1Preparing For Persecution (3:13-18)

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

Preparing For Persecution (3:13-18)

INTRODUCTION: Peter and Paul were the two leading apostles in the early church. Paul was assigned especially to minister to the Gentiles, and Peter to the Jews (). The Lord had commanded Peter to strengthen his brethren (32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

and to tend the flock

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

and the writing of this letter was a part of that ministry. Peter told his readers that this was a letter of encouragement and personal witness (). As we look at 1 Peter, we will see how the three themes of suffering, grace, and glory unite to form an encouraging message for believers experiencing times of trial and persecution.

and the writing of this letter was a part of that ministry. Peter told his readers that this was a letter of encouragement and personal witness

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

). 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

As we look at 1 Peter, we will see how the three themes of suffering, grace, and glory unite to form an encouraging message for believers experiencing times of trial and persecution.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. As we look at 1 Peter, we will see how the three themes of suffering, grace, and glory unite to form an encouraging message for believers experiencing times of trial and persecution.

These themes are summarized in ,

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

****What threefold purpose did Peter have in writing this epistle?

To encourage steadfastness in the face of persecution (5:10)To remind them of their special privilege as God's "holy nation" (2:9)To instruct them as to their proper conduct (2:11-12)

1. Having described the proper conduct of Christians in various

What threefold purpose did Peter have in writing this epistle?To encourage steadfastness in the face of persecution (5:10)To remind them of their special privilege as God's "holy nation" (2:9)To instruct them as to their proper conduct (2:11-12)

What threefold purpose did Peter have in writing this epistle?To encourage steadfastness in the face of persecution (5:10)To remind them of their special privilege as God's "holy nation" (2:9)To instruct them as to their proper conduct (2:11-12)What is suggested as the theme of this epistle?Conduct becoming the people of GodWhat is suggested as the key verses in this epistle?-121. Having described the proper conduct of Christians in various

What is suggested as the key verses in this epistle?

What is suggested as the key verses in this epistle?-121. Having described the proper conduct of Christians in various

11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1. Having described the proper conduct of Christians in various

Having described the proper conduct of Christians in various

relationships, Peter now turns more specifically to the subject of

suffering.

That the first recipients of this epistle were experiencing or would

experience persecution is evident from 1:6; 4:12-19; 5:8-10

Now, under normal circumstances, what Peter writes in verse 13 is

the rule...

"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what

is good?"

But there are times when Satan will make every effort to bring harm to those who try to follow the will of God. From the moment Jesus was brought into this world, Christians were persecuted. We should expect it as a believer in Christ. We should welcome it as a follower of Christ. We should endure it being a follower of Christ.

to those who try to follow the will of God. From the moment Jesus was brought into this world, Christians were persecuted. We should expect it as a believer in Christ. We should welcome it as a follower of Christ. We should endure it being a follower of Christ.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Then Polycarp with solemn countenance looked upon the whole multitude of lawless heathen that were in the stadium, and waved his hand to them; and groaning and looking up to heaven he said, ‘Away with the atheists.’ 3But when the magistrate pressed him hard and said, ‘Swear the oath, and I will release thee; revile the Christ,’ Polycarp said, ‘Fourscore and six years have I been His servant, and He hath done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?’

Polycarp was an old man, at least 86, and probably the last surviving person to have known an apostle, having been a disciple of St. John. This was one reason he was greatly revered as a teacher and church leader. Polycarp was a bishop of the early church, a disciple of the apostle John, a contemporary of Ignatius, and the teacher of Irenaeus. According to Irenaeus, Polycarp “was instructed by the apostles, and was brought into contact with many who had seen Christ.” He lived from the latter half of the first century to the mid-second century. Polycarp was martyred by the Romans, and his death was influential, even among the pagans. When he was brought in the arena to be burnt, it was said of him :

Polycarp with solemn countenance looked upon the whole multitude of lawless heathen that were in the stadium, and waved his hand to them; and groaning and looking up to heaven he said, ‘Away with the atheists.’ But when the magistrate pressed him hard and said, ‘Swear the oath, and I will release thee; revile the Christ,’

Polycarp said, ‘Fourscore and six years have I been His servant, and He hath done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?’

