Readiness & Response (1 Peter 3:13-17)

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds   Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell   __________     Description: Peter continues the theme of suffering for righteousness, which takes the focus of much of the rest of the letter. In these verses, the emphasis is on Christian witness and readiness to suffer and respond with the hope of a better life as chosen strangers on a journey between two worlds.   __________   Main Idea: Christians embody the hope of a better life through their readiness to suffer and in their response to suffering.   __________   I.We embody this hope through our readiness to suffer. (3:13–15a)      a.Our hope renders present suffering as a blessing. (3:13–14a)      b.Our hope leads to fearlessness in the face of suffering. (3:14b–15a)         i.Fear the Lord, and you will have nothing to fear.      II.We embody this hope in our response to suffering. (3:15b–17)      a.Our hope requires a response of sound reason and righteous conduct. (3:15b–16a)         i.Be prepared to make a reasoned defense for your hope. (3:15b)         ii.Make your defense with gentleness, respect, and integrity. (3:15c–16a)      b.Our hope in responding is God’s way of silencing the accuser. (3:16b–17)