November 11, 2010
1 Peter 3
Pastor JoAn Blackmon
I have to say that I can quote very few phrases that my parents, extended family members, teachers and other mentors have spoken to me over the course of my life.
What I do remember, though, are the lessons I learned by watching how these heroes of mine handled everyday life. It was always their behavior that registered in my mind, not their words. Watching how people really live is what teaches most of us how to make our own life choices.
That’s what Peter is saying in 1 Peter 3 as he instructs the wife who has converted to faith in Christ before her husband (vs.1-2). That’s what he’s telling the believing husband about how he should love his wife (vs. 7). And that’s what he is saying to all Christians in how they should treat each other (vs. 8-12) as well as unbelievers (vs. 15-17).
The message is very simply this: your power to impact others for Christ lies in how you live, not in what you say. So how should we live? In this chapter, the Word calls us to purity, reverence, a gentle and quiet spirit, submission to authority, and showing each other respect. We are to be sympathetic, love one another, show compassion, be humble, repay evil with blessing, work hard at living peacefully, refrain from speaking lies or using our words against someone, and to revere Christ as Lord. Peter does mention sharing our faith, but seems more concerned about how we speak to unbelievers than the actual words used… it must be done gently and respectfully!
What is the payoff for living this way? Incredible results are listed in this passage: unbelievers brought to faith (vs. 2), prayers answered (vs. 7, 12), the blessings of God (vs. 9), a happy life with good days (vs. 10), and God’s reward (vs. 14).
Now that’s power! Now, go out and live to make a difference, ok?
When asked about a historical figure (not from the Bible) that she would most like to meet, Grace Covenant’s Pastor overseeing discipleship ministries identified C.S. Lewis (professor, author, and atheist-turned-Christian apologist) “to hear him talk about his quest to know God, discuss his writings and listen to some of his fascinating stories.”
