Shownotes
Welcome to Day 2384 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day 2384 – OUR STRANGE LIFE – A RIGHTEOUS LIFE AND A READY DEFENSE1 PETER 3:8-17 – Daily Wisdom
Putnam Church Message – 05/19/2024 Our Strange Life – A Righteous Life and a Ready Defense 1 Peter 3:8-17 Last week, we shifted from submitting to government authorities and employers to how we should practice mutual submission in our home in a message titled, The Give-and-Take of Domestic Harmony. This week, we move forward with our overall submission theme as we learn how to have A Righteous Life and a Ready Defense. Today’s passage is 1 Peter 3:8-17, on page 1890 of your Pew Bibles. I will read it today from the NLT because the text flow is more personally applicable to our daily lives. 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.[a] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”[b] 13 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 hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.[c] 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! Without a doubt, the process of spiritual growth is long and often painful. In route to maturity, we all spill our milk, say things we shouldn’t, and fail to act our age. Sometimes, we throw temper tantrums like toddlers, pout like preschoolers, or argue and complain like teens. We should conduct ourselves as mature believers and set an example for those younger in the faith. We may know what is right, but we don't have the will to do what's right. Even those who are spiritually mature have days when they take a return trip to the “terrible twos.” Human parents rejoice as their children grow from infancy through adolescence and adulthood. In the same way, our heavenly Father wants all His children to grow in their faith. Sadly, too many Christians grow old without growing up. There's a difference. Many people can say, “I've been a child of God for thirty years.” Sometimes, I want to say, “There comes a time when we should mature into adulthood.” In 1 Peter 3:8-12, the apostle Peter sums up what he sees as the lifestyle that epitomizes Christian maturity. As such, these virtues give believers a measuring rod for spiritual growth. As a tangible,>objective set of checkpoints, |we can use them to measure our maturity in different areas of life. In only five verses, Peter summarizes his comments in the form of nine marks of maturity. Remember that Peter's purpose in this section of the letter is to accurately describe the strange life we live in relation to the world. This list of Christian virtues certainly flies in the face of prevailing cultural norms, setting believers apart as God's holy people in an unholy world. But again and again, Peter ties this lifestyle of holiness to the life of hope to a consistent anticipation of the reward that will come at Jesus Christ's appearance. Mature, holy living can only come as we embrace Christ as our hope in hurtful times. -3:8-12- Peter begins this maturity checklist with the phrase “finally." The Greek telos means “the end" or “the conclusion." Peter didn't conclude the letter but summed up the purpose of his previous teachings concerning attitudes and actions. The preceding context instructed believers to live as “temporary residents” in their conflict against fleshly desires (2:11-12). This conflict played out on the battlefields of unjust treatment by human government (2:13-17), unfair behavior of masters (2:18-25), and the struggles of married life (3:1-7). When Peter sums up the virtues of the ideal “temporary residents " living in this world, he touches on several things he has already covered—and anticipates several themes he will address in the rest of the letter. The maturity checkpoints include unity, mutual interest, friendship, affection, compassion, humility, forgiveness, a controlled tongue, a pure life, and a peaceful disposition. (Bulletin Insert) 1-Of One Mind —“harmonious” (3:8a, homophrõn). The Greek word refers to “having the same mind," which implies oneness of heart, similarity of purpose, and agreement on significant points of doctrine. Unity isn't the same as uniformity, where everybody looks and acts the same. Nor is it the same as unanimity, when everybody agrees one hundred percent on everything. Peter isn't calling us to sing together in unison but in harmony, which means we all contribute our unique notes in a beautiful chorus far surpassing any single note. 2-Sympathize —“sympathetic" (3:8b, sympatheis). The Greek word sympatheis lies behind our English “sympathy." It means, literally, “to feel with" someone. When we are in as close a fellowship with fellow believers as Peter has in mind, we will naturally affect each other emotionally, rejoicing when others rejoice and weeping when others weep. We have a mutual interest in each other. 3-Love Each Other—“brotherly" (3:8c, philadelphos). The Greek word philadelphos is the adjective form of the same word Peter used for “brotherly love" in 1 Peter 1:22. It refers to an affectionate friendship or the love of a sibling. This affectionate companionship is much deeper than the often superficial activities that pass for “fellowship" in many churches. Philadelphos indicates a sense of loyalty just as strong as one's natural family relationships. 4-Tenderhearted—“kindhearted" (3:8d; eus/planchnos). Paul uses this same term in Ephesians 4:32—“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This heartfelt compassion, closely associated with forgiveness, emphasizes the actions taken to reach out to hurting people. 