Giving a Defense for the Hope that is within

The Promise ()

Explanation: Peter has just given the Pilgrims God’s expectations for them to live in submission to the various authorities: government, labor, and family. He followed these instructions with an exhortation to live godly lives which focus on getting along with one’s fellow man. The Pilgrims were to seek peace at all times, and they were expected not only to refrain from retaliation, but to do good to those in opposition.

He then states that this manner of living will reduce opportunities of conflict. However, knowing that the world is fallen and affected by sin, Peter instructs the believers in how to handle suffering and persecution that comes in the form of injustice. Peter knows that Believers will still suffer, even when they live humble and quiet lives for Jesus

When this happens, Peter informs them that they will still receive a blessing from God. This instruction is given as a promise. The text states, “you will be blessed.” This isn’t given as a possibility, but as something that will take place.

Argument: Because it is given as a promise, it would serve to give encouragement to the Pilgrims. It is definitely discouraging to get hammered for doing what is right. Peter is telling his fellow exiles to look past the moment of injustice and to look at the promise of God. It is important to note that the blessing is not identified in terms of what or when. The blessing may not be material (wealth or recognition) and it may not occur in this life. Regardless, we can take God at His word and know it is ours when we suffer injustice

Application: Believers are to live as Christ-honoring citizens while being aware that our manner of life invites persecution instead of preventing it. And when it comes, we can look past it to the blessing of God

The Prescription ()

Explanation: Peter knows from experience that doing the right thing and living for Jesus doesn’t give exemptions from injustice. He ended up in jail and being beat for doing exactly what Jesus told him to do ( & 5). Having stood strong in the face of injustice, Peter warns the Pilgrims against the temptation to fear those who can inflict harm & suffering. Therefore, Peter urges them not to fear those who are hostile, and not to be anxious about those who could affect their jobs or homes

Illustrate: a person who stood strong (recent history)

Argument: God doesn’t abandon us as we live for Him. God is not so distant or unconcerned that He is not aware of what His people are experiencing. As the Prophet Isaiah reminded the Israelites, there is no need to wonder if God knows what we are going through () - He not only knows, He is present to sustain us and encourage us (). Because of who God is and what He is willing to do for us and through us, we do not need to fear other men. We can trust God to deliver us (out of or through) and to vindicate us

Because of who God is and what He is willing to do for us and through us, we do not need to fear other men. We can trust God to deliver us (out of or through) and to vindicate us

Application: Look to God for provision and power. Do not consider or fear other humans who have no eternal power (Isaiah 2:22)

The Preparation ()

Explanation: Peter gives the alternative approach that we as believers are to take. Instead of fearing man, we are to be ready and prepared to give a witness. This, however, will not happen automatically: this response requires preparation. The text states that we are to always be ready. That means we have to have the answer in place before the attack arises.

In order to be prepared, the believer is to be walking in holiness. To sanctify the Lord in one’s heart means that we are walking in truth and that we recognize that Jesus is Lord already (we do not have the power to “make him lord”). And if we recognize that He is Lord, we will be living in obedience.

Living in obedience means that we have at least a basic understanding of the mission He gave us (), the reason for the mission (to change the world), and the general way to go about accomplishing that mission (sharing the Gospel)

Argument: Lack of an apologetic is a crucial reason for the general weakness and ineffectiveness of the church. Too many have bought into the lie that words are not necessary or that it is the pastor’s job. Each and every Christian is expected to know the reason for the hope that is in them and to be able to articulate it effectively to a non-believer. We need to know what we believe, but more importantly, we need to know why we believe it. The results of that experience are totally in the hands of God, but we are expected to share, and to do so in a logically coherent manner.

Argument: Lack of an apologetic is a crucial reason for the general weakness and ineffectiveness of the church. Too many have bought into the lie that words are not necessary or that it is the pastor’s job. Each and every Christian is expected to know the reason for the hope that is in them and to be able to articulate it effectively to a non-believer. We need to know what we believe, but more importantly, we need to know why we believe it. The results of that experience are totally in the hands of God, but we are expected to share, and to do so in a logically coherent manner.

Application: Work on your Jesus story. Write it out. Avoid church words. Read it critically, asking yourself if someone who knows nothing about Christianity would understand. Make sure the Gospel is clear. Practice sharing it. Then prayer for opportunities to share it with an unbeliever.

The Product ()

Explanation: Peter finishes this section by informing the Pilgrims that obedience will bring with it a good conscience. Peter relates that when a believer is following Christ, receiving unjust persecution, and gives a good witness instead of retaliating, he or she will benefit from a clean conscience, regardless of the results of the one who slanders

Illustrate: sitting on a hot bus in Philadelphia while getting schooled by a black pastor in Philadelphia. I was patient and listened respectfully, even though I thought he was wrong. The response from a youth leader was encouraging.

Argument: The product of a good conscience only comes when we are obedient in a Christ-like endurance of the injustice and giving a good witness. They are both critical elements of a positive outcome. I have on occasion suffered well, but have done so silently - I failed to give a reason. And I had a sense of loss and a realization of failure.

Application: We can be successful in this area. We can have Gospel conversations. And we can please the Lord who called us!