BUT IN YOUR HEART REVERE CHRIST
In our last session we discussed suffering for doing good. Often when we are suffering, all of our attention and emotional energy is focused on how we feel or our sense injustice or deprivation. But remember what verse 14 said: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”Verses 15 and following flesh out a strategy for responding to suffering that puts aside fear and moves us forward to carry out the work of Jesus Christ no matter what they situation.
15 But in your hearts revere 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 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive,he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient 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 clear 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.
1. The foundation of our response is to revere Christ. What does this mean and why is it foundational?
2. Verse 16 speaks of our response to those who would see our lives in the face of suffering. What is that response?
3. Why is keeping a clear conscience important?
4. Verses 17-18 tells us why suffering is a good thing for believers. What is the value?
These days Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos is living this scenario. Check out this link and comment. TEBOW
RE: Tim Tebow
I happen to be a life long Browns fan. I remember vividly “The Drive” and “The Fumble” both which happened during the AFC Championship game in consecutive years and both of which the Browns lost to the Denver Broncos. I do not/have not cheered for the Broncos since…until this year. I found myself this past Sunday laughing and cheering – knowing, deep down, Denver was going to pull out another win – which they did!
This same “laughing and cheering” is the same feeling I should get when I hit a “trial” and begin to “suffer”. I need to look at that situation and laugh and cheer with the knowledge that God will be glorified and His Will will be done!!
I got to go “Tebow” now!!!!
Tim Clutter - December 13, 2011 at 9:51 am |
Keep on laughing and cheering, Tim. That other Tim is teaching the world a lot these days.
sdunnpastor - December 22, 2011 at 10:09 pm |