Vindication Through Humility

Introduction

Praise for God’s Salvation

Call to be Holy…Live an ethic of Holy Love

Call to Carry Out Mission…Declare Praise to God for all He has done

Call to Imitate Christ

How Shall We Live?

Peter gives principles on how to endure suffering that is thoroughly Christian.

A Word on suffering…More on this later

Practical Issue (1 Pet 3:13)

Hope that is baptized in the context of realism

“Eager to do good”

Possible Problem (1 Pet 3:14)

Even if you suffer for doing right, you are blessed

(See Matt. 10:26-33)

Need for preparation (1 Pet 3:15-16)

apologia - Attempting to prove something as reasonable, necessary, or right

Willingness to speak up for Jesus, center one’s allegiance on Christ, and witness fearlessly to his saving grace

The Perfect way (1 Pet 3:17)

Digression on Example of Jesus (1 Pet 3:18-22)

Vindication for the Church

Live Godly lives so that those who are against the church might be more tolerant…Living Godly lives as a form of evangelism

Suffering in our Context and Justice

Believe in final justice & live in light of that justice

Where do we suffer injustice BECAUSE we are Christian?

Taking a Righteous Stand

I will not conform to the sinful acts of my peers and culture

I will remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ through all parts of my life

I will endure lonely nights with few friends

I will seek out an obedient community

I will look forward to the day when God shows faithfulness rather than acceptance is the truer virtue

Read 1 Pet 4:7-11

“God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Closing

Invitation