An Answer in Suffering…1 Peter 3:13-17…Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats.Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Always be prepared to give a systematic, logical (scientific, if necessary) defense of one’s faith, with the proper motives and attitudes, of course.

Normally one would not expect opposition for doing good, but such a situation must be expected, particularly if a person is a zealous follower of good (as in v. 13). Such a person is enthusiastic about his cause, not in an irrational way, but a wholehearted way.

This intimidates and infuriates those who “loved darkness

John 3:19

And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.

1 Peter 3:14

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats.

Our natural response of fear need not overtake us, for Peter warns us to be prepared, and he gives several commands.

Firstof all

1 Peter 3:15

"you must worship Christ as Lord of your life"

He must occupy the supreme position in our hearts.This implies forethought,

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always be ready to explain your Christian hope.

“be ready always” with our defense. This implies forethought,study, and preparation.

Lastly he insists we must maintain “Keep your conscience clear“ (v. 16), a lifestyle so pure and blameless that any accusations will be to the shame of the accusers.

It may be, however, that in spite of our walk with the Lord, our preparation and lifestyle, unjust persecution may come. It may be in “the will of God” (if that is what God wants ) (v. 17) for us. If so, so be it, “it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”