How to Handle the Heat (1 Peter 3:13-4:6)

Big Idea: Living to please Jesus will invite criticism, but remain steadfast, trust him, and view challenges as opportunities to share your faith.

Let me make a pretty bold prediction about your life. If you consistently follow Jesus Christ and aim to please Him in all areas of your life—at work, home, and school—you can expect to face some criticism.

Many people don’t like Jesus Christ. They don't explicitly say it, but they dislike what he represents and oppose anyone forcing Christianity on them. Identifying as a follower of Jesus means you'll adopt some unpopular views, which may make you less popular. People don’t like what the Bible teaches. Just try explaining some of what the Bible teaches, and you’re guaranteed to draw stares. Try a few elementary theological points, share them at a coffee break this week, and see what happens. Mention that you believe in a literal heaven and hell; in a real Satan. That you don’t think that all world religions are the same. Challenge the reader of The Celestine Prophecy by stating that sincerity alone isn't enough, and recognize that your views may not always be accepted by others.

Then there are moral issues. The majority view these days is that if it doesn’t hurt others, it’s okay. But just try taking a moral position on a social issue, and you’ll be called intolerant and narrow-minded. Taking a moral stand and refusing to engage in actions you see as wrong may make you seem like a nuisance to others, and you might face peer pressure or hostility. If we aren't facing some criticism as believers, we might not be living in a way that pleases Christ.

Picture a school where many students occasionally drink heavily, smoke, use addictive drugs, and engage in casual sexual relationships. Everyone is aware of who participates in these activities and who chooses not to. Imagine that you’re not accepted because of the stand you take as a Christian person. You will gain a certain reputation.

If you live a consistent life as a Christian in the workplace, the same applies to you. Some will respect you, while others may see you as an outsider. If you consistently follow Jesus Christ and strive to please him in all areas of your life—at work, in your family, and at school—you will face some criticism. It’s guaranteed.

Now, I’ve discovered that not everyone likes to take heat. Some people are naturally inclined to take a bold stand. They’ve never seen a confrontation they didn’t want to join. But others of us just don’t like to make a fuss. We like to blend in and go with the flow. We don't want to come across as self-righteous or draw attention to ourselves by taking a bold stand.

I want to talk to you this morning because you may be avoiding attention and not setting a strong example. You might not face criticism as a believer because your life isn't aligned with what pleases Jesus Christ. You’ve compromised in order to win acceptance by your peers.

Peter gives us a principle this morning that should help you. It’s found in 1 Peter 3:13: "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?" Peter wants you to know that if you live a life that pleases Jesus Christ, those who do good will be rewarded rather than punished. Live a clear Christian life; you'll generally receive respect in response.

I’ve been in the position of watching certain people in the workplace. I've noticed that people who serve Jesus Christ faithfully, whether as bookkeepers, CFOs, or postal carriers, often earn the respect of their peers. Some may tease or misunderstand, but most will respect a quiet, consistent life dedicated to Jesus Christ. It just might be that you’re overestimating the opposition that you’re going to receive.

But what if this principle is wrong? What if, in your life, you’re going to take a little heat, you’re going to suffer the rejection of peers for the life you lead as a Christian?

Peter gives us five things to remember when you’re taking a little heat.

You're Blessed When You're Taking Heat

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed" (1 Peter 3:14).

"Peter says it's a blessing to face challenges for being a believer, but I don't think that idea came from him." Jesus said a similar thing:

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)

One might wonder, "How can I feel blessed when I face insults for the sake of Christ?" As a child I learned about Daniel in Sunday school. I remembered him taking a number of bold stands for God, and I aspired to be like him. It’s funny that as children we have the courage to be like Daniel, but as we grow we become chickens. Taking a stand may bring challenges, but it connects us with great prophets like Elijah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. God promises to reward the faithful by welcoming them into His eternal kingdom, where there is no persecution. You’re experiencing God’s plan and fulfilling your calling, and one day you’ll be rewarded for enduring those undeserved trials. Just as God blessed all his saints who have taken bold stands before, God will bless you.

That’s the first thing to remember. Here's the second:

Trust Christ When You're Taking Heat

“Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord" (1 Peter 3:14-15).

As opposed to thinking about the opposition, think about Christ. Peter here quotes an Old Testament passage from Isaiah 8, which warns us not to fear faithless people. Both passages emphasize that we should concentrate on Christ rather than on those criticizing our way of life. Remember that he, and not our human opponents, is truly in control of events. Have such a deep-seated confidence in Christ as Lord and King that you won’t even give the opposition a thought.

Where’s your focus? Peter asks. On the one who’s giving you grief for the stand you’re taking as a believer, or on Jesus Christ?

