02-13-11 PM - Surviving Suffering God's Way

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SURVIVING SUFFERING GOD’S WAY
1 Peter 3:13-17
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.

1. DO THE RIGHT THING (13-14)

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;

we are to be known as zealous people for the things that are good.

cultural attitudes
1.    The care less attitude:
2.    The selfish attitude:
3.    The surface attitude:

THREE BENEFITS TO DOING GOOD
    We are less likely to suffer.

Hebrews 13:5-6
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.
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Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

    If we suffer we are blessed.

Romans 8:28 (He works on our behalf)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Matthew 6:33 (His provision)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
1 Peter 4:14 (His Spirit)
 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
2 Cor. 4:11 (His Life)
For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.
Matthew 5:11-12 (His Reward)
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
2 Tim 4:18 (His Preservation)
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.



Do not fear or be troubled by terror of persecution.


Deut. 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

2. SET APART CHRIST (15)
Jesus Christ is the only hope any of us have.
And if we are going to endure persecution we must sanctify Christ in our hearts.
That is to set Him up as the one supreme focus of all that we do and are. When that happens we will not want to let Him down by abandoning our faith.


3. DEFEND HOPE WITH MEEKNESS (15)
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:

First: We are to be ready to give an answer to every one who asks.

Second: We are to be ready.

Third: We should be careful how we answer those who ask.

Meekness- controlled strength and courage.

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Fear – To hold God in high esteem and respect.


4. KEEP A CLEAR CONSCIENCE (16-17)
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.

Good conduct produces a clear conscience.


Matthew 5:16
…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.



1. DO THE RIGHT THING (13-14)

2. SET APART CHRIST (15)

3. DEFEND HOPE WITH MEEKNESS (15)

4. KEEP A CLEAR CONSCIENCE (16-17)