Continuing with 1 Peter we will see Peter transitioning from displaying Christian virtue in government, work and marriage... trust in higher power, submission to God, and to stand out.
To...persecution. Where it comes from, why it comes, how we should respond and what comes from it.
1 Peter 3: 8-17 (ESV) "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For 'Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.' Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil."
1 Peter 4:3-4 (ESV) "For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;"
1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV) "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgement to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And 'if the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?' Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
This weeks scripture passages go together, we will circle back next week and pick up the skipped verses.
I. Why does persecution come? God brings it...allows it, but it is also brought on by evil people.
A. God allows persecution to purify us.
1. He purifies us and then we turn away from our sin.
2. We find out who is real and who is not. When the going gets tough the true Christians stay strong. Example... the Chinese Pastor said in China because it is not "beneficial" to be a Christian; you are in it for Jesus because there are no benefits for being a Christian.
The "Church" in America needs some purification. Some denominations want pats on the back from both sides for straddling the fence or compromising beliefs. We don't necessarily want it, but we could certainly use some purification.
1 Peter 3:8 things (unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, tender heart and humble mind) tend to happen during purification....but let's work to put those on before persecution happens.
B. Persecution comes because darkness hates light.
Darkness and light cannot coexist. Light pushes back darkness. Both cannot be present at the same time. One must submit to the other.
Ephesians 5: 7-13 (ESV) "Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but not you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful w
orks of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,"
This is the struggling between light and dark...between good and evil.
II. How should we respond to persecution?
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV) "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,"
A. Rejoice
1. Why? Because God tells you to. 1 Peter 4:13-16 (ESV) "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you also may rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."
2. We also see it demonstrated in the lives of the Apostles. Acts 5:40-41 (ESV) "and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." They were beaten by the Sanhedrin for preaching Jesus. We also see this in Acts 16 with Paul and Silas who were in prison, but they were singing and praying.
B. Why were they rejoicing and why should you rejoice?
1. You are counted worthy to suffer for Jesus. (Acts 5)
- shows your standing with God
- hardest battles for toughest soldiers
- who is persecuted?
- who faces opposition
-those that are doing something and are effective
- God chose you for refinement and improvement
III. God's Holy Spirit "rests on you"
1 Peter 4:14 (ESV) "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."
All believers have Spirit, but this is a special blessing. The same language used in relation to Jesus in Isaiah 11;2 (ESV) "And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD." and in Matthew 3:16 (ESV) "And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up for the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;" This shows a nearness of God, a special assurance, a blessing .
IV. A great reward is coming
Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV) " Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
How else should we respond to persecution?
1. Persist
Acts 5:42 (ESV) "And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus." Don't quit or give up!
Examples....Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It is discouraging to other Christians when it is your time comes and you don't take a stand. Don't miss out on the blessing! Courage produces courage.
2. Show compassion
1 Peter 3:9 (ESV) "Do not repay evil for evil ore reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing."
Pagans are going to be pagans, but God can save them. He has made a habit of saving them... you were once one of them. It is easy to have contempt for the lost....don't.
Luke 23: 34 (ESV) "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they cast lots to divide his garments."
Matthew 5:44 (ESV) "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,"
Stephen's example when he was being stoned. Acts 7:60 (ESV) "And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Saul (Paul) was holding the cloaks of those doing the stoning. You were once a sinner saved by grace.
Show love, be like Jesus!
Ultimately we do it all to serve and please the Lord; that's the good life. To serve the Lord and be close to him....even in trials. Being close to Jesus is the good life.
Peter had a perspective shift
90's Christian song
This is the good life
I've lost everything
I could ever want
And ever dream of
This is the good life
I found everything
I could ever need
Here in Your arms
So.... live like God is watching....
Psalm 34: 4-15 (ESV) "I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry."
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