Monthly Archives: August 2021

1 Peter 3:18-22

Recap  – 1 Peter 3:17 

For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

For the past several weeks in various ways we have been considering this truth. It forms a bridge to the next section.

Verse 18

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

  • Why did Jesus suffer?  For what purpose was his suffering? And why was it inevitable?
  • What happened after he was put to death?
  • What difference does this make to believers who suffer?
Verses 19-20

After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

Verses 21-22

and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Remember that in the New Testament, baptism always followed repentance and faith.

  • How does baptism give us a clear conscience?
  • What does Paul say about baptism in Romans 6:1-4?
  • If we are saved by our faith, in what sense does baptism – which follows faith – save us?
  • Baptism is dangerous for converts from Islam to Christianity, especially in hardline Muslim-majority nations. Why?
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1 Peter 3:10-17

Verses 10-12

For,
“Whoever would love life and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Here Peter is quoting from Psalm 34:12-16

keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech

Why is it important to control our tongues?

How does this affect our witness among unbelievers?

seek peace and pursue it

Practically speaking, how can we seek peace without sacrificing our convictions?

the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer

According to this Psalm, how does our character affect our prayer life?

Verses 13-17

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 their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere 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. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Key thoughts :
  1. You have a better chance of winning the favour of others by doing good than by doing evil.
  2. Even if you get unjustly persecuted for doing good, God regards you as blessed (and will reward you),
  3. Do not give way to fear.
  4. Always be ready to explain your hope in Christ to others.
  5. Do this in a gentle and respectful way.
  6. There is no shame in undeserved suffering.

 

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