1 Peter 3:14-15 [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, This sets our expectation that despite doing good and pursuing righteousness, people and circumstances will still hate us, persecute and accuse us of evil but in all of these we are commanded to not fear and frighten . This is a call to take courage and see the situation through the lens faith. Let's take a look at suffering in righteous sake in the lens of faith: 1. Suffering provides powerful testimony -in suffering the more we become more dependent on God, the more we become closer to Him and the more they see Jesus in us and they will see the radiance of Jesus and His character this will lead others to inquire about the hope that sustains us , opening doors for evangelism. 2. Suffering is a testament - when we remain unshaken, faithful and true to our faith in our suffering this becomes a testament(proof) of our obedience, faith, perseverance, joy, surrender, trust, transformation, and strength in God and God's presence/sovereignty in us. 3. Suffering as a Blessing Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Things to remember when we suffer persecution for the cause of Christ: 1 Peter 3:12 [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” a. The eyes of the Lord rest upon you b. His ears are attentive to your prayer-He respond c. You will have the joyful experience of the blessing of God with nothing to fear.(V14) Response in suffering;
Reverence toward Christ as Lord.
- When shows we trust His sovereignty and Goodness.
-We acknowledge that He is in control and all things work together for good.
- We hold onto the power of His death and resurrection that He already overcame the world
Ready to give answer for the hope that you have
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Have we noticed that when we take a closer look at Scripture reveals a pattern: suffering is often followed by a divine command to rejoice, count it all joy, or take pleasure in for Christ sake. JOY and PEACE comes from the overflow of our hope in Jesus and it has poured out to us through the Holy Spirit .
Romans 5:1-5
[1] Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah; [2] through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; [4] and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; [5] and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Prayer:
Lord, Help us to honor You as we should, setting You apart as Lord in our hearts, and to always be ready to share and defend the hope we have in You Jesus. i
In every circumstance, may we exalt Your Name on High. Amen
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PASTORA CZAR
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