Identity in the Test

(1 Peter 3:13-17)

Suffering is a witness to our testimony for Jesus

1. THE SUFFERING ARE NOT SILENT (1 Peter 3:13-14)

   1. Refers back to verse twelve. God listens to the righteous.
   2. Zealous
   3. We are guaranteed to be free of suffering in the next life

2. THE SUFFERING PRAISE GOD (1 Peter 3:15-16)

   1. We Honor Christ as Yahweh into our hearts
      1. Jesus is Lord (yahweh)
      2. Jesus is the Christ
      3. Our hearts is the seat of our behavior, so do this even though it results in suffering here.
   2. Be ready to give a reason for our hope (in the midst of our suffering) Hope is closely linked to faith. Hope, however, speaks to the future
   3. Witness with gentleness and respect (We fear only God so we do not tremble in front of opposition. We treat them with respect)
   4. We maintain our witness (16) so that those in opposition will be put to shame at the judgement

3. THE SUFFERING IS NOT ETERNAL (1 Peter 3:17)

1. Do not suffer for doing evil. Suffering for righteous behavior glorifies God
2. If we suffer here, It is the will of God that we suffer

What about you?

1. Don’t be silent for Jesus Christ.
2. If you are counted worthy to suffer for Jesus Christ, Rejoice!