Share the Hope That Is in You

In one paragraph

This message from First Peter 3:13-17 was about why Christians hesitate to share their faith and what it looks like to do it well. Pastor Brad walked through three areas the passage addresses: the attitude we bring to faith conversations, the basic answers we can offer, and the personal hope we carry as a testimony. The goal was to send people out the door with something practical they could...

Read together

1. 1 Samuel 2:2 quoted as an encouraging word to lead into worship
2. 1 Peter 3:13-17 the main text for the sermon, read aloud in full
3. 1 Peter 3:15 key verse broken down into three points: attitude, answer, aspiration
4. 1 Peter 3:14 quoted to show believers should expect to be blessed even when suffering for righteousness
5. Romans 5 referenced to show that believers were once enemies of God
6. Philippians 1:29 cited as a parallel text on suffering for Christ
7. 1 Corinthians 2 Paul professing to know nothing but Christ and him crucified
8. 1 Corinthians 15 referenced for Jesus appearing to over 500 people after his resurrection
9. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul's call to examine yourself and consider whether you are truly a Christian
10. Matthew 7 Jesus saying the road is narrow and the gate is small that leads to eternal life
11. John 9 the blind man healed by Jesus used as an example of personal transformation
12. John 3:16 cited as the core story of the entire Bible
13. Luke 12 referenced to say the Holy Spirit goes with us and gives us the words we need
14. Colossians 3 quoted before the offering: let the message about Christ fill your lives
15. Romans 15:13 read as the benediction, blessing the church with hope through the Holy Spirit

Talk about it

1. The sermon says we are all evangelists for something, whether it is a restaurant, a movie, or a diet, but we hesitate to share what matters most. Where do you notice that hesitation in your own life, and what do you think is behind it?
2. The sermon made the point that we are saved by faith alone, by grace alone, but that the faith that saves is never alone and will inevitably produce change. How have you seen that kind of change show up in your own life, or where are you still waiting to see it?
3. The sermon walked through three basic historical facts about Jesus that most reputable historians agree on, and said every person needs to do something with those facts. Have you ever worked through those facts for yourself, and what did you conclude?
4. A three-step testimony outline was laid out: who you were before Christ, how you came to Christ, and what your life has been like since. Try sketching yours out together. What feels easy to put into words, and what is harder to articulate?
5. The sermon closed by saying that if you do not feel close to God right now, you have moved away from him, and that sharing your faith will bring a depth to your spiritual life you have not had before. What is one specific thing from the application list that you are willing to try this week?