“Living The Good Life” (even while being persecuted) 1 Peter 3:8-12

TRANSCRIPT

Date: September 22, 2024 Author: Wayne J. Edwards

Last week, the Christian community witnessed a mighty miracle of God. In 2006, Christian pastor David Lin was found guilty of contract fraud by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). His crime was raising funds for a Christian church in Beijing, and initially, Lin was to be in prison until 2029. However, last week, God answered the persistent prayers of His people, and David Lin, now 68 years old, was miraculously released. China has been increasing human rights abuses for years – sudden disappearances of pastors and church leaders, persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, unexplained availability of human organs for sale, and the evidence of sex trafficking. China is currently imprisoning over 1 million Uyghurs in concentration camps. Uyghurs are the second-largest predominantly Muslim group in the northwestern province of Xinjiang. The physical, mental, emotional persecution of Christians is on the rise in every part of the world. Are you prepared to face these trying times? Are you ready to stand firm in your convictions and suffer the consequences for doing so? This Sunday, we will continue our sermons from 1 Peter, focusing on the theme of “A Living Hope.” The title of this sermon is “Living the Good Life – Even While Being Persecuted.” In this sermon, we will learn how to maintain a positive outlook and a strong faith, even in the face of persecution. This expositional sermon is more than a biblical message – it is a guide on how Christians can navigate these challenging times with faith and resilience. We want to express our deep gratitude for your unwavering support. Your partnership in sharing these sermon study guides with those you believe might be interested is vital to our Live Stream Ministry. Your involvement is not just appreciated, it is essential to our desire to reach the whole world with the whole Word. Thank you!

Last week, the Christian community witnessed a mighty miracle of God. In 2006, Christian pastor David Lin was found guilty of contract fraud by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). His crime was raising funds for a Christian church in Beijing, and initially, Lin was to be in prison until 2029. However, last week, God answered the persistent prayers of His people, and David Lin, now 68 years old, was miraculously released.

China has been increasing human rights abuses for years – sudden disappearances of pastors and church leaders, persecution of ethnic and religious minorities, unexplained availability of human organs for sale, and the evidence of sex trafficking. China is currently imprisoning over 1 million Uyghurs in concentration camps. Uyghurs are the second-largest predominantly Muslim group in the northwestern province of Xinjiang.

The physical, mental, emotional persecution of Christians is on the rise in every part of the world. Are you prepared to face these trying times? Are you ready to stand firm in your convictions and suffer the consequences for doing so?

This Sunday, we will continue our sermons from 1 Peter, focusing on the theme of “A Living Hope.” The title of this sermon is “Living the Good Life – Even While Being Persecuted.” In this sermon, we will learn how to maintain a positive outlook and a strong faith, even in the face of persecution. This expositional sermon is more than a biblical message – it is a guide on how Christians can navigate these challenging times with faith and resilience.

We want to express our deep gratitude for your unwavering support. Your partnership in sharing these sermon study guides with those you believe might be interested is vital to our Live Stream Ministry. Your involvement is not just appreciated, it is essential to our desire to reach the whole world with the whole Word. Thank you!

Download the following translated Sermon guides:

Old Testament: Psalm 34:1-22 New Testament: 1 Peter 3:1-12

Peter’s formula for the “good life” gives us the real reason we are to “love life” and, therefore, see many “good days” of life, even while we are enduring persecution.

In the previous chapters, Peter said he was well aware of the severe persecution these first-century believers endured because of their expressed faith in Jesus Christ. Peter reminded them:

In 1 Peter 3:1-12, Peter said if they wanted to experience the “good life,” even while being persecuted, they must:

Peter lists five attitudes that must “possess us” if we are to enjoy the “good life” while being persecuted.

Peter said no matter how badly we are mistreated, if we want to have the “good life”:

Peter listed three essential principles:

Peter said it is essential for Christians to have the right motive for life because:

Principles of the “good life” even amidst persecution:

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