Hope in Courageous Witness (1 Peter 3:13–4:6)

Bridge Community Fellowship Sunday 10-26-25 Worship Service Living Hope in a Broken World: A Journey Through 1 Peter Hope in Courageous Witness (1 Peter 3:13–4:6) Big Idea for This Week: When Christ is Lord in your heart, courage becomes natural in your life. Sermon Outline 1. Courage in Suffering (3:13–17) • Blessed in Suffering — Even when we do good and suffer for it, we are blessed. • Christ Honored as Lord — Courage begins by setting Christ apart in our hearts. • Prepared to Give an Answer — Be ready to share your hope with gentleness and respect. • A Clear Conscience — Live so that false accusations don’t stick; suffer for good, not for evil. 2. Confidence in Christ’s Victory (3:18–22) • Christ’s Purpose in Suffering — He suffered once for sins to bring us to God. • Christ’s Proclamation of Victory — Just as Noah stood firm in a corrupt world, Christ’s triumph reaches even the darkest places. • Christ’s Power and Reign — Baptism symbolizes our union with the risen Lord, who reigns over every power and authority. 3. Commitment to Live for God (4:1–6) • Adopt Christ’s Mindset — Arm yourselves; suffering refines our resolve to live for God’s will. • Abandon the Old Life — The world won’t understand when you choose holiness over indulgence. • Await God’s Vindication — The faithful will live with Christ forever, even as the world mocks. Study Questions for Reflection • Why does Peter call suffering for doing good a blessing? • What does it look like to “honor Christ as Lord” in your heart daily? • How does Christ’s suffering and resurrection give you confidence in witness? • Where do you sense the temptation to compromise rather than stand firm? • How can you live more openly and courageously for Christ this week? Practical Challenges to Live Out Hope in Courageous Witness • Speak Boldly, Live Gently — Be ready to explain your hope with both conviction and compassion. • Stand Firm in Trials — Remember that suffering for righteousness is never wasted. • Live for God’s Will — Choose holiness over comfort and obedience over approval. • Rest in Christ’s Victory — The King who conquered death reigns over every circumstance.