THE POWER OF THE POWER OF GENEROUS LIVINGGENEROUS LIVING

I PETER 3:8-16I PETER 3:8-16

1 Peter 3:8-16 Living Translation1 Peter 3:8-16 Living Translation

8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, "Whoever among you would love life and see good days must keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.

1 Peter 3:8-16 Living Translation1 Peter 3:8-16 Living Translation

11 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.“

I Peter 2:4-11 Living TranslationI Peter 2:4-11 Living Translation

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts revere 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, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

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• A life of generosity, compassion, patience and humility stands out like a light in the dark.

• It is the way to real joy for me and generates interest in ‘why’ I live life on this high plain.

• When others ask us for the secret of such lovely living I need to be ready to point to my source…Jesus.

• My answer needs to be clear and spoken with gentleness and respect for the inquirer.

AnnouncementsAnnouncements

WorshipWorship

The Best Place To Make An Impact On My The Best Place To Make An Impact On My World Is My Own BackyardWorld Is My Own Backyard

• How I live in my family, neighborhood and work place must be intentional and beautiful.

Jesus Gave Us A Clear Example Of How To Jesus Gave Us A Clear Example Of How To Live In The World --I Peter 3:8Live In The World --I Peter 3:8

• Consider how he loved people who were weak, self-centered and immature.

• Did he show extreme to his ‘brothers’ or what!

• Compassion and humility…he had it!

Jesus Gave Us A Clear Example Of How To Jesus Gave Us A Clear Example Of How To Live In The World --I Peter 3:8Live In The World --I Peter 3:8

• Consider how he loved people who were weak, self-centered and immature.

• Did he show extreme to his ‘brothers’ or what!

• Compassion and humility…he had it!

88 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

And How About Facing Evil People Bent On And How About Facing Evil People Bent On Hurting Him…And Those Who Insulted Him? Hurting Him…And Those Who Insulted Him?

--I Peter 3:9--I Peter 3:9

• His loud and direct shots at evil people were always for the sake of God and to protect others.

• What would you expect to come from the lips of one who was unjustly nailed to a cross (“Father, forgive them”?).

99 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

The Added Bonus Is The Blessing Of God On Our Lives --1 Peter 3:10-12

• The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.

• The face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

• Who wouldn’t want the hand of God on their back instead of their chest? James 4:10

1010 "Whoever among you would love life and see good days must keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. 1111 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 12 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

I trust Him as my Lord and Savior.

Offering:Offering:An Opportunity To An Opportunity To Express the HopeExpress the Hope

WorshipWorship

Our Core Philosophy… Christ Is Lord --I Peter 3:15

• We are under orders… even when love isn’t or natural response to draining and dreadful people.

When Others Ask, Be Ready--I Peter 3:15b

• Be preparedBe prepared… have your testimony ready… your Elevator Speech, perhaps

• When people askWhen people ask… this loving, forgiving, patient and peace-promoting lifestyle is bound to get folk inquiring and popping questions.

• No lording it over othersNo lording it over others, hammering their philosophy… but a gentle, truthful message of Jesus’ love and his lordship in our lives.

15 15 But in your hearts revere 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

And The Results… Those Who Would Slander You Will Find ‘No Handles’ --I Peter 3:16

• ““Blameless” Blameless” means ‘no ‘no handles’ handles’ to grab hold of when people want to accuse you.

16 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Am I Up To Such ‘High Ground’ Living?Am I Up To Such ‘High Ground’ Living?

• It will only happen with God’s help and my commitment.

• It will have to be consistent, authentic even when put to fiery tests.

• Better get ready for many wonderful blessings and opportunities to put in a good word for Jesus.

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• A life of generosityA life of generosity, compassion, patience and humility stands out like a light in the dark.

• It is the way to real joy It is the way to real joy for me and generates interest in ‘why’ I live life on this high plain.

• When others ask When others ask us for the secret of such lovely living I need to be ready to point to my source…Jesus.

• My answer needs to be clear My answer needs to be clear and spoken with gentleness and respect for the inquirer.

Go in the Power of Go in the Power of Generous LivingGenerous Living