Greater Hope: Living for God's Will

You must embrace the probability of suffering. 3:13-14, 17

 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed

You must embrace the pursuit of sanctification. 3:15a

15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,

You must engage in preparation of sharing your hope. 3:15b-16

always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and ^dreverence;

You must embrace the preeminence of Christ . 3:18-22

            Christ is our substitute by crucifixion. 18

18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust,

            Christ is our hope in resurrection and ascension. 21b-22

but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

You must embrace the purpose of suffering as the will of God. 4:1-6 

            Your suffering can help you live for the will of God. 4:1-3

1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God 

            The gospel preached can help you live for the will of God. 4:4-6      

6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

You must engage in prayer with sound judgment and sober spirit. 4:7

7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer

  Keep fervent in your love for one another. 4:8

            Be hospitable without complaint. 4:9

            Serve others with your gifts 4:10

            Glorify God in everything. 4:11

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