1 Peter 3:13-17 Do not fear man

Introduction

Peter is writing to new Christians who are trying to cope with being now strangers in a strange land.

Peter is addressing Jewish and Gentile Christians, so it is helpful for him to refer to the OT, in this case, the prophet Isaiah, for credibility with the Jews and for background for the Gentiles.

Christians were coming under increasing persecution in the empire, as their numbers grew. Disagreement between Nero and his predecessor over the deity of the emperor

Peter is telling reminding these Christians that God is all powerful and He will watch over His people.

Men are weak and sinful, and are powerless against God. We may well suffer for righteousness sake, but this is temporary, as we are under God's care.

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

As priests in His Kingdom, we have duties that we need to accomplish in a difficult environment.

In this part of the letter, Peter is explaining what Christ expects of His people and what we can expect in return.

These are the Lord's clear expectations of His people. They are clear standards.

Main Point: We need to stay focused on Christ, His righteousness and His benefits in all our dealings with men and women, and know what we believe about Jesus and why.

When we have the opportunity to explain our behaviour, we need to be able to articulate what makes us different, and why we are so blessed. Christians need to know why they believe what they believe

God’s people will always face opposition and persecution. When confronted by sinful attacks our response needs to bring glory to God.

The Lord may send challenges our way, that result in suffering, but it brings glory to Him for us to suffer for righteousness, rather than suffering for sin and wickedness.

Point 1: No harm will come to Christ’s followers

1 Peter 3:13–14 “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,”

Explanation:

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things (good and bad) to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Peter here is drawing a contrast between how we might fear suffering in our old ways, and how we should view it as Christians.

KJV says that happy are ye, instead of the word blessed. We are not only blessed thru righteous suffering, but we should be happy when it happens - as this gives us an opportunity for witness.

NIV says “eager to do good” rather than zealous. Its not an exact translation of the Greek, but gets the point across.

Suffer is a key word. Christians can be expected to suffer in this world. People "fear" suffering, but a Christian who suffers for righteousness is blessed of God and can be happy. Everyone must suffer - we must not fear it.

Is 8:13 (which Peter quotes) reminds us that it is the Lord, not man, who is to be feared. For this reason, we need to seek the will of God, not man, in our lives. Is 8:12 tells us that we don't need to fear the things of this world, it is the Lord of Hosts. 1 Pe 4:14 reminds us that when we are reviled in the name of Christ, the Spirit of glory and of God is upon us.

Isaiah is about the power and glory of the Lord. Is 8:12 reminds us that we can be distracted by worldly fear, fear of men, and this is a distraction from the will of God.

Luke 12:4–5 ““I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!”

Illustration:

Our governments and work places are provided by God for our good, but in these days, the spirit of Anti-Christ is working in them.

COVID 19 restrictions

Hebrews 10:24–25 “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Two pastors in Canada were jailed for obeying God’s word. Those churches went underground to meet.

One church in California was taken to court

Argumentation:

We live in a world where governments are increasingly trying becoming like the Roman government was. Any religion that conflicts with the ethics promoted by government will be attacked.

Application and Exhortation:

1 Peter (Exposition) - Spurgeon

Now, if in any of these ways you are made to suffer for that which is right—for speaking the truth, and acting the truth—never mind, but rather rejoice that you are permitted to suffer for Christ’s sake. Say within yourself, “If my dear Lord lost all things for me, I may well lose some things for Him. If He was stripped to the last rag for me, I may well be content to be poor for His sake.” Set your “face like flint” (Isa 50:7) and say, “We can be poor, but we cannot be dishonest. We can suffer, but we cannot sin.”

Point 2: We need to become intimate with Christ, and know what He taught, to share the Gospel

1 Peter 3:15 “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”

Explanation:

The discipline of apologetics (the art of preaching) finds its basis in this verse.

vv 14 and 15 demonstrate the difference between the view of the world and the view of the Christian. The world wants to scare us into disobeying God - but we are instead to run to his loving arms.

The word “but” shows us that Peter is showing us another contrast. That word also might be translated “instead”

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Sanctify means to set apart and make holy. We are to allow Christ's Spirit to be the motive force in our souls - to crush our sinful nature - to enable and empower us to respond to all situations in a Godly manner.

The heart is our soul and spirit. In its natural state it is wicked and sinful. Those tendencies are overcome when we yield to the Holy Spirit.

Defense/apologia is another word - suffering gives us an opportunity to share the Gospel.

Application/Exhortation: We are to ignore the noise and distraction going on around us and turn our minds and hearts to the peace of Jesus. As the world screams hate and names at us, we are to remain at peace, and offer the good news of Jesus Christ and His salvation, when we can.

Point 3: A good conscience is critical when we are slandered for Christ

1 Peter 3:16–17 “and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.”

Explanation:

Slander is an issue the Christians have to deal with in a Roman society becoming increasingly hostile to them. Part of that slander is a deliberate twisting or corrupting of the intent of Christian teachings and practices in common conversation among the unbelievers.

Matthew Henry notes that the most conscientious and best of men and women cannot escape slander. It is going to happen

Illustration: Harrison Butker, of the KC Chiefs, gave a graduation speech at his old college. He promoted Christian values and Christian views on faith and family. He is being ruthlessly attacked in the media. I’m certain his conscience is clear. This regularly happens to Christians in the public sector.

Argumentation:

Spurgeon: This is how they talk:

“He is doing it for the sake of being thought a saint.”

“He is paid for it.”

“He has some sinister motive or other.”

Or else they sum up the whole matter by declaring, “He is a downright impostor.”

Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon Commentary: 1 Peter, ed. Elliot Ritzema and Jessi Strong, Spurgeon Commentary Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014)

Application/Exhortation: In this ungodly world, Christians hold unpopular views, but our views are righteous in the sight of God. We need to be loving, but honest as we share our witness, and know that we may get in trouble for it.

Conclusion

As children of God, no one can harm us when we do His will. To do this, we need to immerse ourselves in God's Word so that Christ can overcome our sinful tendencies. We need to fear God rather than man.

Gospel appeal

If you are not a Christian, you are defenseless in a wicked and ungodly world. Moreover, you risk eternity because whether you agree with it or not, you are a sinner. We all are - we are born in sin.

Romans 3:10 “as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one;” Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Good news though: Christ, the perfect, sinless man and Son of God, died for our sins - 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,”

To become a child of God, you need to turn from you sins and turn to Christ. Romans 10:9 “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;”

I beg you - turn to Christ today and be saved.