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UNDESERVED SUFFERING (10)

by Jerry Watts

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22
This content is part of a series.


Title: Undeserved Suffering (10)
Series: 1 Peter
Author: Jerry Watts
Text: 1 Peter 3:13-22

One of the most often asked questions in life is this, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" The premise of that reveals the almost entitlement attitude of some who believe that we 'deserve a break today,' when, in actuality, we might deserve to 'be broken' today. Like it or not, the Bible tells us that there are no good people (none are righteous) who are deserving of being called good. Rather, we need a Savior, this is our greatest need.

At the same time, bad things (suffering) do happen to all people. As Jesus said in Matthew 5, "He sends rain on the just and the unjust." Suffering comes to the good and bad, young and old, rich and poor, as well as the saved and lost. It happens because we live in a fallen world.

Peter is writing to those who were deemed to be "Jesus' people" who were under persecution. They were dispersed and endured persecution. And by extension, he is writing to us to encourage us when this happens. (TEXT) Embrace a couple truths.

1) The Reality of the Christ Life - Reality is a great place to begin when reading Peter, because no one was as much a realist as was Peter. He pushed the guys to realism.

a. The Rhetorical question - This is a question which creates an effect or for a statement of affirmation, it's not really a question that a person is trying to get an answer for - candidly, because the answer is obvious. Verse 13 poses such a question, because we all know the answer. Who will harm you for doing good? The evil one and his minions. This is a question to set up the big picture of this truth: Christ expects His followers to do good and be good and not expect a rose garden. In fact, when you read verses 13-17, it sounds to me like you can expect trouble when you do good. Can you see rough Peter kind of shrug his shoulder and shake his head saying, "Even if you should suffer for righteousness, join the club." By this tim ...

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