I Peter 3 verse 13-16

I Peter 3:13-16

Verse 13 - And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

I. The promise of safety if we obey the commands of God.

A. Psalms 91 - the entire chapter.

B. Psalms 112 - the entire chapter.

C. Prov. 3:21-26 - if we keep Godly wisdom, we shall live in safety.

D. Heb. 13:5,6 - Let us follow the Lord, knowing he will never leave us, nor forsake us, So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do to me.

II. Note the word "that".

A. Some people say they are following God, but they won't obey His commandments.

B. The word "that" specifies that this message is to those people who follow God by obeying the precepts laid down in His word.

1. This is talking about the people who read their Bibles in order to know what to do, what to think, how to think, where to go, where not to go, etc.

2. In other words, they use the Bible as their "Instruction Manual for Life", like God intended.

Verse 14 - But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

I. But and if - We may have to suffer, but there is a possibility we won't have to.

A. This scripture takes care of those faithful followers of Christ who suffered martyrdom for the cause of Christ.

B. Matt. 10:28 - Fear not those who are able to destroy the body, but rather fear them that are able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

II. Note proper suffering.

A. We can suffer because of our sins, or

B. Because of righteousness - I Peter 4:15,16.

III. Happiness in the face of persecution.

A. God will supply happiness, don't worry about getting it!

1. It should be noted that happiness should be the condition of the believer.

2. If the believer puts God first, God will teach him to be happy.

3. If The believer puts God first, and wicked men persecute him, God will still give the faithful believer happiness!

B. The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

1. They were happy when the government left them alone and they served God.

2. They were happy when the government persecuted them and they served God.

IV. Their terror - Not ours, but the terror of the wicked.

Verse 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:

I. Sanctify - to set aside, not get better and better.

II. Give the answer -

A. Not for the doctrines we hold, but for the hope we have in Christ.

1. When we have a true heavenly hope, other will see it, and desire it.

2. People will not really be interested in our doctrines, until they see we have a hope that is greater than their hope.

III. meekness and fear -

A. meekness is not weakness, but "teachability".

B. fear - not to fear the one asking us, but to fear God, knowing we ought to give an answer that will glorify Him.

Verse 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.

I. Good conscience - not before the people, but before God.

II. If we get to looking at what people are saying about us, we will never serve God, but will "arrange" our service so people will be pleased with us.