Faith Baptist Church
08/17/25 Dwell Richly Bible Study

  • The Hope of Glory

    1 Peter 3:15 ESV
    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,

    Shame Silences Our Witness

    Joy in Suffering

    Two examples:
    African-American Slaves:
    Peter Randolph, himself a slave in the mid-1800s, chronicled in his autobiography how these underground worship services were actually an outlet for their joy in suffering and the hope of glory.
    He wrote that slaves would wander off plantations to assemble in a secure location. Once everyone arrived, they would first ask each other how they were feeling. Preaching, prayer, and singing would then follow until all “generally feel quite happy.” During this experience, Randolph recounted how the sufferings of the previous week would seem to temporarily vanish. As they closed the meeting, they would sing one more hymn reminding each other of the joys of heaven that awaited them and exclaim: “Thank God, I shall not live here always!”
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 19). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Romanian Prison:
    There, during the reign of Soviet communism, multitudes of Romanians, including many Christians, were tortured as criminals of the state. I toured cells where men were chained to the floor and forced to stand naked and upright day and night on bare, cold stone with their feet submerged in icy water.
    One such political prisoner was Richard Wurmbrand, a Jewish Christian minister. He was ultimately released and later went on to found Voice of the Martyrs. But one of his memories from that time in jail is fitting here:
    “It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy.”
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 19). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Joy in suffering / happiness and hope- what does that kind of spirit do for our evangelism?
    Do unbelievers in our culture have any kind of explanation for such joy?
    1 Peter 3:15 ESV
    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,
    How would you describe the American Christian response to suffering? Is ours a tone of joy?
    But when we suffer, if our collective Christian tone is complaint, if we constantly lament our loss of cultural influence or social standing, if we weep and mourn as if Jerusalem has fallen when our chosen political agenda is overlooked, then we expose our true values. Those troubling circumstances have a way of unmasking our highest hopes. Sadly, far too often they reveal our hopes have actually been in this present age and not in the one to come.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 20). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Examples? What tone did Evangelical Christians give off during the pandemic? 2020 elections? What did that do to our witness?
    As freedoms slip away and suffering draws near, we must not be known as an exasperated people always ready to give an answer for our protest and grievance. Our collective tone can’t be like a caustic car alarm. And we must not be a people always longing for the past—for the glory days—but as those looking to a certain and truly glorious future. Then we’ll have opportunities to reason with others about the hope we possess.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 20). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.

    Hope Creates Opportunities

    1 Peter 3:15 ESV
    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,
    “Hope doesn’t merely open our mouths with the gospel; visible hope can also open others’ hearts to Christ.” Agree? Example?
    Acts 16:23–29 ESV
    23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.
    Paul cried out to let him know they had not fled the scene. Probably shocked and in disbelief, the jailer entered the dark rubble to find Paul and Silas. He then proceeded to do what Peter said would happen when Christians exhibit a strange hope amid suffering. The jailer asked a question:
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 22). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Acts 16:30 ESV
    30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

