The Pilgrim’s Suffering (Part 1): A Ready Defense
August 26, 2018 Preacher: Matthew O'Sullivan Series: The Pilgrim Letters: 1 & 2 Peter
Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8–17
Key Truth: As Christ’s pilgrims, we are called to have a ready defense that is expressed through godly character and anchored in our living hope so that we can bless others even when they persecute us.
Introduction:
“. . . for they who prattle much about the gospel, and whose dissolute life is a proof of their impiety, not only make themselves objects of ridicule, but also expose the truth itself to the slanders of the ungodly. . . . [for] the defense of the tongue will avail but little, except the life corresponds with it.”
John Calvin, Commentary on 1 Peter
Based upon how you live, what would others say is most important to you?
Would they say you live as one who has hope in Christ?
The Pilgrim’s Character in Suffering
1 Peter 3:8-12
“Christians are free from vindictiveness because they trust God’s justice; but they are free for blessing because they know God’s goodness.”
Edmund P. Clowney, The Message of 1 Peter
What assumptions determine the way you respond to evil and mistreatment?
What are you cultivating in order to live out your calling to be a blessing in the world?
The Pilgrim’s Hope in Suffering
1 Peter 3:13-17
“To break the throttling grip of fear we must confess God’s lordship with more than mental assent. We must confess it with our heart’s devotion. Setting him apart as Lord means bowing before him in the adoration of praise. A praising heart is immune to the fear of other people. Fear of another sort takes possession of our hearts and minds: a fear that does not flee in terror, but draws near in awe and worship. . . . The Spirit of Christ, given from the throne of glory, worked in Peter awe and reverence for his Lord and Savior. Filled with that awe, he scorned all that men might do to him. In prison he could sleep securely; on trial he could accuse his accusers. His secret was not simply that he had been with Jesus, but that the Lord Jesus was with him.”
Edmund P. Clowney, The Message of 1 Peter
What do you fear? How are you cultivating your hope in Christ?
1 Peter 3:8-17 teaches us that we must bless others even when they persecute us by having a ready defense that is
- Expressed through godly character
- Grounded in our living hope
Benediction:
1 Peter 5:6-11
More in The Pilgrim Letters: 1 & 2 Peter
November 18, 2018
The Pilgrim's Future Hope (Part 2): Growth in Grace and Knowledge of Jesus ChristNovember 11, 2018
The Pilgrim’s Future Hope (Part 1): The Lord’s Redemptive PatienceNovember 4, 2018
The Pilgrim’s Warning (Part 2): Beware Worldly Re-entanglement