Resilient: Powerful Hope in a Dangerous WorldSample

Being a church member in the first century after Jesus established the church could be frightening. At the time of 1 Peter 3:17-19, a lack of understanding of Christians meant they faced significant opposition and persecution. They were often seen as a threat to the established order and were subjected to imprisonment, torture, and execution. Despite this, many Christians continued to hold onto their faith and live out their beliefs in the face of opposition.

Some days, it seems our world is headed in this same direction. Yet, we often don’t spend time abiding with Jesus or practicing our faith in a way that makes people see us and wonder about how good God must be.

Meanwhile, the world around us is much like it was in the time of Genesis 6-9 when God flooded the world because of wickedness and 1 Peter 3 and Jude when false teachers were stealing people away from the church.

We serve a good God who has placed us in the world to bring people to him. If we keep our eyes on him and serve him daily, we will be able to withstand the attempts of false teachers to mislead us. We will be able to stay faithful when we are persecuted. For those who don’t do these things, all three of today’s passages say there is a time of judgment to come.

Reflection Questions

1. How does 1 Peter 3:17-19 encourage Christians to respond when persecuted or suffering for their faith?
2. In what ways does the world now look like the world described in the passages you read today?
3. Why is keeping a clear conscience and avoiding sin critical when you’re suffering?
4. Jesus suffered greatly and was killed. He said in John 15:18-21 that if the world hated him, it would hate us, too. If it comes to it, are you really willing to suffer for Jesus?