March 18, 2012 True Vine Baptist Church Sermon Notes Text: I Peter 3:12-17 Title: A Challenge to Righteousness

I. Because God is Righteous As God's Children, we ought to be ....Blameless, and harmless the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation II. Even if ye suffer for righteousness' sake - v.14 Kirk Cameron, a Christian actor interview on "Piers Morgan Show" People living in sin cannot stand hearing the truth The bible declares that we will be hated for living a righteous life I JOhn 3:12-13 John 15:18-19 A. Be Happy - Luke 6:22-23 1. Because you are blessed. Blessed - MaKarios. supremely blessed. fortunate, well-off. 2. Because you will be rewarded. B. Be not afraid. "Phobeo" - to frighten, to be alarmed. David: Psalm 3:6-8 Ps.27:1-3 Ps.91:5-11 C. Be not troubled. "tarasso" - to stir or agitate.

Jesus: John14:1,27 1.Beleive in God. 2. God's Peace is in you Phil.4:7 Conclusion: By living a righteous life: 1. We can prove wrong those who falsely accuse us. 2. It is better to suffer for doing well than doing evil.