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Better to Suffer.

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” (I Peter 3:15-17).

Peter adds a final encouraging statement in vs. 17. Consider it a New Testament Proverb.

Peter says that it is better (κρείττων; kreitton) or superior in God’s perspective to suffer for doing something God considers good, than to do that which God considers evil. This statement parallels what Peter has already said in I Peter 2:20, and what he will say in I Peter 4:15-16.

Peter wants his readers to understand that whatever we may experience in defending the gospel, even if it is evil, will fit God’s perfect and sovereign will for our lives. When we pray “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10) we are consciously submitting to God’s rule and reign in our lives, even if that means suffering for His Name’s sake.

One pastor writes, “Peter pointed out that it may be God’s will (thelēma; cf. 2:15; 4:2, 19) for them (believers) to suffer for doing good (cf. 1:6; 2:15; 4:16, 19). This, as he told them earlier, “is commendable before God” (2:20) and so is better than deserved suffering for doing evil (cf. 2:14). First Peter 3:17 is an effective summary of the content of 2:15, 19–20.”

Suffering for the gospel, not matter how small, can be discomforting. However, let us not forget the great cloud of witnesses who lived before us who testify that suffering for the truth of God is worth it (Hebrews 11:1-12:2). We live now in the wonderful company of those who lived before us and who served the living God. Let us live a legacy that parallels theirs.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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A Clear Conscience.

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” (I Peter 3:15-16).

When we follow the Lord’s instructions, such as set forth in I Peter 3:15, we stand before the Lord with a clear conscience. This is because we have done what He has asked. Peter uses the phrase “good conscience” to mean having a moral and beneficial sensitivity before God and other people. This clear conscience is a result of our obedience to God.

This brings us to Peter’s purpose clause in the latter part of vs. 16. God will be pleased with our gentleness and respect to people as we share the gospel, This results in a good or clear conscience. This will help us “when” we are slandered.

Slander (καταλαλέω; katalaleo) means to speak evil of someone (I Peter 2:12). This type of speech is intended to hurt the subject in question. Peter is preparing us for the time when we will be verbally attacked because of our commitment to share the gospel. Again notice that Peter does not say we might be slandered but that we will be slandered. It is not a question of if, but rather only a question of when.

Have people lied about you to others? Have they said things you knew were not true, but perhaps had no way of proving it? Have you experienced the pain of friends believing the lies about you, as told by others? What will happen when people slander us?

If we continue to maintain a gentle and respectful attitude and behavior when people slander us because of our commitment to the truth of God, God will put them to shame. People who dishonor us and our good behavior (anastrophe), God will dishonor.

Peter encouraged his readers with the fact that good behavior, gentleness and respect being but two examples, is their best defense against unjust punishment and persecution.

How have you been slandered recently? Was it by a once close friend? Be encouraged, my friend. God will make it right.

Soli deo Gloria!

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Gentleness and Respect.

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,” (I Peter 3:15).

The specific ways we fulfill Peter’s instructions about sharing the gospel to those who ask us for the hope and confidence we have in the gospel is clear. Peter gives us two qualifications when we answer people’s questions about the gospel.

First, we are to give an answer with gentleness. Gentleness (πραΰτης; prautes) refers to meekness and humility. This is in contrast to being harsh in our dealings with people.

Second, we are to also give an answer with respect (φόβος; phobos). This means we treat the person, or persons, in question with an attitude of admiration, esteem and even reverence.

God never calls us to answer people’s questions concerning the gospel with sarcasm or arrogance. Thus far, we are approaching this subject with a perspective that the people asking the questions are doing so with a sincere interest in our biblical answers. However, even if they aren’t we are to be humble and respectful to them. Peter will have more to say about this in the verses to follow.

I remember one student I had years ago who would ask questions it seemed for the expressed purpose of trying to trip me up in my biblical answers. It could be somewhat frustrating because while I sought to be gentle and respectful, I detected no such attitude from him. Neither it seemed did others in the classroom.

Gentleness and respect are to be what we display even when Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons come to our front door. God does not call us to be harsh with them, but rather to be prepared to give an answer to them with humility and good will. We possess the good news of salvation. They don’t!

