Empowered to live

1 Peter 3:13-22

¹³ Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. ¹⁵ Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. ¹⁶ But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. ¹⁷ Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

¹⁸ Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

¹⁹ So he went and preached to the spirits in prison—²⁰ those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. ²¹ And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

²² Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority.

Peter died by crucifixion hanging upside down.  Peter understood the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in him.  He wrote this letter to encourage all saints, you and me, that one day, God will have the final word.  God will reward us if we stay faithful to the end.

He said to you and me:

Don’t worry
Don’t be afraid
Don’t care about those who speak against you
–  just keep worshipping Christ, be ready to explain your hope as a believer, keep a clear conscience, keep walking Christ’s way …

One day our lives will all make sense.  This world is just a foretaste of Heaven.  Keep going, don’t give up now …

Lord, please be with my sister or brother as they read this passage.  Give them courage today.  Help them to live out their faith to others and be confident in the words of their mouth sharing their love and life in You.  Lord, we thank you that in your word, you have promised that you will never leave us nor forsake us.  Thank you, Jesus, that you can make a way in every situation we face.  We love you, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta