May 1, 2005pm     Good Grief    I Peter 3:13-22

By Ronald E. George Jr. at the Fayetteville Baptist Church

 

Along the Way.  Encouragement to be who God has called us to be.  We may have to grieve through suffering persecution, but can it be said that this is “good” grief?  Who are we to be even when we suffer? 

            Do you want scientific proof that God is real?  Do you want to see Jesus?  Here is your sign and proof in the existence of God. 

 

1Pet 3:13 (NIV) Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 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, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

 

Who are you?  Who are you to be?  Be known by what we do. 

What is the proof of your Christian life?  

 

  1. Eager to do well.

 

  1. Will be threatened. 

 

  1. Are Blessed.  Aren’t we blessed if we do?

 

  1. Aren’t Afraid. 

 

  1. Would we suffer for what is right?  Should we suffer for doing the right?

 

  1. Do not fear.

 

  1. Set apart Christ as Lord.  

 

  1. Always prepared.  Be prepared for what?  Prepared for whatever may come. 

 

  1. Give an answer.  Share your faith

 

  1. With gentleness and respect.  Live our life as a light in the darkness.

 

  1. Have Hope. 

 

  1. Keeping a clear conscience, so that people may be ashamed of their slander.

 

  1. Suffer for doing good, if it is God’s will.

 

  1. Pledge to do good.  This is baptism.  This is our pledge. 

 

What is the proof of our belief?  V. 18. 

 

  1. He died. 

 

  1. Made alive by the spirit. 

 

  1. He preached to the spirits in prison. 

 

  1. Who was also raised from the dead. 

 

  1. He has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God. 

 

  1. He exercises authority over the spirits in prison.