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Motivation for Discouraged Saints
1 Peter 3:8-22
Preachers often use New Year’s Day to preach about hoping in God in the New Year, or living for Christ afresh, or getting our act together to serve God, or resolving to put to death some sin, etc. Yes, it’s an artificial milestone, but it is helpful to speak on things which are important. Pastors have to pray about what’s needful - what burdens them for their congregation. Among the things that burden me for you, there’s one that I’d like to speak about as we start the new year. What’s that? Discouragement. Now, it’s not unique to this congregation - Christians struggle with it frequently. As a pastor, I’ve heard many discouragements in many churches. It’s so hard to press on in holiness, why bother to resist temptation? I’m struggling in my marriage, I can’t take it much longer! My service is unappreciated, I want to step down. My job doesn’t satisfy, I’ll quit right now. Church is too complicated, I don’t want to serve anymore. People are always judging me - I give up. I’ve failed my exam, I’m useless. I’ve no friends, I don’t want to come to church anymore. These are very common discouragements. Some are occasionally discouraged, some are always discouraged, some are so discouraged, they want to give up the faith. What hope can pastors give to these brethren who are discouraged? Thankfully, we’ve been given words to speak. The apostle Peter, an elder, dealt with this very thing. He addressed Christians who were discouraged. Now, to be clear, they were discouraged because they suffered for their faith. We are often discouraged because we aren’t pursuing the faith. But still, there are 4 vital lessons we can learn from Peter this new year.
Firstly, he gave them an important principle to live by in order to be encouraged. Secondly, he instructed the hearts of these discouraged saints practically. Thirdly, he motivated them by showing the example of their faithful Savior. And fourthly, he reassured them by revealing their present and future triumph.
Firstly, he gave them an important principle to live by in order to be encouraged. In 1 Peter 3:10, he quoted Psalm 34 which talks about what we must do if we love life and wish for good days. This got me asking - do discouraged saints wish for good days? Do they love life? Yes - of course! But why we’re often discouraged is because we don’t have the life we want, because we want to obtain it our way. But remember - seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. If we want to be encouraged, to have good days, how shall we live? We are to adopt a self-sacrificial attitude because God is pleased with that. That’s the principle needed for having good days. Verses 8-9 say, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” As the hymn says - Christ-exalting, self-abasing, this is victory. It’s an upside down principle - we think happiness comes by self-exalting and Christ-sidelining. Peter gives several pointers about a self-sacrifice that leads to joy.
There’s the principle of peace - be of one mind, have compassion, love, be sympathetic, and be courteous or friendly. When we esteem others better than ourselves, we think less about our lack. God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. God didn’t lose out - he’s most joyful - sacrifice was his decree. And it wasn’t good people he sacrificed for - but sinners - he demonstrated his love toward sinners. Another principle of a self-sacrifice that brings good days is not being vindictive. Don’t repay evil for evil; don’t retaliate. When we covet, we won’t have good days. When we can’t forgive, we won’t have good days. When we hold onto bitterness, we won’t have good days. That’s why Peter encouraged them not to speak evil, not to have guile, but to turn from evil by doing good and seeking peace. Peter’s been doing this. In chapter 2, he told slaves unjustly treated how to behave meekly; wives of unreasonable husbands to adopt a gentle spirit; citizens of an unjust regime to honor the very leaders inflicting their persecution. This is the way to love life and see good days. Why? Loving life and seeing good days are blessings not determined by us. Loving life and seeing good days is not getting everything we want from life. It’s God blessing us. Verse 12 says that God’s eyes are on the righteous - his ears will listen to their prayers. When we do as he calls us to do, he grants us a joy that is unspeakable. And why we do not have that joy unspeakable is because we want our version of joy - and that’s why we don’t have it - instead we resort to doing our will. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
But secondly, he instructed the hearts of these discouraged saints practically. He’d just told them to seek after good. But he knew his readers - how discouraged they were. As a good pastor, he knew they’d have a question - why bother to do any good and resist at all? Why not just give in - quit! step down! get angry! give into discouragement! fight back! throw a tantrum! So Peter asked a question in verse 13 to get them thinking - “now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” They were suffering for their faith - for doing good. They were thinking - why live the Christian life, why render good for evil, when it causes so many problems. And so he asks? Why not? What’s to stop you from doing good? Who can really harm you? Yes, many people can still hurt you - but not eternally. Essentially, Peter was telling them what Christ told him - fear not them that kill the body, but fear him that can destroy both body and soul in hell. If God be for you, who can be against you? No one can do you eternal harm. This is why, we live for Christ and do good. Yes, you may rugi (lose out) in this life, but you’re already blessed eternally. As verse 14 says, even if they should suffer for righteousness’ sake, they will be blessed. Temporal harm, maybe, but no eternal harm, only eternal blessing.
So he instructed them how to live with this mindset in 3 ways. He told them not to be fearful or troubled. Verse 14 says - “have no fear of them nor be troubled.” Or as the grand KJV says - be not afraid of their terror, or the NASB - do not fear their intimidation. Just as our Lord told his disciples, who would be preachers, not to fear them that kill the body, he tells us today not to fear those that oppose us, even if they threaten to kill the body. We are to strengthen our nerves. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, he instructed them to honor Christ by holy living. Verse 15 said - in your hearts, set Christ apart as Lord. Pay attention to your behavior. Live a Gospel-shaped life. Why? Because in trying times, when pressure is greatest on us, the need for purity is greatest. Christ has made you holy, you’re going to a holy place with no suffering. Don’t fixate on your difficulties, fixate on where you’re going and who you are. Ok, so you’re not appreciated in your service - search yourself and continue to serve the Lord. So you have fewer friends than you’d like - be friendly and love others. So your career isn’t fantastic - rejoice that others are doing better than you. Sanctify the Lord God in your heart. Don’t cower because there are tough times ahead - but be tough in tough times. Don’t compromise your faith and behavior because of trouble. Peter was very practical in addressing wives, slaves, and citizens. Wives were be tempted to berate their difficult husbands. Slaves might be tempted to add extra seasoning to the morning tea. Citizens might unleash conservative anti-government libel on their social media pages. But no. Be zealous for good by keeping your eye on Christ - to live for him. Peter was concerned for their gospel motivated holiness. Their testimony had to square with their confession. If you say you’re Christian, verse 15, then live godly. Imagine being such a negative and discouraged Christian all the time. How inconsistent to say our hope is in Christ but always hopeless.
So be bold in living for Christ; continue to honor him with your lives. Verse 16 - “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” Be gentle, respectful, and keep a clear conscience. Why? So when you go through trial, your gentle testimony and words, will still achieve an important end. Your accusers will feel ashamed. They will see that you’re an example of what it means to be a Christian. Remember Jesus? Even the centurion said - truly this was the Son of God. And the thief - he’s done nothing wrong! We’re the wrong ones! At Pentecost - you killed the king of glory! What must we do to be saved? Now, it doesn’t mean that Christians won’t be discouraged or that discouragement won’t hit us hard. But when they do, sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Pursue after godliness during those times. It’s not more spiritual, or looks more introspective, or godlier if you’re always burdened by some trial. Be joyful, be fearless, be looking to Jesus for strength to live for him. This testimony will have an effect on others.
Thirdly, Peter motivated them by showing the example of their faithful Savior. Why was Peter telling them to do this? Because dark times were to befall the church. Peter was preparing them to thrive. Time were bad, but they’d get worse. This means, that in our times of discouragement, we can still thrive. And he sought to motivate them by the example of Christ. They can live holy and demonstrate the gospel, because Jesus did, verse 17. He suffered for the unjust to bring us to God. So when we suffer for right, we’re like Christ. That’s why we should be holy despite discouragement. This is the substance of what he said in verse 15. Sanctify the Lord in your hearts. Why was Christ holy? Why did he nor retaliate? Why did he not throw a tantrum and give up? Why did he not fear man, but submit himself to God and go to the cross? So he might bring his enemies to God, verse 18. Why was he silent as a lamb before the slaughter? To bring his enemies to God. He was put to shame so that we would have no shame. But he was eventually vindicated. He was made alive in the Spirit.
He is our motivation. He was zealous for good. He didn’t give into discouragement. You see, Christ’s meat was to do the will of God that sent him. At Gethsemane, he said that his heart was sorrowful unto death - and while he struggled with great fear, he submitted himself to the Father, so that when Judas was near, he got up with confidence without trembling and said his time was at hand. And when Pilate interrogated him, Jesus answered, and no guilt was found in him. And yet, so angry and ashamed were his persecutors that they shouted for him to be crucified, desiring instead the release of a dangerous criminal. But God vindicated him in his resurrection. Dearly beloved, does it matter as believers how we go through discouragement and suffering. It does matter. It does matter that we should experience victory. It does matter that we should subdue our will and flesh. We go through a little bit of suffering here, but we will be exalted one day. That’s Christ’s example and motivation.
