Have you ever walked into Costco without a plan? Pastor Josh White admits he’s been guilty of this—and it can be dangerous. You go in for toilet paper and walk out with a 50-pound bag of pistachio peanuts. But here’s the thing: life also requires strategy. Not just for shopping, but for following Jesus.
In 1 Peter 3:13-22, Peter gives us a strategic plan for living faithfully, especially when facing persecution or hardship. This isn’t abstract theology—it’s practical guidance for every believer.
Have a Strategy for Your Faith
Peter starts with a surprising question: “Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?” In other words, if you’re living righteously, most of the time you’ll be fine. But then he quickly adds: “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed.”
Here’s the reality: sometimes following Jesus will cost you. And when that happens, you need a plan—not a reaction. Peter says we should “honor Christ as Lord” in our hearts and always be prepared to give a defense to anyone who asks for the reason for the hope that’s in us.
“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.”
— 1 Peter 3:15b-16
Notice it says “everyone who asks”—not just the easy people, not just those who seem receptive. Anyone. That means your neighbor, your coworker, your skeptical relative. Have you thought about what you’d say?
Don’t Fear the Deceivers
Peter goes on to warn: “Do not fear their threats or be disturbed.” But here’s the twist—he’s not talking about the obvious enemies. He’s talking about those who deceive us into compromise. In a world full of competing voices telling us to water down our faith or blend in, the real danger is losing our conviction quietly, not dramatically.
When we stand for Christ, we may face opposition. But God has fulfilled His promises—and our future is better than our past. The enemy wants us to be afraid of the wrong things. Don’t fear people who can harm your body—fear the one who can destroy both body and soul.
Live Ready, Not Rushed
Peter’s fourth strategy is about living consistently: “keeping your conduct honorable.” Our testimony isn’t just what we say—it’s how we live. When we suffer for doing good, we suffer with a clear conscience before God.
This echoes what the Apostle Paul told the Philippian jailer: “Why are you doing this? We are all alike—criminals. I have told you about the hope we have in Christ.” And earlier, Paul stood before the Sanhedrin and said: “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.”
Paul knew exactly what he believed and why—and he was unashamed to say it. That’s the kind of conviction Peter is calling us toward.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:58
So What?
Ask yourself a few questions this week: Do you know why you believe what you believe? Have you thought about how you’d share your hope with someone who’s skeptical? Are you living in a way that makes your testimony believable?
Maybe you’ll encounter someone this week who needs to hear about the hope you have. Be ready. Not with a script, but with a genuine faith that can be explained and a life that backs it up.
Scripture References
- 1 Peter 3:13-22 — The strategic call to faithful living
- 1 Peter 3:15 — Always be prepared to give an answer
- Deuteronomy 4:32-35 — God’s voice speaking out of fire
- Acts 23:6 — Paul’s defense and the resurrection hope
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 — Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding