Rock Solid Hope - A Study of 1 Peter Lesson 6 - Hope In the Absolute Victory of Christ
“That’s just your interpretation…” Sometimes people use this as an excuse to just throw up their hands and act like the Bible is unclear, and no one can claim they know what it says. On the one hand, God has spoken clearly and we can claim to know what his Word says. On the other hand, no one can read the Bible without having to interpret it. Today we’ll practice interpreting challenging, yet important and powerful phrases from 1 Peter 3.
1 Peter 3:13-16 Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you should happen to suffer because of righteousness, you are blessed. Do not be afraid of what they fear, and do not be troubled. 15 But regard the Lord, the Christ, as holy in your hearts. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you. 16 But speak with gentleness and respect, while maintaining a clear conscience, so that those who attack your good way of life in Christ may be put to shame because they slandered you as evildoers.
1. “Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?” Evaluate the following interpretations of this phrase: a. If you try your best to do good, no one will harm you.
b. If you try your best to do what is good, most people will not try to harm you, and even when they do, you can have confidence that God is with you.
c. If you try your best to do what is good, you’ll never need to fear anything. 2. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you.” Evaluate the following interpretations of this phrase: a. Whenever anyone asks you a question about God, you better have the right answer, or they won’t come to faith in him.
b. If you put your hope in God, all kinds of people will constantly be asking you about it, and you’ll be converting many. c. When people see the unusual hope that you have in Christ, it will at times cause them to ask you about it; and you can simply share why you have this hope.