5-A Humble Attitude—“humble in spirit" (3:8e, tapein/ophrõn). This means to have a humble mindset. It might be easy to appear humble and act with false modesty. But Peter has in mind a deep-down humility that nobody can see—in our thought life. In our “me-first” world, it’s hard to swallow the “last shall be first" principle. When people are blessed with exceptional talents or skills, the temptation is great to promote themselves and crave the limelight. A true spirit of humility curbs the ego's insatiable appetite from within. The first five virtues of a mature Christian are related to how we think (one mind and humble attitude) and how we feel (sympathetic, brotherly love, and tenderhearted). The last four characteristics relate to what we do and say— the outward actions as they directly affect people. None of these, of course, is mutually exclusive. A person won't be able to feel compassion, affection, and sympathy if they are proud and contentious. And a believer won't manifest virtuous words and deeds if his thoughts and emotions are those of a novice Christian. Mind and emotion will grow together into a well-rounded, balanced character. This will lead to a lifestyle that befits a Christian and is attractive to unbelievers. 6-A forgiving nature—“Don’t repay evil for evil." (3:9). Refusing to exact revenge when we've been injured>somehow is one thing. |Replying with a blessing, either in word or deed, is quite different. But because we have been called to inherit a blessing and because Christ has secured this hope, we can endure evil and insults with patience and grace. 7-A controlled tongue—“Don’t retaliate with insults" (3:10). Peter quotes Psalm 34:12-13, grounding his call for the controlled tongue firmly in the Old Testament. This quote immediately follows Peter's warning against lashing out in vengeance (3:9), so the thought is that our words are more likely to get away from us when we're tempted to strike back. The mature believer's tongue is tamed. It avoids gossip, slander, crude language, deception, exaggeration, and all kinds of wickedness and folly. This reminds me of another psalm: “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” (Ps. 141:3). Those words are worth praying every morning before a stray word slips from our tongues. 8-A life of purity—“turn away from evil and do good" (3:11). Continuing his quote from Psalm 34:14, Peter recasts his repeated exhortation to holy living. Purity from wickedness means turning away from evil inclinations, temptations, and even the sins that once beset us in our past. Instead, we must replace these wrong thoughts and habits with pure, positive ideas. 9-A peaceful disposition—“Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (3:11). We’re a people who love to argue and fight. When wronged, we jump to our feet,| dig in our heels when challenged,| and clench our fists when crossed.| Whether it's over minor doctrinal differences or carpet color, Christians can quickly rob each other of peace. Instead of seeking and pursuing peace, we often pursue controversy or engage in open conflict. Instead, shouldn't the servants of the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6) reflect something of that peace in their churches and the world? Behind Peter’s list of Christian virtues stands a critical assumption —that believers can grow in spiritual maturity to a point where we walk consistently in light of God's Word. I didn't say we will walk perfectly without stumbling, but consistently. A consistent life of unity, mutual interest, friendship, affection, compassion, humility, forgiveness, self-control, purity, and peace doesn’t mean we never fail. It means that when we fail, we acknowledge it and allow God's grace to restore and strengthen us. These nine virtues of spiritual maturity are general enough to encompass all areas of our lives and are specific enough to hit us where it hurts. When properly understood, Peter’s rapid-fire arrows point out the weakest spots in our spiritual armor, convicting us that we're all still disciples in training. But as we examine the chinks in our armor, we can easily lose sight of Peter's bigger perspective. He has in mind a greater purpose for the holiness and hope we should have in an unholy and hopeless world. -3:13-17- Peter makes it clear that the spiritually mature men and women described in 1 Peter 3:8-12 will provoke responses from the world around us. But don't be surprised when these responses aren't always positive. Many in the world live lifestyles of conflict>instead of peace, sin>instead of purity, pride>instead of humility, or hatred>instead of compassion. Some will view believers as speed bumps on their superhighways of self-gratification. Others may wonder what would motivate somebody to live such a strange life of holiness and hope. So Peter asks his readers to consider an important question: Who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? (3:13). He has already defined what it looks like to be zealous for “good” with the nine virtues in 3:8-12. For the most part, living this way—though strange in the world's eyes—will generally keep believers out of trouble. Just think about it. If you pay your debts, you’ll stay financially sound. When you stay sexually pure, you'll avoid disappointment and jealousy. You'll keep from making enemies if you behave with humility and peace. And when you maintain close relationships with other believers, you’ll always have people to help you through tough times. So, in general, Peter's advice for wise living will bring good—not harm—to others. But even when it doesn't work out that way, living this way has a lasting advantage. Why? Because “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.” (3:12). Though the principle may be generally accurate>most of the time |and in most situations, |Peter knows there are exceptions. The smoldering cinders of opposition can burst into outright persecution at certain times in history and at certain places in the world. And the lifestyle that keeps believers safe may endanger them! Peter says, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right” (3:14). In Peter’s discussion of the possibility of unfair treatment, I find five pieces of advice on how to respond as Christians who have centered their hope on Jesus Christ. The first response to unfair treatment is to consider yourself blessed by God (3:14a). This isn't the response we might expect. When we experience unfair treatment, we might think, “What have I done wrong?” or “Hasn't God seen my good works? Why is He allowing this?” Instead, Peter takes an approach similar to James 1:2: Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. How can believers count themselves blessed by God in light of unfair treatment? First, they are blessed because God uses this kind of unfair treatment as part of His plan to strengthen and make us more like Christ, as seen already in 1 Peter. Rather than marking us as outside God's will, unfair treatment for righteousness indicates that we are in God's will and plan. Second, we are blessed because we can look forward to a future reward for enduring such trials. Jesus said in Matthew 5:10, God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Very likely, Peter had these words of his Lord in mind when writing this letter. The second response to poor treatment for righteous living is to refrain from panic and worry (3:14b). There's no reason to fear your enemy's methods of intimidation |or be troubled. The Greek verb for “fear" is phobeõ, from which we get our word “phobia.” It implies fleeing or avoiding something. The word “trouble" (tarassõ) refers to shaking up or intimidating somebody. Jesus uses it in John 14:1, when He tells the disciples, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” Peter's third response to mistreatment is: to acknowledge Christ as Lord (3:15a). Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life, contrasting with fearing the intimidation of persecutors. Peter is making clear and direct claims about Jesus' deity, equating Him with the Lord God of the Old Testament and declaring that we should “sanctify” or “regard as holy” Jesus Christ as the Lord over our lives. When Christ is Lord and God over all aspects of our lives, we need not fear the opposition of enemies. The fourth response to unjust treatment is to be ready to give a defense (3:15b). The term “defense” is the Greek word apologia, which means “to give an account” (explain it) or to provide legal testimony. Our English word “apologetics” comes from this term. Peter tells his readers: And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. Note that this explanation for their hope comes only when we have considered ourselves blessed,| refused to panic and worry, |and acknowledged Christ as Lord over...Transcripts
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day: /:Our Strange Life – A Righteous Life and a Ready Defense
1 Peter 3:8-17
Last week, we shifted from submitting to government authorities and employers to how we should practice mutual submission in our home in a message titled, The Give-and-Take of Domestic Harmony.
This week, we move forward with our overall submission theme as we learn how to have A Righteous Life and a Ready Defense.
, on page:8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters.[a] Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 10 For the Scriptures say,
“If you want to enjoy life
and see many happy days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face
against those who do evil.”[b]
13 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 hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.[c] 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!
Without a doubt, the process of spiritual growth is long and often painful. In route to maturity, we all spill our milk, say things we shouldn’t, and fail to act our age. Sometimes, we throw temper tantrums like toddlers, pout like preschoolers, or argue and complain like teens. We should conduct ourselves as mature believers and set an example for those younger in the faith. We may know what is right, but we don't have the will to do what's right. Even those who are spiritually mature have days when they take a return trip to the “terrible twos.”
Human parents rejoice as their children grow from infancy through adolescence and adulthood. In the same way, our heavenly Father wants all His children to grow in their faith. Sadly, too many Christians grow old without growing up. There's a difference. Many people can say, “I've been a child of God for thirty years.” Sometimes, I want to say, “There comes a time when we should mature into adulthood.”
In 1 Peter 3:8-12, the apostle Peter sums up what he sees as the lifestyle that epitomizes Christian maturity. As such, these virtues give believers a measuring rod for spiritual growth. As a tangible,>objective set of checkpoints, |we can use them to measure our maturity in different areas of life. In only five verses, Peter summarizes his comments in the form of nine marks of maturity.
Remember that Peter's purpose in this section of the letter is to accurately describe the strange life we live in relation to the world. This list of Christian virtues certainly flies in the face of prevailing cultural norms, setting believers apart as God's holy people in an unholy world. But again and again, Peter ties this lifestyle of holiness to the life of hope to a consistent anticipation of the reward that will come at Jesus Christ's appearance. Mature, holy living can only come as we embrace Christ as our hope in hurtful times.
-3:8-12-
Peter begins this maturity checklist with the phrase “finally." The Greek telos means “the end" or “the conclusion." Peter didn't conclude the letter but summed up the purpose of his previous teachings concerning attitudes and actions. The preceding context instructed believers to live as “temporary residents” in their conflict against fleshly desires (2:11-12). This conflict played out on the battlefields of unjust treatment by human government (2:13-17), unfair behavior of masters (2:18-25), and the struggles of married life (3:1-7). When Peter sums up the virtues of the ideal “temporary residents " living in this world, he touches on several things he has already covered—and anticipates several themes he will address in the rest of the letter.
The maturity checkpoints include unity, mutual interest, friendship, affection, compassion, humility, forgiveness, a controlled tongue, a pure life, and a peaceful disposition. (Bulletin Insert)
1-Of One Mind —“harmonious” (3:8a, homophrõn). The Greek word refers to “having the same mind," which implies oneness of heart, similarity of purpose, and agreement on significant points of doctrine. Unity isn't the same as uniformity, where everybody looks and acts the same. Nor is it the same as unanimity, when everybody agrees one hundred percent on everything. Peter isn't calling us to sing together in unison but in harmony, which means we all contribute our unique notes in a beautiful chorus far surpassing any single note.
2-Sympathize —“sympathetic" (3:8b, sympatheis). The Greek word sympatheis lies behind our English “sympathy." It means, literally, “to feel with" someone. When we are in as close a fellowship with fellow believers as Peter has in mind, we will naturally affect each other emotionally, rejoicing when others rejoice and weeping when others weep. We have a mutual interest in each other.
3-Love Each Other—“brotherly" (3:8c, philadelphos). The Greek word philadelphos is the adjective form of the same word Peter used for “brotherly love" in 1 Peter 1:22. It refers to an affectionate friendship or the love of a sibling. This affectionate companionship is much deeper than the often superficial activities that pass for “fellowship" in many churches. Philadelphos indicates a sense of loyalty just as strong as one's natural family relationships.
4-Tenderhearted—“kindhearted" (3:8d; eus/planchnos). Paul uses this same term in Ephesians 4:32—“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This heartfelt compassion, closely associated with forgiveness, emphasizes the actions taken to reach out to hurting people.
5-A Humble Attitude—“humble in spirit" (3:8e, tapein/ophrõn). This means to have a humble mindset. It might be easy to appear humble and act with false modesty. But Peter has in mind a deep-down humility that nobody can see—in our thought life. In our “me-first” world, it’s hard to swallow the “last shall be first" principle. When people are blessed with exceptional talents or skills, the temptation is great to promote themselves and crave the limelight. A true spirit of humility curbs the ego's insatiable appetite from within.
The first five virtues of a mature Christian are related to how we think (one mind and humble attitude) and how we feel (sympathetic, brotherly love, and tenderhearted). The last four characteristics relate to what we do and say— the outward actions as they directly affect people. None of these, of course, is mutually exclusive. A person won't be able to feel compassion, affection, and sympathy if they are proud and contentious. And a believer won't manifest virtuous words and deeds if his thoughts and emotions are those of a novice Christian. Mind and emotion will grow together into a well-rounded, balanced character. This will lead to a lifestyle that befits a Christian and is attractive to unbelievers.
6-A forgiving nature—“Don’t repay evil for evil." (3:9). Refusing to exact revenge when we've been injured>somehow is one thing. |Replying with a blessing, either in word or deed, is quite different. But because we have been called to inherit a blessing and because Christ has secured this hope, we can endure evil and insults with patience and grace.
