LIVING HOPE

“Suffering For Jesus”

Pastor Duane Cross | 11.11.12

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:13-17(NIV)

I. You are blessed:

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” (vs. 14a)

II. Don’t be afraid:

“Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” (vs. 14b)

III. Set apart Christ as Lord:

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” (vs. 15a)

IV. Tell your story:

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..” (vs. 15b)

V. Live with integrity:

“Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (vs 16)

GOING DEEPER QUESTIONS
For the Week of November 11
1 Peter 3:13-17 | Pastor Duane Cross

These questions are designed to help you go deeper with the sermon during your week-to take a closer look at the Scripture and find fresh ways to live out the main points of the sermon. Going Deeper questions also are used for discussion in all of our Grow Groups at Hope.

Getting Started
What insight or principle from this weekend’s message did you find helpful, interesting or challenging? Explain.

Have you suffered for your faith? Explain

When do you feel blessed (vs. 14a)?

What causes you to be fearful? Are you afraid of dying or death?

What’s the difference between “witnessing” and sharing your story?

A Closer Look
Explain vs. 17. What does it mean to suffer for doing good or doing evil?

Read Hebrews 11:32-40 and 1 Corinthians 6:3-13. What was suffering like for many of God’s people throughout history? Why did they endure it?

Explain what Philippians 1:21 means: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Digging Deeper
Look back over 1 Peter 3:13-17 and identify one word or phrase that speaks to you. Think about this for a moment. What is God calling you to do in light of this?

In this sermon we learned that “Only Christ Matters.” In what area(s) of your life is this true? Or not true?

How can you “set apart Christ as Lord”? (vs. 15a) during the next three days?