A Guide for Suffering Righteously

Sermon:         A Guide for Suffering Righteously         1 Peter 3:13-22

I.  What We are to Do When We Suffer Unjustly  (13-17)

A Fact of Life  (13)

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

A Biblical Truth  (14; also Matt. 5:10)

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled…

A Practical Command  (15a)

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;

An Indispensable Condition  (15b-16a)

yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience,

A Solid Reason  (16b)

so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

A Closing Summary (17)

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

II.  Looking to Christ as Our Savior and Example (18-22)

Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 2:13-15; Genesis 6:1-4; Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4; Rev. 20:7