    Hope in Present Providence

    If we were thrown into prison like Paul was for his faith would we have the same confidence and hope in God?
    If we were thrown into prison maybe we would be tempted to think, “Maybe God didn’t send us here after all.” Or, “We probably shouldn’t have been so bold or confrontational”; or “Did we misunderstand the Macedonian call?”
    But hope for the Christian isn’t just confidence in a certain, glorious future. It’s hope in a present providence. It’s hope that God’s plans can’t be thwarted by local authorities or irate mobs, by unfriendly bosses or unbelieving husbands, by Supreme Court rulings or the next election.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 23). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Peter recognized God’s providence. Peter repeatedly suggests that God himself was behind the suffering of the Christian exiles in his letter.
    1 Peter 2:13–14 ESV
    13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
    1 Peter 2:18–19 ESV
    18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
    1 Peter 5:6 ESV
    6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
    1 Peter 4:19 ESV
    19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
    But what does hope in God’s present providence have to do with evangelism?
    As we’ve already seen, hope leads us to speak. Hope in future glory fills our hearts with joy and animates our witness, even overcoming hindrances to evangelism like shame and exclusion. But hope in God’s active providence in our present circumstances also loosens our lips to preach the gospel. Why? Because we recognize that God has put us where we are “for such a time as this.”
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 23). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    What part of the Bible is that phrase taken from? “For such a time as this”?
    Esther 4:14 ESV
    14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
    Mordecai, and Esther through him, had hope in a promised future. They knew the Jewish people wouldn’t be exterminated, for that would contradict God’s covenant promise. So they had a future hope that couldn’t be shaken. But they also had expectant confidence in God’s present providence. Esther was in the king’s court for a reason. Her arrival in the harem was no accident. God had brought it about—no matter how unseemly it must’ve been. So how was she to know whether her suffering and exile weren’t planned for the salvation of God’s people?
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 24). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Is this not true of us? Has God placed us here as strangers and exiles in less-than-desirable conditions? We may have our rights and privileges stripped away. We may have to suffer rejection and ridicule. But what if God’s providential hand has put us right were we are with a specific purpose—to bring about the salvation of those around us?
    How can we not open our mouths and speak the gospel? How can we keep silent? If we have hope in our future and in our present, if we have a hope in God overseeing it all, then how can we not speak to our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members? God has put us in these places, positions, and relationships for a reason, and that reason, among others, is to proclaim the good news of Christ. Even if that means, like Esther, breaking the law and risking our necks. Even if it means conquering our greatest fear.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 24). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.

    Fighting Fear with Fear

    Has anyone ever not shared the gospel because of fear? Example?

    Lack of Fear

    Many Christians would say that fear is the primary reason they don’t proclaim the gospel.
    Is that correct? What did we talk about last week? Not fear, but shame.
    Fear may be the reason we give, but in reality we don’t speak the gospel because we don’t want to be embarrassed.
    For many of us, when it comes to personal evangelism, comfort has usurped our calling. We speak the gospel when it seems appropriate. We open our mouths when we perceive an opportunity—that is, a willing audience. We’ll bring up the topic of faith so long as it won’t threaten our image, our credibility, or our relationships. If we made an honest assessment we’d have to admit we’re often ashamed of our Lord. And such shame silences our witness.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (pp. 26-27). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Yet fear and shame are related. And fear is a major problem when it comes to our evangelism. Clark says it is actually a lack of fear that is our greatest hindrance.
    The solution we find in 1 Peter is to fight fear with fear—to grow in our fear of God and our fear for (not of) our fellow man.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 27). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Peter talks about two kinds of fear in his letter.
    There is a certain kind of fear that Peter exhorts his readers to avoid:
    1 Peter 3:6 ESV
    6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
    1 Peter 3:14 ESV
    14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
    But, Peter also challenged his readers to conduct their lives with fear.
    1 Peter 1:17 ESV
    17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,
    Rather than releasing any and all sense of fear, he expected them to chart their course through shadowy exile by the constant lodestar of Godward fear.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 27). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Interestingly, Peter connects the two seemingly opposed ideas of fear and hope.
    1 Peter 3:14 ESV
    14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
    Here Peter tells the believers that they shouldn’t fear opposition.
    Then in the next verse he says,
    1 Peter 3:15 ESV
    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,
    So, if we are to be ready to speak the gospel we must have two dispositions:
    1). Not fearing others
    2). Honoring Christ as holy
    We can understand the first disposition: don’t be afraid.
    What does the second disposition mean? What does it mean to honor the Lord as holy?
    Isaiah 8:12–13 ESV
    12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
    Isaiah prophesied of the coming Assyrian invasion by which Israel would be taken captive and exiled. Then God gave Isaiah this personal word of instruction:
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 28). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Isaiah had been commissioned by God to preach a message that would mostly fall on deaf ears. It was a message predicting God’s judgment and the people’s ruin, as well as the hope of future salvation. But given that commission, Isaiah wasn’t to succumb to his hearers’ fears: the fear of their opponents or the fear of rejection. Instead, Isaiah was to honor the Lord as holy.
    “To put it another way, he was to let God be his greatest dread, the fear above all fears.” —Elliot Clark
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 28). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Look at Isaiah:
    Isaiah 8:13 ESV
    13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
    Now look at I Peter.
    1 Peter 3:15 ESV
    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,
    Do you see how Peter uses Isaiah’s verbiage to connect these two passages?
    If we are going to be ready to speak the gospel, we must have hearts that honor Christ as holy. We don’t need eliminate our dread, but we need to redirect it. Our greatest hindrance to evangelism isn’t a stifling fear, but a lack of fear.
    Can you begin to understand how fearing God can be the remedy to any and all fears which otherwise would silence our witness?