Pastor Burk Parson explains that, “God calls us to be ready to make a defense for the hope that is within us, but notice that He calls us to do it with gentleness and respect. Apologetics isn’t just for some Christians, it is for all Christians. We all must know what we believe, why we believe it, how to live it, how to defend it, and how to proclaim it – and we must do so with gentleness and respect.”

While we may have little to no control over other people’s attitudes in situations I’ve just described, we can control our own attitude with the Holy Spirit’s help. Ask God even at this moment to give you an attitude of gentleness and respect in anticipation of people who will ask you questions about the gospel.

Soli deo Gloria!

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Answering Questions.

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,” (I Peter 3:15).

As we set about to honor in our hearts Christ the Lord as holy, and always being prepared to make a defense of the gospel, to whom are we engaging with our preparation to defend the gospel? Peter provides the answer in the latter part of vs. 15.

We are to honor and prepare to defend the gospel to anyone we come into contact with. Now, Peter does give us some qualifications as to whom this people specifically are. They could be anyone and everyone we meet. However, what they want to talk to us about is not the weather, but God.

First, they are people who ask (αἰτέω; aito) demand or plead to us for something. These are people who are asking questions with an urgency, even to point of being demanding. What could be so important? Where we got the great deal on our new car?

Second, for what are they asking? The answer to their question is a reason (λόγος; logos) or a verbal statement from us for the hope (ἐλπίς; elpis) or confident expectation we have within our souls regarding the salvation we have from God through Jesus Christ. That is what the phrase “the hope that is in you” means.

The tone of this statement is one of urgency. While it is certain that Jesus calls all believers to share the gospel throughout their lives (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8), He also calls us to be especially prepared for those who urgently want to know not only what we believe, but why we believe it, regarding how we as sinful people can become right with God.

These encounters may occur in a hospital room, a funeral home, or even in someone’s home where the urgent desire for an answer to their questions about the gospel of God is sought. We are not to dismiss the questions, or dare I say, put them off for another day. No! God calls us to be prepared for that specific moment whenever and wherever it may happen.

So, be prepared? How is your preparation coming along? Are you getting ready for that family gathering featuring burgers and bratwurst? How about your upcoming Christmas gatherings? Perhaps you should put the Bible on your list.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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Be Ready.

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,” (I Peter 3:15).

To defend the Scriptures before an unbelieving culture begins with honoring Jesus Christ as holy. We are to do this with all of our being. This attitude leads us to our responsibility of always being prepared. The word prepared (ἕτοιμος; hetoimos) means to be ready, or to do that which is necessary prior to an event. We are to always be prepared to share the gospel prior to when we share the gospel.

For example, when my wife and I have Thanksgiving Dinner at our home, she prepares for this meal days ahead and not just hours. She thinks about the turkey she will buy, the assorted accessories to the meal (mash potatoes; dressing; her buttermilk squash) along with when she will actually begin preparing the meal earlier that day, which is hours before our guests arrive. She also prepares by having the dinner table set just so, perhaps even the night before. When our friends and family do arrive for Thanksgiving Dinner, they sit down to enjoy a meal that’s been well planned for everyone’s enjoyment.

Being prepared to share the Scriptures requires the same amount of discipline and preparation. It takes time. How do we then prepare? Here are some suggestions.

The resources are easily available. Begin today to prepare to make a defense for the gospel.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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Be Prepared.

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,” (I Peter 3:15).

Not only are we to not fear, or be troubled, by those who would persecute us for being zealous for good and for God (I Peter 3:13-14), God also calls us to be prepared to share the gospel to those very same individuals. I Peter 3:15 provides believers with the foundational biblical text regarding the task and responsibility of biblical apologetics.

Apologetics addresses and answers any and all critics who oppose or question the revelation of God in Christ and the Bible. In short, it means to make a defense. The word apologetics is taken from I Peter 3:15 from the word defense (ἀπολογία; apologia). Rather than making an “apology” for biblical truth, the word means to speak on behalf of oneself or of others against accusations presumed to be false—‘to defend oneself. In this case, what the believer speaks on behalf of is the truth of Scripture in general, and the gospel in particular.

