Words Of Hope Series

“Words of Hope”

1 Peter 3:13-16

Pastor John Bright

1 Peter 3 “13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.”

Today I am staring down a massive “sacred cow” in most of our churches. A 2020 survey of 1,600 Jesus Followers asked this question: “What prevents you from talking about spiritual matters with other people?” The top answers were “fear” and “lack of opportunity.” https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog/christian-evangelism-statistics/

Maybe that’s why evangelism has been turned over to the pastor and the vast majority (90%) of folks in the pews have never won a soul for Christ. What if God wanted every Jesus Follower to share words of hope with those who are hurting and broken?

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Peter has been sharing with the house churches during a time of great persecution between 62-65 AD. We have recently applied his teachings to our interactions with the government, our employers, and our spouse. I kept pointing you to a context for all these verses - THE WORLD IS WATCHING. Anybody sick of hearing me say this? 😊 Has anyone noticed that I never said it was a bad thing? Actually, we want them to see us – to watch us.

When they see us doing good, v. 13-14

“13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”

These are verses written to folks facing true persecution. I often warn folks like us who live in a “cancel culture” to never confuse attempts to silence the Gospel message with bodily injury, imprisonment, or even death. Two weeks ago, International Christian Concern reported on the genocide in Sudan -

“According to reports, 165 churches have had to close since the war started in 2023. Some churches are used as bases for military operations in the war, with people sheltering there forced out or even killed to make way for soldiers. Members of the clergy have been targeted, with soldiers shooting or stabbing priests and others during their raids.” https://www.persecution.org/2025/02/11/genocidal-militia-continues-to-persecute-christians-across-sudan/

Peter is teaching them to do what Jesus taught Peter: Matthew 5:38-42 “38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”

Peter is teaching them to do what Jesus did: 1 Peter 2:21-23 “21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;”

We teach children the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12) When those children get out into the world, they learn a new rule – “Do unto others before they can do unto you.” We are taught to go on the offensive and keep a list of wrongs so we can fulfill the Klingon proverb from “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan”: “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”

What if we do the opposite? When we respond with grace and mercy, it gets us a hearing.

Sharing your testimony, v. 15

“15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

I’m going to repeat something that I have told you before and you might hear it again in the future: learn to listen to others with the goal of understanding – NOT JUDGEMENT! Anyone of you can ask this question, “What’s the story behind that tattoo?” Then, just listen. Try to learn about that person you just met. Then, tell them thanks for sharing. Until you are ready to share your story of becoming a Jesus Follower, just listen. It’s good practice for listening to all the other folks around you at home or at work.