Even If You Should Suffer

1 Peter 3:10-16 - For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Titus 2:12-14 - It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Colossians 4:6 - Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Hebrews 3:6 - But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

Conclusions:

• Salvation involves the double work of redeeming us from guilt and judgment and of producing moral purity and helpful service to others
• “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven” is a present reality as well as a future hope
• Set apart Christ as Lord is an exhortation to the readers to make an inner commitment to Christ
• If an inner commitment is made to Christ, then they need not be speechless when called on to defend their faith
• If an inner commitment is made to Christ, there will be a readiness to answer
• The Christian is always to be a gentleman or gentle woman, even when opposed by unbelievers
• Our answer is always to be given with love, never in degrading terms
• Salt is a preservative and is tasty
• The Christian’s conversation is to be wholesome
• The house is made up of God’s people, His household
• Failure to persevere reveals that a person is actually not a child of God, whereas perseverance is the hallmark of His children

Application:

• Are you eager to do what is good?
• Are you persecuted because of righteousness?
• Are you a gentle person when opposed by unbelievers?
• Is you conversation wholesome?
• Do you hold on to your courage and the hope?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible