Eternal Mindset – By Design

Britt Clay - August 3, 2025

Eternal Mindset

Together Church | Pastor Britt Clay

August 3, 2025 | Series: By Design

Two very different stories about two very different men.

As I share, I want you to consider the outcome of their lives not only for themselves but for other people.

1. Intro
  1. Larry Nassar – sports physician who molested over 250 young ladies over a period of 20 years. Primarily molested gymnasts including olympic gymnasts Simon Biles, Aly Rasiman, and McKayla Maroney.
    1. The evil Larry committed has resulted in a just life in prison punishment. He will suffer there for the rest of his life. Not only because his name is now ruined by his own doing in the public eye, but also because he will likely be treated very poorly by other inmates for his evil acts. People who molest or sexually abuse young adults and children are the scum of prison life and they are treated as such by the other inmates.
    2. Not only will Larry suffer for the rest of his life because of his evil acts, but those whom he hurt will also suffer for the harm done to them. Hopefully, God works in each individual’s life so that each person harmed by Larry can come to a place of forgiveness and hope in Jesus Christ.
  2. Jim Elliot – Known as a devout Christian. Very disciplined in His walk with God and was known for quoting Scripture. Went to Wheaton College where he met his wife Elizabeth. They married in Ecuador where they were very successful missionaries.
    1. Jim felt let by God to reach the Auca people who were known for their hostility to outsiders. He and 4 of his friends tried to gain favor with the Auca people by dropping gifts to them. Eventually, they also received what they thought were gifts which led them to believe they could finally make contact with the people.
    2. When Jim and his friends did land in the Auca territory, they were not met with hospitality. Rather they were killed with spears.
    3. Jim’s life motto was – “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”. He did not consider his life as valuable unto himself. Rather, he gave all he had to share the gospel with unreached people.
  3. Two very different stories with very different outcomes
  4. One a evil man who receives a just punishment and is suffering because of his choices. Still alive today
  5. One a good man who did incredible things for God’s kingdom and died. But, his death sparked a global movement of missionaries.
  6. It is through these stories that we see Main idea – It is better to suffer for doing good than to suffer for doing evil (1 Peter 3:17).
  7. 1 Peter 3:8-22 – Peter is writing to encourage the church who is suffering because of the good they are doing for God’s kingdom
    1. As we look at these verses I hope you are encouraged to do good, despite the possibility that you may suffer for a little while, so that others may receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2. Body
  1. Vs. 8-12 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
    1. An emphasis on unity among believers so that when they face persecution they continue to reflect the character of Christ and do not conform to the ways of the world.
      1. A Team of people who are working to accomplish the same goal – workout crew
      2. When the world turns against itself. Evil grows. They repay evil with evil and they revile one another, which simply means they criticize one another in an abusive or insulting manner.
      3. When the world turns against those who love God, the love of Christ shines through. As you respond in love toward those who revile you, you are blessed.
      4. It is easier to continue doing good with the body of Christ supporting you.
        Prayer
        Words of Encouragement
        Knowing others are enduring the same suffering you are
    2. Even with a united body, it is difficult to not fear man instead of God.
  2. Vs. 13-17 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.
    1. Do not fear man. Fear God. It is better to suffer for doing good than to suffer for doing evil.
      1. What does this good look like?
        Vs. 15b – Share the gospel – Always be prepared to give a defense with gentleness and respect.

The greatest apologetic is a life changed by Christ.

1. 1. 1. 1. Which is why it is important to live a holy life.
        Vs. 16 – Live a holy life – Have a clear conscience so that no one can attack your character.

When people see a life that was heading one direction but changes direction because of a powerful encounter with God, they wonder what is different. And it is easy to give a defense for the hope that is in you.

When you continue to live in sin, but proclaim Christ as Lord it is hard to give a defense for the hope that is in you.

If you are living a holy life, and are attacked by others, the Body of Christ defends you.

Give hypothetical examples – Nathan, Justin, Shiloh

1. 1. 1. 2. Transition – You may not suffer for doing good today, but chances are that you will. As you accomplish the good works God has laid before you, look to Jesus’ example as one who suffered for doing good.
  2. Vs. 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. Look to Jesus as your example.
      1. What did Jesus do?
        Abide– Walked in perfect unity with the Father
        When Jesus faced opposition from His enemies throughout His ministry or was being unjustly spat upon, mocked, whipped, and crucified He did not repay evil with evil. He did not revile those who were against Him. He simply endured their persecution.
        Just as Jesus dwelled with the father, He has commanded us to abide in Him.
        John 15:4-5 – “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
        Jesus is our source of life. He produces fruit in our lives.

He allows us to respond to our enemies as He responded to His. Not in anger or bitterness but in gentleness and respect.

He produces hope and peace in our lives.

He empowers us to share the gospel and make disciples.

1. 1. 1. 1. Apart from Him there is nothing good that you can accomplish.
        As you dwell in Christ, His love flows from your life.
        Love – No greater love than laying your life down for your friends
        John 15:12-13 – “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
        Jesus endured suffering because He loves you. He willingly laid down His life. No one had the authority to take His life. Jesus gave His life because He unconditionally and relentlessly loves you. THINK ABOUT THIS…

If He did not lay down His life for you, there would have been no remission/forgiveness of sin made available to you and me.

You would have no hope to present to the world.

You would be like every other person on earth who does not have Jesus.

But because He did, you are different and you have eternal hope

1. 1. 1. 1. Just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we are to lay down our lives for one another so others may have hope.
        Lastly, when we look at Jesus’ life, we see that Jesus lovingly laid down His life because He considered what He had to gain…
        Consider what you have to gain.
        1 Peter 3:18 & 22 – ““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… who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him”. Jesus didn’t die for nothing! Because He died is enthroned in Heaven forever with all power, dominion, and authority over every angel, authority and power in Heaven and earth. And because He has all authority and power, He has the right to save you from your sin. Jesus gained you!
        Someday, you will inherit an eternal home with Him in glory.
        Now you have the responsibility to live a holy life and present the hope that is within you so that His kingdom is advanced.
        Think of the consequences of not sharing the gospel? Think about the thought that you do not want to share the gospel because you may suffer a little while on earth? If you don’t share or if your life is a deterrent for Christ, think of what will happen for those who do not surrender to Jesus. They will suffer for all eternity because of the evil they have done.

Your suffering is temporal.

The lost’s suffering is eternal.

Consider the parable of the bags of gold. The servant who did nothing with the gift he was given was called evil and was cast out.

1. 1. 1. 1. Someone who truly loves God cannot help but speak of the hope they have been given.
        Why are so many Christians not sharing the gospel today? They are not willing to suffer for a little while on earth for sharing because of fear. You do not have a spirit of fear but of Power, Love, Sound Mind – 2 Timothy 1:7

Are you more afraid of losing relationship with someone for a little while on earth than you are of losing relationship with them for all eternity?

1. 1. 1. 1. You will be filled with regret if you do not do your part.
Conclusion
1. What decision will you make?
  1. Suffer for not surrendering to Christ
  2. Suffer doing good
  3. Do not be filled with regret. Be filled with the Hope that is found in Christ Jesus and honor Him as holy.

Watch the Sermon