How to Love Life 1 Peter 3:8-17 (-22) Have you ever felt like you were being punished for doing the right thing? Most of us have within us the idea (perhaps unconsciously) that if we do the right thing we will be rewarded for it! If bad things happen after we do the right thing, we feel unfairly treated. Helen Keller – well known for being blind – quoted as saying, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” C.S.Lewis – well known writer, also known for dealing the the death of his wife: when asked, “Why do the righteous suffer?” replied, “Why not? They’re the only ones who can take it!” Peter wrote to a people who were suffering - worst of all- they were suffering even though they were trying to do the right thing. Do you know anyone like this? - for me, most of the time my “suffering” is only facing inconveniences compared to folk like the 21 Coptic Christians who were beheaded recently for their faith - How, do we stand for life? - Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the full! - Peter is talking to people who are suffering – reminder that yes, we can enjoy life in relationship with God now – peace & joy – with the promise of so much later!

1 Peter 3:8-22 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:8-22 10 For “Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit;

1 Peter 3:8-22 11 let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:8-22 13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear,[b] and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.

1 Peter 3:8-22 15b Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame.

1 Peter 3:8-22 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.

1 Peter 3:8-22 He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.

1 Peter 3:8-22 21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

How to Love Life In your hearts revere Christ as Lord! v. 15 v. 15 – But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord – or “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” - or to sanctify Christ as Lord – to treat Him as Holy – Lord over your life - If Christ isn’t Lord of your life, nothing else is in the right place If Christ is Lord, then you can love life even when other things are going wrong If you are right with Him, you are righteous V. 12 says that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous And His ears are attentive to their prayer How much does it mean for you to know that the Lord is listening to your prayer?

How to Love Life DO THE RIGHT THING 2. Do what is right! v. 14 v. 11 – turn from evil & do good v. 13 – not likely to have anyone harm you if you are focused on doing good v. 14 – even if you should suffer for doing good…you are blessed (by God…the One who really matters!) v. 14 – do not fear their threats …do good; do what is right, anyway!!! v. 14 – do not be frightened…do what is right anyway! v. 16 – keep a clear conscience – do what you know is right! v. 16 – if people would try to slander you, they will end up being ashamed because your behavior shows they are lying v. 17 – (everyone will suffer in some way…) so if it is God’s will that you face suffering, make sure that it is for doing good, not for doing evil! (then, a reward will come in the end!)

How to Love Life 3. Live in harmony! v. 8 v. 8 – “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another” - or “be like-minded” - harmony – depends on same key, same basic rhythm – usually the same music, same director - harmony in the church depends on each of us seeking the will of Christ > i.e. setting apart, revering Christ as our Lord v. 8 – be sympathetic (have sympathy for those in need around you) v. 8 – love one another – choosing to love = putting the best interests of the other ahead of our own. v. 8 be compassionate – feeling with those who are in need – then acting to help them v. 8 – be humble – means that you don’t have to be in charge anymore! If Christ is Lord, then you aren’t! - means that you & I need to take our direction from Jesus - we don’t need to seek honor, position, or power – Jesus will offer these if we need them! - be willing to be a servant…Jesus was even though He was God Himself! - Mark 10:45 NLT “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” v. 9 – Don’t repay evil with evil or insult with insult – hard to do? v. 9 – instead, repay evil with blessing! Why? God calls us to do this! If we obey, we will inherit a blessing! Why? Because Jesus repaid us for our sin with forgiveness…a blessing! v. 10 – keep your tongue from evil & your lips from deceitful speech - Paul – Eph 4:29 NLT “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Live in harmony with Christ and with His people! - avoid discord with everyone else!

How to Love Life 4. Be prepared to give an answer! v. 15 v. 15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have Your life provokes questions; your lips supply answers - if you live as Peter challenges us to: Christ as Lord, doing what is right; living in harmony with others…someone will ask why, sooner or later. - respond with gentleness and respect – it is not about winning an argument, but about sharing Christ’s love – > ultimately it is love that will change a person’s heart, not argument or logic What is your hope? Home in heaven for eternity Right relationship with God – sins forgiven What is the reason for hope? V. 18 Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for (you) the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. V. 21 you are saved by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. What will you say if someone asks why you have hope? Headed for heaven Sins forgiven Jesus paid the penalty for my sins Jesus was raised from the dead is in heaven; has been given all authority; preparing a place for me!

Do you love life? Can anyone else tell?