MY WITNESS WILL BE UNMISTAKABLE WHEN….
1. I witness with my ATTITUDES.
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
1 Peter 3:8 NIV
HARMONIOUS - Different roles but the same purpose.
LOVING - Know how to care for others
HUMBLE - Are we seen as arrogant?
COMPASSIONATE - have empathy for one another
2. I witness with my ACTIONS.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9a NLT
“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
1 Peter 3:11 VOICE
My actions become a double-edged sword for my witness; stopping evil, doing good
“Live so that you don’t have to feel you’ve done anything wrong. Some people may say evil things about your good conduct as believers in Christ. If they do, they will be put to shame for speaking like this about you.”
1 Peter 3:16 NIRV
3. I witness with my WORDS.
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9 NLT
“Scripture says, “Suppose someone wants to love life and see good days. Then they must keep their tongues from speaking evil. They must keep their lips from telling lies.”
1 Peter 3:10 NIRV
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
When Jesus is Lord in my heart it will be seen what I say and how I say it. I will be READY to speak but I will not be RUDE when I speak.
4. I witness with my HOPE!
It is my hope, (confident expectation) that enables my attitude, actions, and speech even when things seem hopeless.
“Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
1 Peter 3:14 (NLT)
“…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
1 Peter 3:15b
“This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.”
Isaiah 8:11-13 GW
“…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”
1 Peter 3:21-22 NIV