    Preaching Scared

    Yusuf was our family’s pastor for about a year. An endearing older gentlemen, he possesses the kind of grandfatherly disposition that can warm any child’s heart, the sort of glad-hearted greeting that can make any stranger an instant friend. Hidden within his small stature he also conceals a booming voice fit for the largest audiences in the grandest halls. However, Yusuf only has a small flock, a congregation of about 30 that gathers in a nondescript basement apartment in the midst of a sprawling Central Asian metropolis. His little church was less than a one-mile walk from our first home overseas.
    On my introduction to Pastor Yusuf, he welcomed me into his church and showed me a Bible on his desk, complete with an unmistakable bullet hole—a real conversation starter for what he’d endured as a minister of the gospel. Not too long after that first meeting, our family joined his fellowship in what became one of the fondest years of our ministry.
    During our time there, on a Saturday evening before Easter, Yusuf sat in his small church office preparing and praying for the coming Lord’s Day. That’s when he heard a commotion outside and a call at the gate. He rose from his study, opened the screeching metal door, and climbed the concrete steps into the night air. There at the front entrance was a group of young men waiting for him.
    What happened next was a mixture of the shocking and predictable. The young thugs immediately launched into a tirade of hate-filled speech, threatening Pastor Yusuf. They said his church had no place in their Muslim community. They accosted him for corrupting the neighborhood. They told him he and his church were no longer welcome. Then, almost without warning, one ruffian kicked him in the chest, knocking Yusuf’s small frame backwards. He tumbled down the concrete stair. The assailants fled.
    The next morning when we arrived for church ready to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, we were met with news of the attack. Members spoke in hushed tones, wondering who had done this and if it was an isolated event. We were concerned about our pastor’s condition, as well as the danger for our own gathering on a day of such significance to potential attackers. The joy of Easter was quickly threatened by genuine fear.
    But by the time our worship began, nerves seemed to have settled a bit. We all took our places, including Pastor Yusuf sitting in his usual front-row seat. The service opened with prayer and song. Then, about halfway through the time of worship, a group of three men entered the back door. We had visitors.
    In much of the world today, having visitors at church means something totally different from what it does in our comfortable American context. The whole situation can be a bit tricky. Are they friendly? Are they government officials or informants? Could they be seekers? Or terrorists? So whoever it is, you greet them with a smile—and fervent prayer.
    But this particular day we were especially on edge. I remember how, as the three men sat directly behind my wife and three young kids, a million scenarios raced through my mind. My throat tightened while I voiced the words of the hymn. When other members slowly turned to notice the guests, tension clouded the room. But I could also tell that Yusuf still didn’t know they were there. 
    As the final song came to a close, our pastor stood and approached the front. He opened his Bible, turned, and looked up. Then he saw them. We all noticed him notice them. No one knew what would happen next. What, if anything, would the strangers do? How would Yusuf respond? What were we to do?
    After an initial pause that seemed like ages, Pastor Yusuf launched into his sermon. To this day I don’t actually know what he had prepared to preach that Easter Sunday, but I suspect his topic shifted. With trembling in his voice he immediately spoke of Christ and the gospel, his death and resurrection, and the need for all people to repent and believe. His tone was forceful. His eyes locked to the congregation. I sensed his gaze focus past my brow and directly to our visitors. Yusuf had taken inventory of the fear in the room and he decided to stock the shelves with an even greater fear: the coming judgment of God. His Spirit-filled boldness was amazing.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 28-30). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.

