Zealous for Suffering

Minister Joaquin

1 Peter 3:8-17

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 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. 10 For 

       “Whoever desires to love life 

and see good days, 

       let him keep his tongue from evil 

and his lips from speaking deceit; 

11    let him turn away from evil and do good; 

let him seek peace and pursue it. 

12    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.” 

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 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, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Time to normalize suffering

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. John 15:20

Psalm 34:12-16; 1 Sam 21:1-13

David fled from Saul with no weapon

Was unarmed against Saul’s men

Got Goliath’s sword 

Faked insanity to avoid King of Gath

Peter’s audience

Removed from their land

Taken to people that were not like them

Lower status than before

No hope things would get better

Suffering 101 v.13-17

Do not fear them or be troubled

Honor Christ in your heart

Defend your hope to others

Live with gentleness and respect

Let Christ be your defense

For this you were called v.9

For it is better to suffer for doing good, 

if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

If you don’t take on the pain, it will be 

left for someone else to endure it.

Only the sufferer receives the blessing

Applications

AP Suffering

Personal time to study and teach

Serving at church

Giving up resources to needy

Not returning evil

Suffering with a smile