1. Preparing & Responding to Persecution
1 Peter 3:13-17
Introduction:
1. God's people have always been (and always will be) persecuted:
2. Early Christians: Stephen (Acts 7); II Tim. 3:12
3. Today persecution is more mental and social rather than physical.
But, I Cor. 10:13, 20

2. THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN THE TEXT:
“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.”
Saint, holy, sanctify, etc. are all related terms.
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36
1. Saint, holy, sanctify, etc. are all related terms.
2. The meaning is to set apart; enthrone Christ as Lord (Acts 2:36)
3. Further, it is a dedication to a holy purpose and use.
4. So, to sanctify God and Christ in one's heart is to regard him with that reverence and
awe fit for the Lord.

3. THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN THE TEXT:
"Be ready always to give an answer“ 1. Give an answer, defense, apology. “Come now, and let us reason together..” Isaiah 1:18
1. Give an answer, defense, apology.
2. Isa. 1:18
3. We need to be ready to defend ourselves and our teaching today. "Answer" and
"reason" closely connected. If one asks an account, we are to give an account.

4. THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN THE TEXT:
"Have a good conscience“
Conscience is our feeling of obligation for certain conduct, or to do right or be good.
Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” Acts 23:1
1. Conscience is our feeling of obligation for certain conduct, or to do right or be good.
cf. Acts 23:1
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5. THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN THE TEXT:
"Have a good conscience“
Conscience is our feeling of obligation for certain conduct, or to do right or be good.
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:17
1. Conscience is our feeling of obligation for certain conduct, or to do right or be good.
2. We may suffer for righteousness' sake.; 1 Peter 3:17,

6. THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN THE TEXT:
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
1. Conscience is our feeling of obligation for certain conduct, or to do right or be good.
1 Peter 4:12-19

7. THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN THE TEXT:
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
1. Conscience is our feeling of obligation for certain conduct, or to do right or be good.
1 Peter 4:12-19

8. THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN THE TEXT:
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:12-19
1. Conscience is our feeling of obligation for certain conduct, or to do right or be good.
1 Peter 4:12-19
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9. THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN THE TEXT:
3. Our life must match our words. Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Romans 2:1-3
3. Our life must match our words.
Rom 2:1-3

10. Conclusion
1. When we can give the right answer with a good attitude to people and have the right relationship with God, we are on our way to heaven. 2. We must realize persecution beyond that which is already here, is on its way. 3. You must be prepared.
1. When we can give the right answer with a good attitude to people and have the right relationship with God, we are on our way to heaven.
2. We must realize persecution beyond that which is already here, is on its way.
3. You must be prepared.