    Coming Judgement

    How would you feel if you were standing in that pulpit? What would compel your mouth to speak?
    How does fear of God open our mouths for the gospel?
    Matthew 10:26–28 ESV
    26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
    As fears increase in the American church, we’ll have the opportunity to resurrect a holy fear of God in our midst. As we suffer under the temporal judgment of God as weary sojourners, we may just find a stronger voice to warn others to flee from the wrath to come. As we sense the nearness of the day of retribution, we may speak once again with unction and holy disquiet.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 31). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Does the American church have this kind of fear? How can we tell?
    As fears increase in the American church, we’ll have the opportunity to resurrect a holy fear of God in our midst. As we suffer under the temporal judgment of God as weary sojourners, we may just find a stronger voice to warn others to flee from the wrath to come. As we sense the nearness of the day of retribution, we may speak once again with unction and holy disquiet.
    Clark, Elliot. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land (p. 31). The Gospel Coalition. Kindle Edition.
    Acts 9:31 ESV
    31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.
    2 Corinthians 5:11 ESV
    11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
    Jude 23 ESV
    23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
    1 Peter 4:17 ESV
    17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
    1 Peter 4:5–6 ESV
    5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

    We Please Those We Fear

    What does it look like to fear God? How does that relate to our evangelism?
    We need to fear God more than we fear others.
    How can we tell if we are fearing others more than God?
    We attempt to please others more than God. You know you fear someone when you desire their approval and live for their praise!
    I am not going to tell my friend about the gospel, because I desire their approval too much.
    Galatians 1:10 ESV
    10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
    Colossians 3:22 ESV
    22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
    We seek to please those we fear most.
    Christians who try to please people ultimately fail at pleasing God and fail at proclaiming the gospel.

    Fearing God amid and above All Fears

    What is the cost to preaching the gospel?
    lose friends
    forfeiting promotions or positions
    missing out on a sale or contract
    losing our families
    Matthew 10:34 ESV
    34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
    There is much to loose, but that doesn’t justify Christians being terrified to share Christ.
    If we go around terrified to share Jesus we are proclaiming the wrong gospel. We are telling others our greatest fear is the loss of money and power and influence, the loss of our beloved comfort. Then our fear (and our gospel) is do different from theirs.
    Nehemiah is a great example:
    Nehemiah 6:19 ESV
    19 Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.
    Nehemiah 4:7–13 ESV
    7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night. 10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
    Nehemiah 4:14 CSB
    14 After I made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes.”
    What is Nehemiah’s message? Don’t be afraid; fear God!
    This is what Peter was calling his readers to do.
    1 Peter 3:14–15 ESV
    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,
    What is our heart disposition? We fear God, not people. We aim to please Him, not others. We seek his approval; he alone deserves our highest respect.
    Fear of the Lord, along with a fear of coming judgement is a compelling motivation to open our mouths with the gospel.

      • 1 Peter 3:15ESV

      • 1 Peter 3:15ESV

      • Acts 16:30ESV

      • 1 Peter 2:13–14ESV

      • 1 Peter 2:18–19ESV

      • 1 Peter 5:6ESV

      • 1 Peter 4:19ESV

      • Esther 4:14ESV

      • 1 Peter 3:6ESV

      • 1 Peter 3:14ESV

      • 1 Peter 1:17ESV

      • 1 Peter 3:14ESV

      • 1 Peter 3:15ESV

      • Isaiah 8:12–13ESV

      • Isaiah 8:13ESV

      • 1 Peter 3:15ESV

      • Matthew 10:26–28ESV

      • Acts 9:31ESV

      • 2 Corinthians 5:11ESV

      • Jude 23ESV

      • 1 Peter 4:17ESV

      • 1 Peter 4:5–6ESV

      • Galatians 1:10ESV

      • Colossians 3:22ESV

      • Matthew 10:34ESV

      • Nehemiah 6:19ESV

      • Nehemiah 4:14ESV

      • 1 Peter 3:14–15ESV

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