Glass Houses, Microscopes, and Spotlights

BIG IDEA:

There is a war being waged against your soul... Living honorably is a powerful weapon for good.

Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

1.  Live honorably in front of unbelievers.  (2:11-3:7)

1st Peter 2:12, Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

2nd Corinthians 9:13, By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,

Matthew 5:16, In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.

• Unbelievers will judge the integrity of God’s Word by our conduct.

2.  Live honorably in front of believers.  (3:8-12)

1st Peter 3:8, Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

John 17:20-21, I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in you, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.

Romans 15:5-6, May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Believers will be compelled to unify in Jesus Christ and His truth.

3.  Live honorably in the midst of suffering.  (3:13-4:6)

1st Peter 3:17, For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

Philippians 1:29, For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake...

Acts 5:41, Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.

• Suffering in some form identifies the true follower of Jesus Christ.

Living honorably doesn’t mean you are perfect...  It means you are repentant.

NEXT STEP:

   --Confess being a sinner.

   --Live with a faith that honors God.

   --Be a picture of His grace.

Memory Verse:  1st Peter 2:12, Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.