4 Sets of Christian Needs 1 Peter 3:15-17

4 Sets of Christian Needs 1 Thing Christians NEED Christ in us (3:15-17) “The hope of glory” (Col. 1:27) My “all in all” (Col. 3:11)

4 Sets of Christian Needs 2 Things Christians Need to ENDURE Defamation of Character (3:16) People will “say all kinds of evil against you falsely” (Matt. 5:11) Those who endure have a “great…reward in heaven” (Matt. 5:10-12) Denigration of Conduct (3:16) Wild and unfounded charges will be made, even when conduct is “good” (3:16) and “honorable” (2:12) Those who endure such reviling may help their revilers glorify God after becoming “ashamed” (3:16; 2:12; cf. Tit. 2:8; Matt. 5:16)

4 Sets of Christian Needs 3 Things Christians Need to DO Reverence Christ as Lord of your heart (3:15) When Christ rules in our hearts, nothing else matters Ready yourself to always give a defense (3:15) Not necessary to respond to every scoffer and critic Some will ask for a “reason” or an “account” (Gk, logos) to explain why you believe what you believe To everyone who asks, we must “make a defense” (Gk, apologia) For such, we must prepare ourselves to “always” (constantly) be ready (2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 4:2) Regularly do good in Christ (3:16-17) When He rules in our hearts, it is His good that we want to do!

4 Sets of Christian Needs 4 Things Christians Need to HAVE Hope (3:15) Hope is desire + expectation (cf. 1:3, 13, 21) Hope is what anchors us in the storms of life (Heb. 6:19-20) A reason for the hope (3:15) “Reason” involves a logical, rational basis for something We must have sufficient grounds for our hope! Therefore, we must have sufficient knowledge of the Word to validate it! A good conscience (3:16) A firm conviction of the righteousness of one’s cause and one’s life A balanced attitude of meekness and fear (3:15) There is no room for arrogance or bitterness We must focus on God and the judgment

We All Need Christ & His Salvation Believe Jesus is God’s Son – Mark 16:16 Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 2:38 Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10 Be immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:27 God will wash away all of your sins – Acts 22:16 God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47 God will register you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 Walk faithfully with the Lord – 1 John 1:7