10. But on his persisting again and saying, ‘Swear by the genius of Cæsar,’ he answered, ‘If thou supposes vainly that I will swear by the genius of Cæsar, as thou sayest, and feignest that thou art ignorant who I am, hear thou plainly, I am a Christian.

But on his persisting again and saying, ‘Swear by the genius of Cæsar,’ he answered, ‘If thou supposes vainly that I will swear by the genius of Cæsar, as thou sayest, and feignest that thou art ignorant who I am, hear thou plainly, I am a Christian.

****Knowing that we will, as Christians, face persecution, How, then, should Christians prepare themselves so that they might be victorious in overcoming whatever persecution might come their way? Let us read our verses for today...

be victorious in overcoming whatever persecution might come their

1 Peter 3:13-18

way?

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

[In verses 14-18, we can glean at least five points in "Preparing For

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit

***IN VERSES 14-18, WE CAN GLEAN AT LEAST FIVE POINTS IN "PREPARING FOR PERSECUTION". THE FIRST POINT I WANT TO LOOK AT IS TO....

Persecution"...]

I. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE BLESSED IF YOU SUFFER FOR CHRIST (3:14,17)

A. THIS TRUTH IS STRESSED TWICE BY PETER IN THIS EPISTLE...

1. HIS TRUTH IS STRESSED in our text -

We should not fear what our persecutors can do to us, we should have fear of Almighty God.

28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

2. Even more definitively in

2. HIS TRUTH IS STRESSED Even more definitively in

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

a. Where he adds that the "Spirit of glory and of God

a.HIS TRUTH IS STRESSED Where he adds that the "Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you"

upon you"

rests upon you"

b. Those who suffer for the cause of Christ are fortunate, for God is with them

God is with them

B. THIS REINFORCES WHAT CHRIST TAUGHT while He was with the Disciples...

1. That those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed -

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

blessed -

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

2. In this passage, two reasons are given for such blessedness:

2. In this passage in Matthew 5, two reasons are given for such blessedness:

a. Your reward will be great in heaven

b. You are in the company of God's prophets of old

C. CERTAINLY YOU ARE BETTER OFF SUFFERING FOR CHRIST, THAN SUFFERING FOR EVIL...

FOR EVIL...

1. As Peter writes in For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

2. Suffering for evil is what WILL happen if we are not willing

to stand up for Christ

3. And suffering for Christ is only temporary, but the suffering for evil is eternal!

4. No Christian should ever suffer because of evildoing, and no Christian should be surprised if he suffers for welldoing. Our world is so mixed up that people “call evil good, and good evil” and “put darkness for light, and light for darkness” ( Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; That put darkness for light, and light for darkness; That put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;

That put darkness for light, and light for darkness;

for evil is eternal!

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 415). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

***IN PREPARING FOR PERSECUTION , WE NEED TO AND SHOULD....

That put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 415). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

II. SANCTIFY THE LORD IN YOUR HEARTS (3:14-15)

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

A. WHAT DOES IS MEAN TO "SANCTIFY THE LORD GOD IN YOUR HEARTS"?

1. The word "sanctify" means "to set apart"

2. Thus it means to set the Lord up on the throne of your heart, to make Him the Lord and Ruler of your life

to make Him the Lord and Ruler of your life

a. Ruling over your own desires

b. His Will taking precedent over your own will and that of others

others

3. It means to turn everything over to Him, and to live only to please Him and glorify Him. It means to fear displeasing Him rather than fear what men might do to us. How wonderfully this approach simplifies our lives! It is 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

and I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

What does it mean to “sanctify Christ as Lord” in our hearts? It means to turn everything over to Him, and to live only to please Him and glorify Him. It means to fear displeasing Him rather than fear what men might do to us. How wonderfully this approach simplifies our lives! It is and combined into a daily attitude of faith that obeys God’s Word in spite of consequences. It means being satisfied with nothing less than the will of God in our lives (). One evidence that Jesus Christ is Lord in our lives is the readiness with which we witness to others about Him and seek to win them to Christ.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

combined into a daily attitude of faith that obeys God’s Word in spite of consequences. It means being satisfied with nothing less than the will of God in our lives (). One evidence that Jesus Christ is Lord in our lives is the readiness with which we witness to others about Him and seek to win them to Christ.

