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"Do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled"

Text: 1 Peter 3:14

DIFFICULT TIMES

To live as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ meant facing difficult times in the first century. Many had to suffer much for the Lord. The Apostle Peter sought to encourage the brethren in every way possible.

“And who is he who will harm you
if you become followers of what is good?
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 3:13-14

1. “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?”

a) Ordinarily, this may be understood as a rhetorical question.

b) In normal circumstances

i) No harm would come to those who did what was good.

ii) Normal society practices would see those who do good appreciated.

2. “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed”

a) But the times Peter lived in were not ordinary.

b) There were those who would persecute those who do good things.

c) Those who live righteously find themselves suffering despite not doing evil things.

d) Peter encouraged them to know that they are “blessed”.

i) This word harks back to the 8th Beatitude Jesus pronounced.

ii) Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake would be blessed by God (Matthew 5:10-12).

3. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled”

a) Peter may well have remembered what the Lord Jesus told them when He sent them out for ministry (Matthew 10:11-39).

b) Not troubled by threats.

i) Peter himself had experienced being severely threatened (Acts 4:17, 21).

ii) He was also thrown into jail more than once (Acts 4:3; 12:1-4).

c) How did he learn not to be troubled?

(1 Peter reveals many lessons as to how Peter held fast.)

i) Prayer played a great part.

ii) Faith in the Lord was strong and steadfast.

iii) Courage and perseverance were practised too.