Tag: 1st Peter 3
Share your hope–respectfully!
Scripture reading for November 10th: 1st Peter 3
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Peter 3:13-16 “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as lord. 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Believers are always being watched by the worldly people around them. We must seek to represent Christ Jesus in all we do, even if people of the world judge us harshly or even persecute us for our stands of faith or good works. We must also be ready to share our testimony and reason that we live such different lives marked by joy and good works. This sharing must be done with great respect and gentleness, seeking to win them over to the Blessed Hope we personally know!
Observations for over-comers: Our lives should be marked by joy and hope and faith in God’s Word. We must be prepared and ready to share our reasons for this joy! “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)
Living in harmony!
Scripture reading for November 11th: 1st Peter 3
In the world we live in, conflict with others happens with regularity. Pride, worldly desires, and selfishness cause fights and quarrels. (James 4:1) Peter wrote to the church to remind them to live in harmony with one another as a picture to their world of the love of Jesus Christ! This is how they could “declare the praises of Him who had called them into His wonderful light!” (1st Peter 2:9)
“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if anyone of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” (1 Peter 3:1-2) Women of that time had very little say or status in the culture. Peter encouraged women who had been born again to live in harmony with their unbelieving husbands. By quietly serving and loving them, God would work on their hearts.
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (1st Peter 3:7) Men could be domineering and harsh to their wives. Peter encouraged them to a harmonious relationship that would help their prayer life and bring God’s purposes to pass in the family and children!
“Finally, all of you live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9) Harmonious living is a blessing and brings eternal blessings!