given to couples about to be married: It is REALLY hard to stay mad at someone who is calm, gentle and respectful

Defense = “apologia” = apologetics

Not a personal defense, but a defense of the hope that is in you (hope of Christ)

Also not limited to experts of professionals; we ALL need to be prepared to give this defense

Best way to do this is share your own personal story

NO ONE can argue what Jesus has done in your life; it is a powerful and true story… give them a reason for the hope that is in YOU

Go a step further and repay reviling with blessing (v. 9)

It is not enough just to refuse to repay evil with evil, we are called to go the extra mile and repay evil with good

Cf. Romans 12:20-21.

This is how we can overcome evil, by combating it with good

When is the last time you went out of your way to do good to someone who hates you, or is your enemy, or reviles you? What would that look like?

Joke about someone you haven’t talked to in a while dropping off gifts

Follow the Example of Christ

This is only possible because of the model we have in Christ (read 1 Peter 2:21-25)

He committed no sin and told no lies (v. 22)

He did not revile in response (v. 23a)

He feared His Heavenly Father as judge (v. 23b)

He laid down his life for the healing of others (v. 24)

He did all of this to bring people to God (1 Peter 3:18)

More than a model, we need to “walk this way” (re-read 1 Peter 2:21)

Not sinless; but called to have “a good conscience” (v. 16)

A person’s internal witness to their own behaviour; satisfaction of choosing right over wrong

Do not speak back to those who revile and slander us

Jesus had EVERY RIGHT to push back, don’t fuel this fire by playing the slander game

Keep fear of the Lord over fear of those who could harm us

Leave justice in God’s hands; He is the ultimate judge and will make wrongs right

Sacrifice yourself for the benefit of others

This is what it means to repay evil with good

Endure suffering with the primary motivation of bringing people to God

It is for their sake, not ours. Suffering for doing the right thing is OTHERS-centred

Receive a Blessing

When we live out our calling this way, the Lord promises to bless us (read 1 Peter 3:9-12; quotes from Psalm 34:12-16)

NOT necessarily the blessing of relief from suffering

Might God deliver you and defend you today? Yes! But that is not the promise and this is not a formula

Instead, a blessing in the midst of suffering

Blessing in this life (re-read 1 Peter 3:12)

God is turned towards you; mindful of you; and hears your prayers

All of this becomes your best way to endure suffering for righteousness; it truly helps!

Read another excerpt of Bunyan, pg. 75-76.

Blessing in the life to come (cf. Matthew 5:10-12)

Your reward is great in heaven! What does this mean? I don’t know!

But it is something we trust; that enduring suffering now (temporary) leads to rewards in heaven (eternal)

This math adds up pretty quick

Conclusion

So, do the right thing!

When you come into conflict because of it:

Fear God more than others

Respond gently and with blessing

Remember and follow the example of Jesus

Receive a blessing that even suffering can’t take away

Pray