Living Righteously in a Hostile World
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the challenges Christians face when our faith and values are mocked or reviled by the world. We began by discussing a recent controversial Olympic ceremony that many saw as an assault on Christian values. This led us to consider how we should respond to such cultural provocations. Drawing from 1 Peter 3, we explored how to live righteously even when faced with hostility. Peter's main point is that righteous temporal suffering will be rewarded with glorious eternal blessing, and therefore, we must declare the hope we have within us.
We delved into four key exhortations for living righteously in a hostile world. First, we must live with a zeal for what is good, passionately pursuing righteousness and good deeds, even if it leads to suffering. Second, we must refrain from the fear of man by centering our hearts on Christ, replacing the fear of human disapproval with a reverent fear of God. Third, we must always be ready to declare the hope within us, prepared to give a reason for our faith with gentleness and respect. Finally, we must keep an eternal perspective, aiming for a good conscience before God and trusting in His sovereign goodness, even when we suffer for doing good.
These exhortations remind us that our ultimate reward is not in this world but in the eternal blessings promised by God. By living with a zeal for good, centering our hearts on Christ, being ready to share our hope, and maintaining an eternal perspective, we can navigate the challenges of a world that often reviles our faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Live with a Zeal for What is Good: Christians are called to passionately pursue righteousness and good deeds, even in the face of suffering. This zeal is not just an external action but an internal passion that drives us to live lives that are beautiful, just, and honorable, reflecting the transformative power of Christ in our hearts. [06:44]
2. Refrain from the Fear of Man by Centering Your Heart on Christ: The fear of human disapproval can hinder our witness, but we are called to replace this fear with a reverent fear of God. By honoring Christ as holy in our hearts, we can find the strength to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God's approval is far more significant than human approval. [19:19]
3. Stay Ready to Declare the Hope Within: We must always be prepared to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ, doing so with gentleness and respect. This readiness comes from a heart that is deeply rooted in the love and grace of God, compelling us to share the gospel with others, even in the face of hostility. [25:42]
4. Keep an Eternal Perspective: Maintaining an eternal perspective helps us endure suffering with righteousness. By aiming for a good conscience before God and trusting in His sovereign goodness, we can navigate the challenges of this life, knowing that our ultimate reward is in the eternal blessings promised by God. [39:17]
5. Rest in God's Sovereign Goodness: Even when we do not understand the reasons for our suffering, we can trust that God is in control and that He will use our trials for His glory and our ultimate good. This trust in God's sovereignty allows us to endure hardship with hope and faith, knowing that He will bring justice and reward in His perfect timing. [42:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - Cultural Provocations and Christian Response
[04:04] - How to Live Righteously When Reviled
[05:15] - Righteous Temporal Suffering and Eternal Blessing
[06:44] - Live with a Zeal for What is Good
[08:09] - The Impact of Good Conduct
[10:33] - Social Hostility and Persecution
[12:01] - No One Can Ultimately Harm Believers
[14:25] - Practical Applications of Zeal for Good
[15:39] - Refrain from the Fear of Man
[19:19] - Replace Fear of Man with Fear of God
[20:35] - Center Your Heart on Christ
[23:05] - Faith Determines Actions
[24:32] - Pray for Christ to be Honored in Your Heart
[25:42] - Stay Ready to Declare the Hope Within
[28:18] - Defend the Hope Within You
[30:59] - Articulate the Gospel Clearly
[32:12] - The Living Hope in Christ
[33:33] - Share the Gospel with Gentleness and Respect
[36:07] - Walk in the Spirit When Sharing the Gospel
[37:16] - Importance of Testimony
[38:15] - Equip to Share the Gospel
[39:17] - Keep an Eternal Perspective
[41:31] - Aim for a Good Conscience
[42:52] - Rest in God's Sovereign Goodness
[44:07] - Trust in God's Sovereign Control
[45:20] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 3:13-17: "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil."
2. Romans 1:22-32: "Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."
3. Matthew 10:28-31: "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Peter say will happen to those who suffer for righteousness' sake? (1 Peter 3:14)
2. According to Romans 1:22-32, what are some behaviors that result from exchanging the truth about God for a lie?
3. In Matthew 10:28-31, what does Jesus say about the value of human life compared to sparrows?
4. How does Peter suggest Christians should respond to those who ask about their hope? (1 Peter 3:15) [25:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter emphasize having a good conscience when suffering for doing good? How does this relate to maintaining an eternal perspective? (1 Peter 3:16) [39:17]
2. How does the fear of God replace the fear of man according to the sermon and Matthew 10:28-31? [19:19]
3. What is the significance of being ready to declare the hope within us with gentleness and respect? How does this approach impact our witness? (1 Peter 3:15) [25:42]
4. How does Romans 1:22-32 illustrate the consequences of rejecting God's truth? How can this passage help us understand the cultural provocations mentioned in the sermon? [01:27]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced hostility for your faith. How did you respond, and how might you apply Peter's exhortations to that situation? [04:04]
2. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a zeal for what is good in your daily life? Consider specific actions you can take this week. [06:44]
3. Identify a fear of human disapproval that you struggle with. How can you replace this fear with a reverent fear of God? What steps will you take to center your heart on Christ? [19:19]
4. Think of a person in your life who might ask you about your faith. How can you prepare to share the hope within you with gentleness and respect? [25:42]
5. How can you maintain an eternal perspective when facing suffering or persecution? What specific practices or reminders can help you keep your focus on God's promises? [39:17]
6. In what ways can you rest in God's sovereign goodness during times of suffering? Share a personal experience where trusting in God's control helped you endure hardship. [42:52]
7. How can you support and encourage fellow believers who are facing persecution or hostility for their faith? What role can your small group play in this support? [45:20]
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Pursue Righteousness with Passion
Description: Christians are called to passionately pursue righteousness and good deeds, even in the face of suffering. This zeal is not just an external action but an internal passion that drives us to live lives that are beautiful, just, and honorable, reflecting the transformative power of Christ in our hearts. When we live with a zeal for what is good, we become beacons of light in a world that often mocks or reviles our faith. This passionate pursuit of righteousness is a testament to the transformative power of Christ within us, compelling us to act justly and love mercy, even when it leads to personal suffering. [06:44]
Bible Passage: "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 3:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of one area in your life where you can passionately pursue righteousness today. How can you reflect the transformative power of Christ in this area through your actions and attitudes?
