1 Peter 3:14

1 Peter 3:14 ‘But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,'

‘But' -The Bible is quick to keep us from jumping to the wrong conclusion. Doing the right thing won't always keep you from being persecuted. Jesus, Paul, Timothy and others suffered, even though they were zealous for good (1 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 3:12). God is always up front and honest with us (Matthew 5:10).

‘for the sake of righteousness' -i.e. for what is right and good. Instead of suffering because we deserve to suffer (1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 4:15).

‘you are blessed' -‘Fortunate, privileged, recipient of divine favor' (Arndt p. 486) (Matthew 5:10). In view of what Jesus did for us (1 Peter 3:18), the Christian should consider it an honor to suffer for His cause (Colossians 1:24). We need. change of attitude towards suffering that comes because we stand for what is right. Instead of being tempted to quit, or fall into despair. We need to realize that such suffering means that we are doing our job, like the soldier who is itching to get where the fighting is at. We often may sacrifices for family, loved ones, the company or our country. Why don't we have the same attitude towards the gospel?

‘And do not fear their intimidation' -Quotation from Isaiah 2:12. ‘do not be alarmed by their threats' (Wey). The fear that is forbidden is the type of fear that paralyzes the Christian or moves the Christian to abandon what is right. The hero is just as afraid as any other man in the outfit, the difference is, he doesn't allow such fears to keep him from doing what is right.

‘troubled'-‘disturb, unsettle, throw into confusion' (Arndt p. 805). (John 14:27) 1. God wants His people to face persecution with calmness and confidence. Suffering doesn't give us the right to act in an ungodly manner, give up or stop doing the right thing. Our God is bigger than all our opponents!

Intelligent Responses In The Midst Of Suffering: