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

2. 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)

3. 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. 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!

5. 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

6. 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