Exiles In a Hostile World

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at 1 Peter 3:13-17.

[Scripture introduction] Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, writes his letter to a group of spiritually displaced Christians living in their homeland. Yet their communities publicly ostracize and physically harass them. Perceiving their suffering and affliction for the gospel, Peter sends a word of comfort and exhortation during their time of distress.

In this section of Scripture we are about to read, the Word of God addresses the root issue of Christian exiles experiencing suffering for righteousness’ sakes, and how they are to respond to the outside world using their testimony as an occasion to proclaim Christ and embody his likeness.

Peter’s letter is written to encourage all believers in the midst of suffering and provides assurances on why we behave and proclaim according to the grace given to us.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these words on how should Christian exiles responding to their hostile world in 1 Peter 3:13-17. Please stand with me for the reading of the Word.

[Prayer for illumination] Almighty God, let the Spirit illuminate our minds of the hope that resides for those who are exiles for Jesus Christ. Richly bless us to receive these Scriptures, so that your Son is glorified forever. Amen.

[Introduction] In A.D. 155, at the age of 86, Polycarp was arrested for his faith. When the Roman authorities demanded that he renounce Christ and swear allegiance to Caesar, Polycarp refused. The governor urged him, saying, “Swear by the fortune of Caesar. Take the oath, and I will release you. Curse Christ.”

Polycarp’s response is remembered as one of the most remarkable testimonies in Christian history. He said, “Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”

Because of his steadfast refusal to deny Christ, Polycarp was sentenced to be burned at the stake. The authorities tied him to the pyre, but according to accounts, the fire miraculously did not consume him. Seeing this, the executioner was ordered to kill him with a sword.

You might imagine that Polycarp’s story as a long distance memory of the past on Christian suffering, but that is far from the truth.

According to Open Door, a ministry that specializes resourcing and reporting about Christian persecution, last year alone: 4,998 Christians murdered, 14,766 Churches and Christians properties attacked, and 4,125 Christians were detained.

It is as if the world continues to be hostile to Christians…this suffering and persecution wasn’t a surprise to Jesus. He anticipated the suffering of those who lived for righteousness’ sake by giving his own followers a word of encourage for the day when they would experience affliction for their faith. Jesus told them..

Matthew 5:10–12 ESV

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The same persecutions and hostility from the world really hasn’t change in the last two millennia, and yet, God’s people are called to be exiles in a foreign land. We are living as sojourners who are heaven bound waiting for the return of our king. We know that the world is hostile to those who believe in Jesus and if we suffer for Jesus’ sakes. How should we respond? Another way of saying it.

[FCF] How does your relationship with God as a spiritual exile make you different from the hostile world you live in?

[Scripture bond] Which is why I call you eyes to return to 1 Peter 3:13-17 on how Christian are to live as exiles in a hostile world..

[Proposition] As exiles who live in a hostile world, we elevate Christ because he is our blessing, hope, and purpose for life.

[Main point 1] As exiles who live in a hostile world, we understand that our blessings are bigger than our greatest fears (vv. 13-14).

[Explanation]

If you do good and should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. How can one say this? When we consider blessings be temporal and earthly we cannot possible say we are blessed if we lost it all. What blessings are upon his people?

1 Peter 4:14 ESV

14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

God’s presence in your life is your blessing. It rest upon you! Therefore, we should not fear the ones who can harm us or be trouble by them because your blessings are greater than your greatest fears.

[Illustration]

In the midst of facing our enemies, we can take inspiration from the courageous story of David, who despite the intimidating presence of Goliath, trusted in God's greater power to deliver him. Just as David's faith in God's presence allowed him to overcome his enemy, we too can find strength in knowing that God's presence is far greater than any enemy we may encounter.

[Application] We trust God’s presence as exiles in world of suffering.

[Main Point 2] As exiles who live in hostile world, we choose to honor Jesus by sharing the hope that lives in us (vv. 15-16).

[Explanation] The world would slander your character and yet, we give them a reason why we believe in Jesus Christ.

[Illustration] My personal testimony is my life.

[Application] Share with the world our hope whenever possible.

[Main Point 3] As exiles who live in a hostile world, we remain passionate for practicing good regardless of the cost (v. 17).

[Explanation] We follow Jesus example to do good, following the God’s plans.

[Illustration] Jesus taking up the cross for our sins, suffering for the good of man to redeem us.

[Application] We choose to do good. Serving the kingdom, caring for the poor, and loving the outcast because Jesus did first.

[Conclusion] As exiles who live in a hostile world, we elevate Christ because he is our blessing, hope, and purpose for life.

We are different because we have Christ’ Spirit in us. He is our blessing, hope, and purpose.

Let’s live in this hostile world with blessing, hope, and purpose because of Jesus Christ.