Peter now speaks of that glory and victory of Christ. This is one of the most complicated Bible passages - but I hope to break it down for you so you can be inspired by it. Verse 19 says, “in his spirit, he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight person, were brought safely through water.” Now what exactly is he speaking about? Martin Luther, in his commentary, admits it’s a wonderful text, but it’s the most obscure text in the New Testament. He wasn’t sure what it meant. Through the ages, a number of different interpretations have been proposed. Some think these disobedient spirits in prison are fallen angels. And there’s some support of that within the bounds of Peter’s writings. Not that he believed it, but he drew from Second Temple literature, like Jude, to speak about fallen angelic beings. Jude quoted from the Apocryphal book of Enoch, which says that Enoch’s mission was to go and speak to these demons. Perhaps Peter was trying to show that Christ was the ideal Enoch to assure his Jewish readers that even Christ made the demons ashamed. So while these words are unfamiliar to us and Luther, they were perfectly clear and understandable to the original audience to address their concerns.
And yet, while it’s tempting to calling the spirits angels, it’s more satisfactory to see how Christ’s spirit worked through Noah’s godly witness during the time the ark was built. Noah had a tough time. He was called to build the ark. It took him 120 years. The people laughed at him. He could’ve given up - I quit! They’re laughing at me. I only have 7 other friends. This work is too hard! But no. He continued to preach the message of repentance. He continued to pursue righteousness at a time when all the thoughts of all flesh was continually wicked. He was the only righteous one of his generation. You think you have it bad. Imagine Noah. But Christ was working in him. And eventually, he was vindicated. The flood came and only 8 people - he and his family - were spared. So those who perished, those disobedient and rebellious people, are now spirits in prison today - in hell because in their shame they refused to believe.
We see the analogy that Peter is trying to draw. Here’s Noah, a holy man who was not believed, but scorned by his generation. He spoke of a salvation from a judgment to come, and he was ultimately spared. He suffered though. Similarly Christ spoke of coming judgment and was scorned, and put to death. But he was resurrected. Similarly, Peter’s generation was going through great discouragement. They might even die. But they will be ultimately spared that judgment. Fear what fear? What discouragement? We who are finding it touch must find accordance, fellowship, and connection with Christ. Be motivated by his example. And many other Christians also pressed ahead despite their discouragement. Thrive!
And here lastly, Peter reassured them by revealing their present and future triumph. He used the illustration of water in verse 20 and 21. Noah and his family were saved by the flood. They were persecuted, mocked, he preached, but the wicked didn’t believe. But when judgment came, Noah was saved by water while others were judged by water. Similarly, baptism corresponds to this, verse 21. We have been cleansed by Christ’s washing, illustrated by baptism. And Peter was clear to say it’s not the physical water, but Christ’s work of spiritual washing. In other words, just as Noah and family were saved by water, we’re presently secure through Christ’s washing. No eternal harm can come to us. So despite suffering and discouragement, we can go through it as Noah did.
And he assured them of their future triumph. While Christ suffered, verse 21, he’s gone to heaven, he’s at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. That’s where you will be too - ruling over all things as the Sons of God! Now, why did Peter describe Christ in all of his glory? I think it was to show them - who would you rather show your fear and reverence to? To Christ who has done this on your behalf, who is now reigning? Or will you show fear to men and stop living as a Christian? Christ suffered at Gethsemane - but he surrendered and still went to the cross. He had no friends you know. He still did God’s work for him even though it was tough. He still gave his life for his church - his ugly bride - because he loved her. He was judged by others, but he pressed on. But see where he is now. And that’s the message that comes to us too. In an age where we will soon face increasing hostility to our faith, how shall we live? We are also facing our natural fleshly discouragements. We want to give into flesh. In such an age, what does a pastor tell his people? Let us know firstly that Jesus knows the problem in our hearts. He too asked God to take away the cup of suffering. Take this cup from me! But for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, bore the shame, and now is at the right hand of God. Why should we do good and be witnesses and be zealous to live holy lives? Only because of Christ - our chief shepherd. May his motivation, may his vindication, reassure us - that no eternal harm can come to us. That at present we’re cleansed, and his eyes are on the righteous. And he sees all who do evil against us. And as we live for him, may he be pleased to use us to shine and put to shame all naysayers. May we find our life worthy of such a savior as we go forward with him.
1. He Gave Them an Important Principle to Live by to Be Encouraged
A. Love life and wish for good days
B. Exalt Christ, abase self
2. He Instructed the Hearts of These Discouraged Saints Practically
A. No one can really harm you
B. 3 ways to have live out this mindset
3. He Motivated Them by the Showing the Example of Their Faithful Savior
A. Jesus suffered to do good
B. Jesus worked in Noah to suffer and do good
4. He Reassured Them by Revealing Their Present and Future Triumph
A. Their present saved state
B. Their future triumphant state
* As a matter of courtesy please advise Rev. Mark Chen, if you plan to use this sermon in a worship service. Thank-you.
(c) Copyright 2023, Rev. Mark Chen
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