). Peter quotes Psalm: ntinuing his quote from Psalm:9-A peaceful disposition—“Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (3:11). We’re a people who love to argue and fight. When wronged, we jump to our feet,| dig in our heels when challenged,| and clench our fists when crossed.| Whether it's over minor doctrinal differences or carpet color, Christians can quickly rob each other of peace. Instead of seeking and pursuing peace, we often pursue controversy or engage in open conflict. Instead, shouldn't the servants of the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6) reflect something of that peace in their churches and the world?
Behind Peter’s list of Christian virtues stands a critical assumption —that believers can grow in spiritual maturity to a point where we walk consistently in light of God's Word. I didn't say we will walk perfectly without stumbling, but consistently. A consistent life of unity, mutual interest, friendship, affection, compassion, humility, forgiveness, self-control, purity, and peace doesn’t mean we never fail. It means that when we fail, we acknowledge it and allow God's grace to restore and strengthen us.
These nine virtues of spiritual maturity are general enough to encompass all areas of our lives and are specific enough to hit us where it hurts. When properly understood, Peter’s rapid-fire arrows point out the weakest spots in our spiritual armor, convicting us that we're all still disciples in training. But as we examine the chinks in our armor, we can easily lose sight of Peter's bigger perspective. He has in mind a greater purpose for the holiness and hope we should have in an unholy and hopeless world.
-3:13-17-
Peter makes it clear that the spiritually mature men and women described in 1 Peter 3:8-12 will provoke responses from the world around us. But don't be surprised when these responses aren't always positive. Many in the world live lifestyles of conflict>instead of peace, sin>instead of purity, pride>instead of humility, or hatred>instead of compassion. Some will view believers as speed bumps on their superhighways of self-gratification. Others may wonder what would motivate somebody to live such a strange life of holiness and hope.
So Peter asks his readers to consider an important question: Who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? (3:13). He has already defined what it looks like to be zealous for “good” with the nine virtues in 3:8-12. For the most part, living this way—though strange in the world's eyes—will generally keep believers out of trouble. Just think about it. If you pay your debts, you’ll stay financially sound. When you stay sexually pure, you'll avoid disappointment and jealousy. You'll keep from making enemies if you behave with humility and peace. And when you maintain close relationships with other believers, you’ll always have people to help you through tough times. So, in general, Peter's advice for wise living will bring good—not harm—to others. But even when it doesn't work out that way, living this way has a lasting advantage. Why? Because “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.” (3:12).
Though the principle may be generally accurate>most of the time |and in most situations, |Peter knows there are exceptions. The smoldering cinders of opposition can burst into outright persecution at certain times in history and at certain places in the world. And the lifestyle that keeps believers safe may endanger them! Peter says, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right” (3:14). In Peter’s discussion of the possibility of unfair treatment, I find five pieces of advice on how to respond as Christians who have centered their hope on Jesus Christ.
The first response to unfair treatment is to consider yourself blessed by God (3:14a). This isn't the response we might expect. When we experience unfair treatment, we might think, “What have I done wrong?” or “Hasn't God seen my good works? Why is He allowing this?” Instead, Peter takes an approach similar to James 1:2: Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. How can believers count themselves blessed by God in light of unfair treatment? First, they are blessed because God uses this kind of unfair treatment as part of His plan to strengthen and make us more like Christ, as seen already in 1 Peter. Rather than marking us as outside God's will, unfair treatment for righteousness indicates that we are in God's will and plan. Second, we are blessed because we can look forward to a future reward for enduring such trials. Jesus said in Matthew 5:10, God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Very likely, Peter had these words of his Lord in mind when writing this letter.
The second response to poor treatment for righteous living is to refrain from panic and worry (3:14b). There's no reason to fear your enemy's methods of intimidation |or be troubled. The Greek verb for “fear" is phobeõ, from which we get our word “phobia.” It implies fleeing or avoiding something. The word “trouble" (tarassõ) refers to shaking up or intimidating somebody. Jesus uses it in John 14:1, when He tells the disciples, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
Peter's third response to mistreatment is: to acknowledge Christ as Lord (3:15a). Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life, contrasting with fearing the intimidation of persecutors.
Peter is making clear and direct claims about Jesus' deity, equating Him with the Lord God of the Old Testament and declaring that we should “sanctify” or “regard as holy” Jesus Christ as the Lord over our lives. When Christ is Lord and God over all aspects of our lives, we need not fear the opposition of enemies.
