Good morning. Today we're going to look at chapter 3 of first Peter. Don't worry I'm not going to talk about wives being submissive to their husbands. Starting at verse 13: and who is there to harm you, if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear they are intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. In today's world Christians are greatly coming under fire for believing and doing what God considers good. We are slandered if we believe or say that something is wrong. No one likes being told they are wrong – even Christians. It used to be that if you told someone they were wrong, they would be ashamed. But now they get angry and fight back. Here though we are told to not fear their intimidation. Jesus suffered for doing and saying what was right. Too many Christians though try to force their beliefs on others. Even in the olden days, which was just a few years ago, you couldn't force your beliefs on others. The only reason you might "win" was because people who said they were Christians outnumbered those who weren't. Verse 15 says we are to sanctify, or to set apart, Christ as Lord in our hearts. If He is truly Lord in our hearts, we will say and do the right things. It says always being ready to make a defense to those who ask you. It doesn't say to go on the offense and try to make others believe like we do. Instead it's to those who ask you about that hope within; yet with gentleness and reverence. Sometimes the gentler you are though the angrier they get. Keep a good conscience. Sometimes Christians condemn others when they themselves are doing the same thing out of sight. Sadly some people will try to slander us; especially in today's world of liberalism. Before, they didn't like Christians putting them down. Now they delight in putting us down. It says by our good behavior in Christ we may put them to shame. It's not up to us; it's up to God. If we do sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts, in the end we will be justified. Father help the reader to sanctify Christ as Lord in his/her heart and to be prepared to answer any questions from others about what he/she believes. Rebuke those who come against him/her. Turn their anger on themselves. Help him/her to always be a shining light wherever he/she goes.

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