Day 2: Replace Fear of Man with Fear of God
Description: The fear of human disapproval can hinder our witness, but we are called to replace this fear with a reverent fear of God. By honoring Christ as holy in our hearts, we can find the strength to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God's approval is far more significant than human approval. This shift in focus from fearing man to fearing God allows us to live boldly and confidently in our faith, even when faced with hostility or mockery from the world. [19:19]
Bible Passage: "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." (Proverbs 29:25, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a situation where you have been afraid of human disapproval. How can you shift your focus to a reverent fear of God in this situation, and what steps can you take to honor Christ as holy in your heart?
Day 3: Be Ready to Share Your Hope
Description: We must always be prepared to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ, doing so with gentleness and respect. This readiness comes from a heart that is deeply rooted in the love and grace of God, compelling us to share the gospel with others, even in the face of hostility. Being prepared to share our hope means understanding and articulating the gospel clearly, and doing so in a manner that reflects Christ's love and respect for others. [25:42]
Bible Passage: "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." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you prepare yourself to share the hope you have in Christ with them, and what steps can you take to do so with gentleness and respect?
Day 4: Maintain an Eternal Perspective
Description: Maintaining an eternal perspective helps us endure suffering with righteousness. By aiming for a good conscience before God and trusting in His sovereign goodness, we can navigate the challenges of this life, knowing that our ultimate reward is in the eternal blessings promised by God. This perspective allows us to see beyond our current trials and focus on the eternal glory that awaits us, giving us the strength to persevere in our faith. [39:17]
Bible Passage: "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge or suffering you are facing. How can you shift your focus to an eternal perspective, and what practical steps can you take to maintain a good conscience before God during this time?
Day 5: Trust in God's Sovereign Goodness
Description: Even when we do not understand the reasons for our suffering, we can trust that God is in control and that He will use our trials for His glory and our ultimate good. This trust in God's sovereignty allows us to endure hardship with hope and faith, knowing that He will bring justice and reward in His perfect timing. Resting in God's sovereign goodness means surrendering our fears and anxieties to Him, and trusting that He is working all things together for our good. [42:52]
Bible Passage: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or hardship you have faced. How can you trust in God's sovereign goodness in this situation, and what steps can you take to surrender your fears and anxieties to Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We live with a zeal to live lives that display good deeds, that commend our good news, no matter how the world around us responds to us as we live a righteous life. And no matter how bad the reviling gets, our reward will be worth it. We will be blessed. Our suffering, beloved, is for a little while, but our blessing is forever." [12:01] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We refrain from the fear of man by centering your heart on Christ. Or we refrain by the fear of man by centering our hearts on Christ. So this is the second exhortation. How do you survive? How do you live in a world that hates you even when you live a good life? He says, obviously getting reviled, slandered, accused, mocked, ridiculed, and threatened tempts followers of Christ to fear." [15:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We must stay ready to declare the hope within. Look at verse 15, the second half. Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. So Peter now says, if we're going to suffer righteously and in eager anticipation of that great reward to come, we must always be ready to declare the good news of the gospel hope that we have within our hearts that are orienting around Christ." [25:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We declare the good news with gentleness, not anger and malice. We're to walk in the spirit when we share the gospel, even with our enemies. So that means when we walk in the spirit, then the fruit of the spirit will be demonstrated in our evangelism. What is the fruit of the spirit? Love. And joy and peace and patience and goodness and kindness and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control." [34:54] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We know that this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. As we look to things not that are seen, but to things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things unseen are eternal." [44:07] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Righteous temporal suffering will be rewarded with glorious eternal blessing. Therefore, we must declare the hope we have within. Righteous temporal suffering will be rewarded with glorious eternal blessing. Therefore, we must boldly declare the hope." [05:15] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We live with a zeal for righteous living, remembering ultimately no one can harm us. Even if we suffer for righteousness, he says, you will be blessed. Joy is coming in the morning. Joy is on the other side of death. Resurrection comes on the other side of death. So we know to live is Christ, to die is gain. Therefore, who can harm you? No one, if you're in Christ." [12:01] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We refrain from the fear of man by centering your heart on Christ. Or we refrain by the fear of man by centering our hearts on Christ. So this is the second exhortation. How do you survive? How do you live in a world that hates you even when you live a good life? He says, obviously getting reviled, slandered, accused, mocked, ridiculed, and threatened tempts followers of Christ to fear." [15:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We must stay ready to declare the hope within. Look at verse 15, the second half. Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. So Peter now says, if we're going to suffer righteously and in eager anticipation of that great reward to come, we must always be ready to declare the good news of the gospel hope that we have within our hearts that are orienting around Christ." [25:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We declare the good news with gentleness, not anger and malice. We're to walk in the spirit when we share the gospel, even with our enemies. So that means when we walk in the spirit, then the fruit of the spirit will be demonstrated in our evangelism. What is the fruit of the spirit? Love. And joy and peace and patience and goodness and kindness and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control." [34:54] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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