1 Peter 3:13-18:

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

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

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

1. You have heard that it was said: Do the right thing.

But I tell you: How you do the right thing is as important as doing the right thing.

Our text for today reads: "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” (1 Peter 3:13).

It does not read: "Who is going to harm you if you do good?”

It is about our motivation, as well as about the actual good deed.

There are many really good things done in this world, many of which are done in the name of Christ Himself.

Hungry people are given food; homeless people are given places to stay; sad people are given a hug; lonely people are given a conversation; rejected people are given friendships.

There are many good things done on a regular basis. How they are done also matter to our Lord.

2. You have heard that it was said: Don’t look back.

But I tell you: Who you are today is largely a result of who others have been before you.

Some of the decisions that you are free to make in the next several years of your lives will go a long way in determining the course of your lives.

The possibilities are endless.

But you have a wide open canvass on which to draw the image of your lives because people sacrificed so much for you.

As you walk your new paths in the days ahead, stop along the way and look back at the other footprints that were left by people who travelled before you.

3. You have heard that it was said: Clean your room; make up your bed; take your dishes from the table; wash your hands.

But I tell you: The pure in heart will see God.

Jesus told us about the ones with pure hearts.

So many people are worried about outward appearances.

I know it has been that way in high school too, but it is about to get a great deal more intense. The bad news is that it doesn’t end.

4. You have heard that it was said: Plan your work, and work your plan. 

But I tell you: Plan His work, and work His plan.

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be

given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

In short:

5. You have heard a lot of things said. 

But I tell you: listen to what He says.