Thursday Devo
Scripture:
1 Peter 3:14-16
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.
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.
Commentary:
3:13–14 even if. Peter is writing to Christians already suffering for their faith, therefore he is not saying that such suffering is improbable. His point is that no one will ultimately or finally harm Christians, “even if” they suffer now, for God will reward them (cf. Rom. 8:31). Indeed, they will be blessed by God in their sufferings (cf. Matt. 5:10).
3:15–17 Believers should always be ready to provide a rationale for their faith, but they should do so winsomely and righteously. And if they keep a good conscience, any accusations against them will prove groundless, and their accusers will be put to shame. It is sometimes God’s will that Christians suffer for doing good.
3:15–17 Believers should always be ready to provide a rationale for their faith, but they should do so winsomely and righteously. And if they keep a good conscience, any accusations against them will prove groundless, and their accusers will be put to shame. It is sometimes God’s will that Christians suffer for doing good.
Questions:
- We are commanded to share our faith. Jesus told us to go into all the nations, baptizing people and teaching them to obey. Peter is now telling us that we should always be ready to explain why we believe what we believe. Do you feel you are ready, if asked, to give an answer for your faith? If not, how do you get there?
- Next time you are hanging out with people in your life that need Jesus, be looking for opportunities to steer the conversation in a more spiritual direction. Here are some starter questions to help you make that turn:
- Do you have a faith or church you attend?
- This is a really easy way to turn a convo toward spiritual things.
- Do you know for sure that if you die you'll go to heaven?
- Their answer will tell you everything you need to know.
- Most will say they will because they are a good person. that's when you give them the Roman Road.
- Would you mind if I shared my story with you?
- This is a great transition question to always have in your back pocket.
- Do you have a faith or church you attend?
- Now that you are ready, all you need to do is pray and watch for opportunities!
Pray:
- That God would give you boldness to share through the power of the Spirit.
- That God would open doors for you in the next few days.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
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