Suffering for Serving the Savior

The Apostle Paul addresses how believers in a hostile society should respond to suffering. We as Americans have a difficult time relating to persecution. How should we respond to suffering for Christ?

I. The Abnormality of Suffering for Serving the Savior (1 Peter 3:13)
- Most people will not desire to harm you or persecute you for living for Christ.

2. The Approval of Suffering for Serving the Savior (1 Peter 3:14a)
- If you suffer for serving Christ, you are blessed and will be rewarded by Christ. (Matthew 5:10-12; Acts 5:41)

3. The Attitudes Needed for Suffering for Serving the Savior (1 Peter 3:14b-16)
• Negative Responses:
- Do not fear their threats. (Psalm 27:1)
- Do not become agitated or stressed out. (James 1:6-8; Philippians 4:6)
• Positive Responses:
- Give Christ first place in your heart. (Romans 12:1)
- Be prepared to witness for Christ with the right spirit.
- Keep a clear conscience before God and man.

4. The Advantage of Suffering for Serving the Savior (1 Peter 3:17)
• Suffering for doing wrong is a result of God’s chastening and will not be rewarded. (Hebrews 12:6)
• Suffering for serving the Savior will be rewarded.