1 Peter 3:12 [By Ron Halbrook]

2 The Eyes of the Lord… Introduction 1. Duties of Christians in context of suffering for righteousness Satan afflicts, discourage from duty Duty not change in time of trial

3 The Eyes of the Lord… Introduction 2. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous” Great encouragement if right with God! Great fear if not right with God! 3. Study 1 Pet. 3:8-22 to encourage saints to fulfill our duties

4 The Eyes of the Lord… Introduction 3. Study 1 Pet. 3:8-22 to encourage saints to fulfill our duties Vv Duties to each other Vv Duties in time of persecution Vv Duty to follow example of Christ

5 The Eyes of the Lord… I. Vv Duties to Each Other

6 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

7 The Eyes of the Lord… I. Vv Duties to Each Other A. Vs. 8 Be United in Genuine Love 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

8 A. Vs. 8 Be United in Genuine Love 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: United as one body: protect, nourish! Sympathetic: share joys & tears Unselfish, brotherly love Merciful, tenderhearted Courteous: humble, considerate

9 The Eyes of the Lord… I. Vv Duties to Each Other B. Vs. 9 Help Those Who Hurt Us 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 B. Vs. 9 Help Those Who Hurt Us 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. Carnal mind: retaliate Spiritual mind: return blessings Not overcome by evil, inherit blessing

11 The Eyes of the Lord… I. Vv Duties to Each Other C. Vs. 10 Control the Tongue 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

12 C. Vs. 10 Control the Tongue 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Blessings of spiritual life, fruitful days Avoid corrupt, bitter, deceitful speech How many ears? Tongues? Many ways to use tongue for evil Many ways to use tongue for good Bible filled with such lessons!

13 The Eyes of the Lord… I. Vv Duties to Each Other D. Vs. 11 Pursue the Path of Peace 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

14 D. Vs. 11 Pursue the Path of Peace 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. Conviction, Courage: Speak out FOR truth & AGAINST evil Moral & doctrinal issues Satan at war with God: compromise aids Satan (Jer. 6:14) True path of peace with God: no compromise, retreat, or surrender Sacrifice self but not truth

15 The Eyes of the Lord… I. Vv Duties to Each Other E. Vs. 12 God Hears Our Prayers 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

16 E. Vs. 12 God Hears Our Prayers 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. Pray any & all times (1 Thess. 5:17) God rejects prayer if we serve two masters—elder, preacher, others God’s eyes a comfort or a fear

17 The Eyes of the Lord… II. Vv Duties in Time of Persecution

18 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

19 The Eyes of the Lord… II. Vv Duties in Time of Persecution A. Vv Not Afraid: They Cannot Destroy Our Salvation

20 A. Vv Not Afraid: They Cannot Destroy Our Salvation 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; Minor, temporary wounds: falsely accuse, throw rocks, sue, burn, kill No ultimate harm—happy in the end! Zealous to do right, not intimidated

21 The Eyes of the Lord… II. Vv Duties in Time of Persecution B. Vv Answer Unbelievers by Word & Life

22 B. Vv Answer Unbelievers by Word & Life 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Reaction reflects fearless faith exalting Christ as Deity Prepare to answer questions, challenges Firm yet gentle, humble, reverent

23 B. Vv Answer Unbelievers by Word & Life 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. Reinforce the truth by good conduct Evil conduct undermines the truth

24 The Eyes of the Lord… III. Vv Duty to Follow Example of Christ

25 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

26 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

27 The Eyes of the Lord… III. Vv Duty to Follow Example of Christ A. Vv. 18, 22 Faithful in Service & in Persecution—Raised & Rewarded!

28 A. Vv. 18, 22 Faithful in Service & in Persecution—Raised & Rewarded! 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Suffered & died to save us Raised & rewarded

29 The Eyes of the Lord… III. Vv Duty to Follow Example of Christ B. Vv God’s Patience & Judgment

30 B. Vv God’s Patience & Judgment 18 For Christ…quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. In unison with the Spirit, Christ preached through Noah Judgment came: a few saved by water

31 The Eyes of the Lord… III. Vs Duty to Follow Example of Christ C. Vs. 21 Baptism Doth Also Now Save Us

32 C. Vs. 21 Baptism Doth Also Now Save Us 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: In this time of God’s patience: preach, suffer—a few will be saved Baptism saves: appeal for cleansing of conscience Power in resurrected Savior not water

33 WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? Baptism doth also NOW save us Baptism doth also NOT save us

34 The Eyes of the Lord… III. Vs Duty to Follow Example of Christ D. Vs. 22 Exalt Christ as Our Example, Savior, & King

35 D. Vs. 22 Exalt Christ as Our Example, Savior, & King 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. On his throne at God’s right hand: the church is his kingdom on earth His glory & power above all others

36 The Eyes of the Lord… Invitation 1. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous” Great encouragement if right with God! Great fear if not right with God!

37 The Eyes of the Lord… 2. God watches over us, teaching us to fulfill our duties: Vv Duties to each other Vv Duties in time of persecution Vv Duty to follow example of Christ

38 The Eyes of the Lord… 3. Judgment follows God’s patience: Christ frees sinners from bondage to Satan: Believe, repent, confess Christ, & be baptized Christ frees saints taken captive again by Satan: Repent, confess sin, & pray