Love vs. Fear

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, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:15-16

--What does it mean to set apart or revere Christ as Lord in your hearts?

--When are we supposed to be ready to give an answer?

--What attitude are we supposed to have when witnessing?

For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

--What has God given us?

Look at the word “but” in the middle of the sentence.

For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline.

This word means that two things are opposite.

--Do you believe love is the opposite of fear?

--Can you think of ways self-discipline might be the opposite of fear?

Through love and self-discipline, we can put aside the selfish focus of fear and focus on spreading God’s word instead. We can let love overpower our fear, and can be faithful and disciplined in witnessing even if we feel afraid.

--What fear is holding you back from sharing your faith?

--How can you be fearless today and how can you let God work through you?

Stand Out

1 Peter 2:4-13

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out" -Dr. Seuss

"If fitting in means compromising your beliefs, no thanks!"

-Jesus was the cornerstone, the most important piece.

-God is our stepping stone, He leads us, He guides us through this life.

-We stumble because we don't obey Gods' word.

-We are Gods' people, He has chosen us, we have received Gods' mercy and that will change us in ways that we never imagined.

-We don't belong here, we are here to spread Gods' word. We are supposed to be different, we aren't supposed to look like everyone else and the world itself. That is not what we are supposed to do.

-Stand out... Don't fit in.

-If you are a Christian and you fit into the world, then something is terribly, terribly wrong.

Speaking well

1 Peter 4:9-11

9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Verse 9
--How are we supposed to offer hospitality?


Verse 11
--How are we supposed to speak?



1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.


--How well do you set an example in your speech?


--Have you ever said something without realizing someone could overhear you and then regretted it?


The way you speak is very important. Stay away from gossip and complaining. Realize that people can hear you more often that you think. Do not hurt your witness by what you say.


--What are ways you can be a better example in your speech?



Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

--How can you build others up today through your speech?



As you go throughout your day, keep James 1:26 in mind.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.