B. THIS IS THE KEY TO FACING PERSECUTION WITHOUT FEAR OR WITHOUT

B. THIS IS THE KEY TO FACING PERSECUTION WITHOUT FEAR OR WITHOUT BEING TROUBLED...

BEING TROUBLED...

1. For unless we sanctify the Lord in our hearts, we will be

afraid of what man might do, or be troubled by what he

threatens

2. But when we make Christ and God Lord, we will not fear what man might do.

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

man might do - cf.

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

III. ALWAYS BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE FOR THE REASON FOR YOUR HOPE (3:15)

***IN OUR PREPARATION FOR PERSECUTION, WE SHOULD....

(3:15)

III. ALWAYS BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE FOR THE REASON FOR YOUR HOPE (3:15)

A. OBSERVE CAREFULLY WHAT PETER IS NOT SAYING...

1. He is NOT saying that we need to be ready to give an answer

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

for EVERY question on religious matters that someone might ask

2. As some have used this verse as a proof-text

3. While we should certainly strive to be able to explain why we

A. PETER IS SAYING...

do what we do in matters of religion, that is not the point

Peter is making here

A. INSTEAD, PETER IS SAYING...

1. To always be ready to give a reason why you have the HOPE you do, WHY...

do

a. to explain the basis of your hope (your strong desire and expectation)

and expectation)

b. This implies that our desire and confidence for the future is so strong that it is observable by others

is so strong that it is observable by others

c. Even in the midst of persecution, we are demonstrating joy over the hope we have ,

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

over the hope we have - cf. ,

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.2. To do so in the proper spirit

2. To do so in the proper spirit

2. We need to give the defense in the proper spirit...

a. In the spirit of MEEKNESS

1) This pertains to our attitude toward men

2) We should be humble, not arrogant or angry

b. In the spirit of FEAR

1) This pertains to our attitude toward God

Every Christian should be able to give a reasoned defense of his hope in Christ, especially in hopeless situations. A crisis creates the opportunity for witness when a believer behaves with faith and hope, because the unbelievers will then sit up and take notice.

This witness must be given “with meekness and fear [respect]” and not with arrogance and a know-it-all attitude.

IV. KEEP YOUR CONSCIENCE CLEAN (3:16)

***ANOTHER PREPARATION IS TO...

IV. KEEP YOUR CONSCIENCE CLEAN (3:16)

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 414). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.IV. KEEP YOUR CONSCIENCE CLEAN (3:16)

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

A. A REASON TO KEEP YOUR CONSCIENCE CLEAN...

1. As given by Peter in our text

2. That this together with your good conduct will likely to cause your enemies to be ashamed for mistreating you

your enemies to be ashamed for mistreating you

3. If not ashamed in this life, they will certainly be ashamed on the day of judgment!

the day of judgment!

B. ANOTHER REASON FOR A CLEAN CONSCIENCE...

1. A guilty conscience will not enable one to face the threat of death without fear and trembling

death without fear and trembling

a. For before we can stand before men without fear...

b. We need to be able to stand before God without fear

2. That is impossible without a clear conscience!

21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

****AND OUR FINAL PREPARATION IS......

V. REMEMBER THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST (3:18)

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

A. HE SUFFERED FOR OUR SAKES...

1. That He might bring us to God - ; cf. also 2:20-25

2. So we see that suffering for good can sometimes accomplish much good in the long run.

much good in the long run

B. WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE...

1. As Peter already indicated in

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

2. And which he does again in

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

2. And which he does again in

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.2. And which he does again in

2. And which he does again in

4 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

CONCLUSION:

*****WE ARE TO STRIVE TO BE CHRIST-LIKE IN OUR LIVES, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, NOT CHANGING....

CONCLUSION:

1. More will be said later in this epistle on the subject of how to

deal with persecution

2. But in this text, we find five good ways to prepare ourselves...

3. By applying these five principles to our lives...

a. We will be more useful to the Lord, ready for whatever may come

b. Even if we are not faced with the prospects of physical persecutions in our lifetime, it will help in times of social or verbal persecution

persecutions in our lifetime, it will help in times of social or

verbal persecution

, Peter speaks of that which he calls "the answer of good

conscience toward God" (i.e., baptism). Have you considered what else

he says about it in that passage...?