Encouragement for those who suffer.

For those who are suffering..promises, teaching, and encoruagement

1 Peter 3:13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?

1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

1Peter 3:16  having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Peter asks a question about suffering, and then gives us God's promises and instruction on the matter. 

The question...... Who is he will harm you if become followers of what is good? The implied answer, is no one. So, on one level this is true. Following the Lord means there will be protection from God in your life.

The statement.........But even if you do suffer for rigtheousness sake, you are blessed. So, here Peter in a sober, honest way says, but even if you do suffer, you are blessed. Jesus spoke about the blessings that accompany suffering and persecution. See Matt 5, and so did James, See James 1, 5.

The instruction and encouragement.... "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled" This is taken from Isa 8:12...Where God was telling His people who were facing a pending invasion, not to be afraid of the invading armies. 

Then, more instruction and encouragement........Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Or set the Lord apart in your life, above all else. Make Him first, Respect God, Keep your eyes and heart upon Him, and walk with Him, obey Him, do His will etc. etc. 

Several other things are said also........Tell others of the hope that is in you......having a good conscience, and in closing Peter says, It is better if it is the will of God to suffer for doing good then for doing evil.

There is much to think about here, and much to be encouraged by, and much to put into practice in our lives when suffering in the will of God.

You may want to just take a moment and go over the verses carefully, and note...

1. God makes promises to you about suffering. 

2. Even if you do suffer there is blessing. 

3. Do not be afraid of their threats.

4. Do not be troubled by their threats. 

5. Set the Lord apart in your life. 

6. Remember, you have a living hope.

7. Tell others about that hope.

8. Keep a good conscience. 

9. Suffering is often God's will for us. 

May God encourage you in this passage, and bring you great comfort and peace, and strength.