GRACE TRANSFORMS — EQUIP (pt. 1)

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GRACE TRANSFORMS — EQUIP (pt. 1)
1 Peter 3:13-18

EQUIPPED TO WIN! 

1st­—Believe!
2nd—Influence!
3rd—Win!
4th—Equip!

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…”  Matthew 28:18-19 (NLT)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Acts 1:8 (NLT)

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”  2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT)

So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.  Acts 16:5 (NIV)

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.  16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.  17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!  1 Peter 3:13-18 (NLT)

#1 ­— If you want to win (or reach) people for Jesus Christ…you’ve got to live an honorable life!

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?  1 Peter 3:13 (NLT)

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.   2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NLT)

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.  2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NLT)

“…Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

#2 ­— If you want to reach people for Jesus Christ…you’ve got to live an honorable life, even if you suffer for living an honorable life!

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.  1 Peter 3:14 (NLT)

#3 — If you want to reach people for Jesus Christ…you’ve got to have Jesus in the center of your life!

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.  1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

“But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you’ve set up.”   Daniel 3:12 (NLT)

#4 — If you want to reach people for Jesus Christ…you have to be prepared to share with people why you live and honorable life!

And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way…  1 Peter 3:16 (NLT)

John 9:24-34 (NLT)

THERE IS POWER IN YOUR PERSONAL STORY!

#1 — Just tell people what you know!

#2 — Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know!