Remember you're blessed. Trust Christ. Here's the third thing Peter tells us to do:

Witness When You're Taking Heat

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

As a believer, living a consistent, God-pleasing life may attract challenges from unbelievers. Somewhere along the line, you’ll be pinned against the wall and asked what you believe and why. Unexpected opportunities may arise, but having a prepared answer will ensure we don't miss them. Peter says to be ready with your answer when the time comes, and always deliver it with gentleness and respect. Don't overwhelm the listener with aggression. Respectfully explain why you live the way you do, and let God take care of the results.

Some of us believe that our faith is a personal matter that should be kept to oneself. I’m friends with many people who don’t share my beliefs and who wouldn’t call themselves Christians. I’ve found that in almost every case, they eventually ask about my faith, my lifestyle, my Christian perspective. You know what usually happens? Our hearts begin beating a bit faster. We become a little tongue-tied. We miss the opportunity.

Maybe the one application we need to make this morning is: be ready. Know what you’re going to say when someone asks you about your faith. Prepare in advance to clearly express why you hold your beliefs, even though there are great tools available to help you know what to say. It doesn’t have to be articulate; it just has to be genuine. It’s a great thing to take a little heat for your faith, because that’s what both Jesus and Noah did.

And that’s Peter’s point in verses 18 to 22—a wonderful but baffling digression. These verses are some of the most challenging to understand in the Bible. There are themes in here that would take months to unravel. What should we remember about Jesus and Noah?

First, to be bold in our witness, as they were. Second, to be confident that, though we are few, God will certainly save us—as he did both Noah and Jesus. Third, to remember that just like the flood came, judgment will come to our world, and Christ will ultimately overcome all evil.

Focus less on acceptance issues and more on the belief that God will vindicate you. And just as Moses and Jesus suffered, follow their example, take some heat, and be bold.

So, Peter says, remember you're blessed. Trust Christ. Witness. Here's the fourth thing Peter tells us to do:

Remember That Taking Heat Helps You Become Obedient

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2)

If you focus on Christ, and are willing to take some heat for your devotion to him, sin will lose its power to defeat you. The more we take some heat for our devotion to Christ, the more that we’ll be weaned from sin. Choosing to obey God, even amidst suffering, strengthens our commitment. It reinforces our dedication to prioritize obedience over the desire to avoid pain.

Remember you're blessed. Trust Christ. Witness. Remember that taking heat helps you become more obedient. Finally:

Take Heat Because We've Already Sinned Enough

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do–living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3)

If you’re tempted to take the easy way out and avoid taking heat for Christ, be warned: your past experience of sin is enough. You have already committed enough sins to last a lifetime. Why would you want to live any longer the kind of life which was given to following sinful human desires? It's time to get on with a life of obedience.

They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. (1 Peter 4:4-5)

You've already sinned in your past life. Why continue in a life that will lead to God's judgment? It's much preferable to live a life that's pleasing to God. I love how one person translates this:

You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet – and before God himself.

Those who don’t live lives that are pleasing to God will one day have to give account to God for their disobedience. Unless they too get a new life through Jesus Christ, they’re headed for judgment. We certainly don’t want to join them. It doesn’t hurt that they think we’re different from them—we are, after all! If anything, we want them to know what we do: that we have a new life and new hope in Jesus Christ.

If you consistently follow Jesus Christ and aim to please Him in all areas of your life—at work, home, and school—you will face some challenges. You may be scorned because you won’t participate in certain activities, and it’s clear that your priorities have changed. Living consistently as a believer may highlight the shortcomings of those who don't please God, and not everyone will respond positively.

But when you take some heat for Christ, you’re blessed. Just focus on him instead of the opposition; don’t forget to witness. Suffering for his sake can strengthen your obedience. Remember, you've already sinned enough in your lifetime; it's time to live a life that pleases God, even if it brings some challenges.

For most of us, the worst we'll face is peer pressure. But around the early 60s A.D, taking a little heat might have meant physical suffering, and even death. The author of these five reminders was martyred for his beliefs. Many who read them found the courage to take bold stands. They remembered their blessings, focused on Christ, and provided a strong defense for their hope.

Consistently following Jesus Christ and striving to please him in all areas of your life—work, family, school—will invite criticism. So let’s be willing and prepared, to take this heat, and thank God for the benefits that it brings to our lives.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)

Father, thanks that you allow us to take some heat just as Jesus and Moses did. Help us to live such consistent lives as believers that others will notice and ask how we’re different. And when they do, help us to be prepared to give them a reason for the hope that we have, and that they may be drawn to the Savior we love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.