Faith Over Fear Series

1 Peter 3:13-17. 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (ESV)

On this date, D-Day, June 6, 1944, allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy France to establish a foothold in Europe to defeat tyranny and liberate occupied nations. For many years, people outside of those occupied lands did not think it was their business to interfere. Soon however it became apparent that when evil is allowed to continue unchecked, it consumes, enslaves and destroys. Even thought it meant putting their lives at risk, the need for action was so great and the cost of inaction was unthinkable. Leaving the immediate safety of home, meant that soldiers had to rise above their fear to do what was right.

The Christians of Asia Minor that Peter was righting to in 1 Peter, had reason to fear. Here Peter picks up the theme of undeserved suffering, which he has already mentioned particularly with regard to Christian slaves (2:18–25, especially verses 19–20), but which he now applies to the whole Christian community. He has previously mentioned or implied that his readers are suffering from difficulties of one kind or another (Arichea, D. C., & Nida, E. A. (1980). A handbook on the first letter from Peter (p. 103). New York: United Bible Societies.).

Satan uses apathy and fear to silence believers. Dealing with evil today is often seen by many as the job of other people and many believers stay out of the battle. For others, they fear the attacks and accusations of hatred, bigotry, intolerance and ignorance prevail. Desiring to be liked by everyone, many stay silent lest they face accusations. The other prevalent form of fear prevalent today, is fear of not knowing answers to questions, fear of saying or doing the wrong thing or looking silly. This fear also results in inactivity. The result of the inactivity is that the name of Christ is defamed, the Church is silenced and believers fail to be used by God to win souls to Christ.

In 1 Peter 3 the Apostle Peter present the truth of the Gospel of Christ outlining our commission to share the truth in faith. He helps us overcome fear and trust in Christ. This trust will result in powerful action which is an effective apologetic that the Holy Spirit will use with His word to change the hearts and minds of people so they may come to faith. In 1 Peter 3:13-17 The Apostle Peter presents this truth as Faith over Fear directing our action. In it we see that: 1) Faith does not succumb to Fear (1 Peter 3:13-14), 2) Faith has a Foundation (1 Peter 3:15) and 3) Faith has a Freedom (1 Peter 3:16-17).

Faithful believers in Christ can be effective in Evangelism because:

1) Faith does not succumb to Fear (1 Peter 3:13-14)

1 Peter 3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? (ESV)

Peter’s rhetorical question here shows that it is unusual for most people, even those hostile to Christianity, to harm believers who are zealous for what is good. Zealous (zelotes) means “intensity” or “enthusiasm” and describes a person with great zeal for a specific cause. Good here refers generally to a life characterized by generosity, unselfishness, kindness, and thoughtfulness toward others (Pss. 37:3; 125:4; Prov. 3:27; 11:23; 2 Cor. 9:8; Gal. 6:9–10; Eph. 2:10; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 5:15; 1 Tim. 6:18; Titus 1:8; 2:7, 14; 3:14; Heb. 13:16; James 3:13, 17; 3 John 11). Such a lifestyle has a way of restraining the hand of even the most ardent foe of the gospel (cf. 2:12; Matt. 5:16; Rom. 12:20–21). As a General Truth: Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (ESV). Being zealous for what is good produces a godly life. Peter is drawing a conclusion from the citation of Psalm 34 in verses 10–12: the Lord sees and rewards the righteous and thus no ultimate harm can come to them…Peter’s point would be that no one can separate the Christian from God or take away his or her inheritance (Black, A., & Black, M. C. (1998). 1 & 2 Peter (1 Pe 3:13). Joplin, MO: College Press Pub.).