If you could model your life after one person who would it be?

We choose to follow successful people because we want the same success.

Fame, wealth, and comfort often motivate us. Jesus pursued none of these.

1 Peter 3:13-14

"13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 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."

What if you follow Jesus and no one notices, celebrates, or appreciates it?

1 Peter 3:15-16

"15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.[a] 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."

Be able to articulate what you believe and why you believe it.

Follow Jesus publicly and privately.

1 Peter 3:17-18

"17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 18 Christ suffered[a] for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.["

To follow Jesus is to share in his suffering.

God uses suffering to bring righteousness to the unrighteous.

True understanding of suffering with Jesus shifts us from “I have to” to “I get to.”

1 Peter 3:19-20

"19 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— 20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.[a]"

Who does Jesus preach to?

4 Options

1. Unrepentant people in hell.
2. Repentant people outside hell.
3. Fallen Angels.
4. People who are alive and believe in their own works/righteousness. 

The correct answer: We aren’t sure.

1 Peter 3:21-22

"21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from[a] a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

22 Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept his authority."

Let’s be very clear, baptism does not establish salvation, it is a proclamation of salvation.

We cannot earn salvation, it is a gift.

Baptism has no tangible impact on our salvation or our cleanliness.

Baptism is an act of obedience and commitment.

We are saved through the power of the resurrection of Jesus.

Be obedient even when it isn’t noticed, celebrated, or appreciated.

When you are suffering, take joy in connection with Jesus.

• Know the why before the what.