Goal: witness Christ in today’s world
Intro Q: Share a time that being a Christian is “inconvenient”.
Passage: 1 Peter 3:13-17
13 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.
Opening:
The environment in which Peter wrote his letter was certainly hostile to
Christians and it is as applicable to us now.
Instead of being overcome with fear and anxiety, we are to live
confidently and joyously before our critics.
In verses 13 through 16, Peter taught us to respond with the following
actions:
1. Be passionate about doing good (V13)
2. Accept the possibility of suffering (V14)
3. Set apart for Christ (V15A)
4. Prepare to answer (V15B)
5. Keep a clear conscience (V16)
Q: Why do you think it is harder for people to harm us if we are eager to
do good? (V13)
Q: Do you think there is possibility
that we may suffer because of our faith?
Do you think you will be prepared for it? (V14)
(John
Q: What does honoring Christ as Lord
mean to you? (V15A)
Q: Think of one thing you think people will
be surprised in what you do as a Christian, and give a reason why you do it. (v15B)
Q: Our conscience is given to us for us to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Share an occurrence when you followed your conscience and resisted the wrongdoing? (V16)