1 Peter 3:13-17

Zeal - great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective

Speaking to Christians that are being persecuted because of their faith

:28Do not fear those that can kill the body…

Gentleness and respect -

21  If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,

and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

22  for you will heap burning coals on his head,

22  for you will heap burning coals on his head,

and the Lord will reward you.

If we strive to be more like Christ we’re going to be persecuted. We should expect that.

Could be verbally or physically

27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

V. 14

Intro

v. 13

Peter starts with a rhetorical question

Like Paul in - If God is for us who can be against us. V. 37 No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

1 Peter 1:4 ESV

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

Peter understands that the persecution might be more, or they may be thinking “that’s easy for you to say?”

The immediate answer, “No one,” based on Peter’s previous argument of eternal perspective (i.e., the past, present, and future), is that nothing can detract from their inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading and kept in heaven for you(1:4). Peter’s focus, however, remains the same as before: doing good. Peter’s admonition has the ring of Paul, who describes Christians as a people “zealous for good deeds”

English Standard Version Chapter 1

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

English Standard Version Chapter 1

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

21  If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,

and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

22  for you will heap burning coals on his head,

and the Lord will reward you.

Illustration Focus on the then and there.

English Standard Version Chapter 1

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

If we strive to be more like Christ we’re going to be persecuted. We should expect that.

Expect to be Treated Differently (vv. 13-14)

We may not be at a place to where we’re physically being persecuted at this point, but just look at the last 10 years we’re definitely in a different place (abortion, same sex “marriage” is hate speech).

Is that not interesting, someone supporting these lifestyles flamboyantly gets applauded for speaking up, but just by saying we don’t agree it’s considered hate speech or we’re biggots? Just for speaking truth. All in the last 10-15 years. Persecution will ratchet up, it’s already happening for our brothers and sisters in other countries

What are the more common ways to be treated differently today:

exclusion, limited opportunities, the brunt of the joke

Some of you right now may not have experienced this, I would challenge you to ask yourself are you actually in the game that the Bible makes clear that we will be in

Big uglies illlustration

Not calling anyone ugly, but in the Christian life we go through this life expecting to be dirtied up some. It’s what’s expected. If a lineman finishes a game just as clean as a non believer on the sideline looking to fit in there’s an issue. They either weren’t effective in their role, or they weren’t in the game.

V. 14 Peter empathizes with them - But even if you do, have no fear

Righteousness sake - Jesus

We’re suffering for Jesus. People won’t hate you and me, who am I, I’m a nobody to the world, they hate what you represent. They will hate the one that says I am the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through me

-1210 “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.

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.

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Two part negative - have no fear nor be troubled, v. 15 two part positive - honor Christ the Lord as Holy, and always being prepared to make a defense

English Standard Version Chapter 10

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

V. 15

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 13: Hebrews–Revelation (Revised Edition) Commentary

two parts negative and two parts positive. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened [or intimidated]” are the two negative requirements, while “set apart Christ as Lord” and “always be prepared to give an answer” are the positive rejoinders

Honor - To set apart, to make Holy

worthy of reverence knowing he’s in control… no need to worry

Does that come easy to always maintain that, no because the enemy is constantly working hard as well. We need to saturate ourselves in God’s Word reminding ourselves of his awesome perfect promises.

Piggy Bank - Deposits and withdrawals

God’s given us everything we need to get through this life

Rudy illustraiton

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

“What do I do?” - “Stay in” - Instincts kick in

Ready for that moment. Practiced a lot. Discouraged and pain, but in that moment was ready.

As a Christian especially now we need to always be ready to share the hope that everyone in the world, as much as they try to downplay, wants to have.

Always Be Ready to Share Your Hope (v. 15)

Now more than ever if you haven’t already, you have neighbors friends etc...

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 13: Hebrews–Revelation (Revised Edition) Commentary

two parts negative and two parts positive. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened [or intimidated]” are the two negative requirements, while “set apart Christ as Lord” and “always be prepared to give an answer” are the positive rejoinders

What does that look like:

Meeting the needs of your neighbors

Store runs, asking them

What do you think about COVID 19

What gives you hope in times like this

Does this make you nervous?

Realize the Affect of Good Behavior (vv. 16-17)

Conclusion