The fourth response to unjust treatment is to be ready to give a defense (3:15b). The term “defense” is the Greek word apologia, which means “to give an account” (explain it) or to provide legal testimony. Our English word “apologetics” comes from this term. Peter tells his readers: And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. Note that this explanation for their hope comes only when we have considered ourselves blessed,| refused to panic and worry, |and acknowledged Christ as Lord over their unfair treatment. |When that happens, people on the outside will see their behavior and marvel: “How can you put up with this kind of treatment? I would have snapped by now!” Here, Peter’s overarching theme of Christ as the source of hope in hurtful times comes again to the fore. Jesus alone provides a solid basis for hope amid suffering.
Finally, the fifth response to the world’s unfair treatment is to keep a good conscience (3:16). Not only do we set Christ apart as Lord over every event of our lives, but we must maintain a clear conscience. Peter began this section by cataloging Christian virtues that mark us as God's holy and hopeful people (3:8-12). Then he pointed out that although living in this way generally brings good, it can sometimes draw the ire of wicked people (3:13). But when this happens, Peter writes, we should endure the unjust treatment of others, unwavering in our integrity. This maintenance of a good conscience, even amid persecution, will draw attention from the pagan crowd and even silence slanderers. In other words, Peter argues that a life of consistent integrity is a quiet defense of the Christian life, opening the opportunity for testimony regarding the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Peter brings this section to a close by echoing a principle he stated earlier in 1 Peter 2:20. Although believers may suffer unjust treatment for living a virtuous Christian life, we must be careful not to incur deserved punishment for doing wrong. (3:17) Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Only when we suffer unjustly on behalf of Christ and as a testimony to others can we claim to be genuinely walking after the pattern of our Lord, who suffered and died for our sake (3:18).
APPLICATION: 1 PETER 3:8-17
Coursework - Apologetics 101 (Bulletin Insert)
In several seminary-level courses I have completed over the past few years, I learned about the great “apologists" of the Christian faith—those great minds who provided a well-reasoned defense of the Christian faith in response to unreasonable philosophical objections. Throughout the past two thousand years of church history, every generation has had its Christian scholars who stood strong for the faith—sometimes against overwhelming opposition. Even today, the field of Christian apologetics is filled with PhDs who can argue atheists and unbelievers into silence. I thank God for such men and women trained in both the philosophies of the world and the true wisdom of the Word. But sometimes, the rest of us may think we're off the hook because we can't explain arguments for the existence of God, or we can't fire off three responses to the theory of evolution, or we can't explain where Cain got his wife! We leave those questions to qualified scholars as we tell ourselves we’re not meant to be involved in apologetics.
But the truth is, according to Peter, in (3:15b-16a). If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. We should always be prepared to make a defense for the hope we have in Christ. Yet, presupposing this explanation, Peter describes a particular consistent lifestyle of virtue that draws unbelievers' attention. So, Apologetics 101 begins not with having the correct answers to others' skeptical challenges but with having the proper lifestyle to raise the right questions! (3:16b). 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.
To be faithful to Peter’s exhortation, we need to examine our own lives to see if we measure up to his standards of spiritual maturity described in 1 Peter 3:8-12. Assigning yourself a specific maturity level for each area wouldn't hurt. If you're brave, have a close friend or spouse rate you, too! Once you’ve discovered the areas of your life most susceptible to immaturity, you can see where your own lifestyle apologetics needs to be strengthened. Use the chart below to grade your level of maturity as an infant, toddler, youth, teen, or adult. You may need to go back in the text to review the description of each of these areas.
· Like-Minded Unity
INFANT
· Mutual Interest
· True Companionship TODDLER
· Heartfelt Compassion
· Spirit of Humility YOUTH
· Forgiving Nature
· Controlled Tongue TEEN
· Life of Purity
· Peaceful Disposition ADULT
Now, select one area in which you need the most growth. Commit this to prayer. Focus on submitting this area to Christ's lordship, described in 3:15, and aim to keep a “good (clear) conscience" toward God (3:16). Because we’re called to grow together in the body of Christ, consider sharing your desire to grow in this area with a close friend, pastor, or teacher who can hold you accountable and pray for your growth (see Eph. 4:15-16). Also, make this growth area a focal point in your Bible reading, study, and devotional life. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment. (1 Pet. 2:2).
Next week, in the second section of the letter of 1 Peter called “Our Strange Life,” in a message titled “Focusing Fully on Jesus Christ.” Invest some time reading 1 Peter 3:18-22 for next week’s message.