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Summary

Sermon Outline “Until He Comes: Practice in Church!” - I Peter 3:8-17 It must confuse those who aren’t Christians when they see churches splitting, or people in churches not getting along, or one church not affiliating with another. 2012’s theme: Until He Comes - looking for Jesus to come again & living according to that perspective. In I Peter we who have come to Christ and belong to God are challenged to practice “honorable conduct” before unbelievers. I Peter 3:8-17 - Part of the honorable conduct must be how we relate to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Practice in Church - not only while in the church building, but within the church family and with all brothers and sisters in Christ. John 13:34-35 - Our love for one another is a witness to the world! How do we properly relate to one another in Christ? - Unity of mind (Jesus’ mind, shown in the Word of God). - Sympathy - bearing the joy or sorrow of others. - Brotherly love - “I have to love him/her, but I don’t have to like him/her” - NO! - Tender heart - compassion. - Humble mind - putting others before yourself. - Blessing instead of retaliation - not just for Jesus or others, but for your own sake. How do we bless others? Forgive, act in love, pray for God’s blessing, etc. - Psalm 34:12-16 delineates the blessings that come from turning from evil to do good - life is more enjoyable and good, God keeps His eyes on us (to see our need & bless us) and hears our prayers. Blessings from God are better than the evil we might “enjoy.” - Vs.13-17 - How to handle it when our good is returned with evil (from believers or unbelievers). In the real world, this will sometimes happen. Know that God will bless you in the midst of the suffering (and balance the scales!). He will take care of His own. “The presence or possibility of suffering should not make us shrink back from doing good.” (David Gudzik) Sanctify (set apart, hallow) Christ in your heart - He is your Lord. Seek Him first. Be ready to make a defense, not of self, but of your faith. Others will ask the reason for the hope within you (how you’re handling the difficulty so well). Correct answer(s) - Jesus Christ is my Lord and example, the grace of God, etc. Your good conduct in the face of mistreatment will, in time, prove others wrong. Wait on the Lord! “No one wants to suffer, but better to suffer for doing good than for evil.” (Gudzik) Next week: the example and victory of Christ. Until He comes, let us remember whose we are and practice living like who we are in Christ! Practice with your church family!