In preparing ourselves to defend the Scriptures, we in effect are honoring in our hearts Christ the Lord as holy. Our heart (καρδία; kardia) is our intellect, emotions and will, or our soul. It is the core of who we are. With all of our being, God commands us to honor Jesus. To honor (ἁγιάζω; hagiazo) means to hallow or to consecrate Jesus Christ as the holy God He is (Isaiah 6; I Peter 1:16).

One way to prepare our hearts to defend the Scriptures is by never forgetting what the Scriptures teach regarding God’s holiness. Reading and meditating upon Isaiah 6 is one way. Singing hymns regarding the holiness of God is another, such as the following by Reginald Heber.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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Hearts Honor.

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,” (I Peter 3:15).

Not only are we to not fear, or be troubled, by those who would persecute us for being zealous for good and for God (I Peter 3:13-14), God also calls us to be prepared to share the gospel to those very same individuals. I Peter 3:15 provides believers with the foundational biblical text regarding the task and responsibility of biblical apologetics.

Apologetics addresses and answers any and all critics who oppose or question the revelation of God in Christ and the Bible. In short, it means to make a defense. The word apologetics is taken from I Peter 3:15 from the word defense (ἀπολογία; apologia). Rather than making an “apology” for biblical truth, the word means to speak on behalf of oneself or of others against accusations presumed to be false—‘to defend oneself.’ In this case, what the believer speaks on behalf of is the truth of Scripture in general, and the gospel in particular.

In his commentary on I Peter, Dr. R.C. Sproul writes:

Our preparation is to make us ready to give a defense and a reason for the hope that is in us…If your neighbor says, ‘I notice that you are a Christian. What is it that you believe?’ are you ready to explain not only what you believe but why you believe it? Some Christians tell those who inquire that we simply take a leap of faith with no bother about the credibility of the rational character of the truth claims of the Bible, but that response goes against the teaching of this text. The only leap of faith we are to take is out of the darkness and into the light. When we become Christians, we do not leave our mind in the parking lot. We are called to think according to the Word of God, to seek the mind of Christ and an understanding of the things set forth in Scripture.

This defense for the Scriptures and the gospel is done while in the context of persecution. Certainly, we should defend the Scriptures at all times, but especially when we are persecuted for our faith. Instead of retreating, we must prepare ourselves to stand firm and hold our ground in the reliability of God’s Word.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

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Zealous For What Is Good.

“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,” (I Peter 3:13-14).

The Apostle Peter gives his readers what appears to be a rhetorical question in vs. 13. The obvious answer would appear to be that no one would seek to harm Christians when they are zealous for what is good. Yet, we know of believers who have been harmed for their zealousness for what is good and for God. Is Peter, therefore, wrong and by implication, God?

The word harm (κακόω; kakoo) means to be hurt or mistreated. Zealous (ζηλωτής; zelotes) means enthusiastic. Good (ἀγαθός; agathos) means beneficial and useful. In this statement of cause and effect, predicated upon an act goodness, no harm should befall the individual who is enthusiastic for that which benefits other people and which praises God.

However, vs. 13 must be read within the context of not only the chapters and verses preceding it, but also vs. 14 which follows. Peter does not ignore the obvious. He is not naïve and neither is God. Therefore, Peter makes this disclaimer or qualification.

Even if a believer suffers for righteousness sake, they will be blessed. Notice the contrast given by the conjunction of contrast “but.” To suffer (πάσχω; pascho) means to experience pain. Even if believers experience pain for doing that which is right in the eyes of God, they will be blessed. By whom? By God. Peter’s conclusion, quoting from Isaiah 8:12, is to not fear what men can do, neither to be troubled.

This promise mirrors Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:11-12 which says, “11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

One commentator writes, “Though the adversary, through physical suffering or material hardship, would distress those who were eager (zēlōtai, lit., “zealots”) to do good, no real harm can come to those who belong to Christ. For even if suffering should occur, Christians are blessed and thus should not be frightened. The word here translated “blessed” (makarioi; cf. 4:14) was used by Jesus (Matt. 5:3–11). To be “blessed” in this context does not mean to “feel delighted” but to be “highly privileged.” Christians are not to be afraid of what men can do to them (cf. Matt. 10:28). Consequently 1 Peter 3:14 concludes with a quotation from Isaiah 8:12 which, in context, is part of an exhortation to fear God rather than men.”

Do you want God to bless you? Or course you do! Well then, realize the next time you are ridiculed or persecuted for your faith in Christ, God has highly privileged you before Himself. How awesome is that?

Soli deo Gloria!

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Peter and Psalm 34.

10 “For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 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” (I Peter 3:10-12).

Lest we believe that what Peter poses in I Peter 3:8-9, and what Paul shares in Romans 12:17-21, is exclusively a New Testament ethic, Peter immediately quotes from Psalm 34:12-16.

Psalm 34 is a Psalm of David. The historical context of the psalm is when David pretended to be insane before Abimelech the priest when David was also fleeing from the wrath of King Saul, as recorded in I Samuel 21. Saul was pursuing and persecuting David due to Saul’s jealousy of David. However, rather than seek revenge against the king, David did everything he could to honor Saul.

As one commentator writes, “In the psalm David called on the congregation to praise the Lord for their salvation. And after affirming that God is good to those who trust Him, he instructed the people on how to live a long life.”

David exhorted Israel to listen to his instructions regarding the fear of the Lord. The instructions were about living a righteous, peaceful life (v. 12), shunning evil and treachery (v. 13), and doing good (v. 14). This is wisdom teaching about the way of the righteous, which produces a life of excellence with the Lord’s blessing.

Additionally, for those who live righteously in the Lord (vs. 15, 17, 19, 21), God gives several assurances. First, He looks positively upon the righteous, which is a sign of protection (v. 15). However, the Lord is against the wicked and will cut off their memory … from the living (v. 16; Prov. 10:7b). Second, the Lord hears (vs. 6, 15) the prayers of the righteous who are broken in spirit.

It may well be hard to be nice to someone who has hurt you deeply. To say that you are broken-hearted would be an understatement. However, the way to overcome such pain is not to inflict pain of your own. It is God’s will that we bless rather than curse.

May our growth in Christ be evidenced by such an ethic beloved. Have a blessed day, and may you be a blessing.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

 

 

 

 

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Do not Revile.

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” (I Peter 3:9).

In I Peter 3:8, Peter listed five virtues of Christian living specifically related to how we speak. I Peter 3:9 relates to how we physically behave towards others.

First, we are not to repay evil for evil. Second, we are not to revile when others have reviled us. What does it mean to revile?

Reviling (λοιδορία; loidoria) means to slander, or to strongly insult another person. The word slander means to defame someone’s character or to speak about them with the intent of hurting them or their reputation.

Notice, people may revile or slander us, but we are not to slander them in return. I’m sure you have experienced someone speaking unkindly of you. I’m also sure that your first inclination was to return the favor. How can I be so sure? Because this is how I feel when people revile and slander me. When hit, verbally or otherwise, our first desire is to hit right back. However, this type of response will not please God and will not be a good example to others.

Peter’s audience perhaps wanted to strike back at their enemies for their slanderous statements of being perverted in following Christ. People called first century Christians cannibals because they ate the so-called body and blood of Christ when they gathered to worship and observe the Lord’s Supper.

What are we to do instead? We are called to consistently bless. We are to praise and speak well of someone (εὐλογέω; eulogeo) all the time. This is what God calls or summons His children to do.

As you and I do this, God says we will obtain a blessing in return. God will praise and speak well of us, as will other people, when we behave this way. It may not always be easy, but it will be an example of excellent Christ-like behavior.

Who has recently, or in the past, slandered you? Do their names come to mind? Bless them right now, where you’re at. Don’t wait another minute to obey God’s calling. If necessary, and I’m sure it is, ask God for His help in doing what He has called you to do.

Soli deo Gloria!