The Christian lifestyle is the result of, and the reflection of, the beliefs and values that we profess. Though our roles are distinct, as husbands, wives, etc., all of us are to be like-minded and humble, blessing those who insult us, and prepared to suffer as Christ did. That can be hard! What keeps us motivated and eager to live radically righteous lives?
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3:8-9 Called to Inherit a Blessing
3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 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.
Does “like-minded” or “harmonious” allow for differences of opinion?
Can we truly sympathize, not being in others’ circumstances?
How are we to respond to insults and injuries?
What power can evil NOT take away from us?
Discuss: “Bless those who curse you.”
3:10-11 Called to Pursue the “Good Life”
3:10 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.”
Ps 34:12-16
How can a person “love life” whose faith is under fire?
What qualities comprise or lead to the best life possible?
Honest speech.
Rejection of sin.
Good conduct.
Pursuit of peace.
3:12 Called to Catch God’s Attention
3:12 “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.”
Does it ever seem to you that evil is winning?
Do you ever think that God does not see you or hear you?
Can we expect God to prevent evil people from hurting us?
How does Jesus’ experience with evil help us persevere?
3:13-14 Called to Be Zealous and Fearless
3:13 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,
As a rule, if you love what’s good, you’ll do well. Not always, though!
Have you ever suffered MORE, just because you did what was right?
Again, how was Jesus blessed as a result of unjust suffering?
In what kinds of situations did the Lord say, “Fear not?”
Do others intimidate you? How will you overcome that? 2 Tim 1:7
What kinds of dangers do you fear and find troubling?
3:15-16 Called to Be Prepared, Sincere, and Blameless
3:15 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.
How do you honor Christ as holy?
From the Gk. for “defense” we get the word, “apologetics.”
When have you explained and defended your Christian hope? How?
What is the best way to defend the faith against today’s attacks?
Why must we be meek, conscientious, and well-behaved?
3:17-18a Called to Suffer for Doing Right
3:17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God …
In what sense is it God’s will that we should suffer?
How does that truth help us?
What lessons does Christ’s death teach us, that help us endure?
Redemptive purpose. Could our suffering help others to be saved?
The Nature of Christ’s Amazing Sacrifice
Once for all! Heb. 7:27; 9:12, 26, 28; 10:10, 14.
For sin, as the OT offerings of atonement. Lev 16
Vicarious, substitutionary, in our place. Mk 10:45; 2 Co 5:21.
3:18b-22 Called to Share Christ’s Victory
3:18 … being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared …
Flesh vs. spirit – two opposite realms.
How, when, where, what and why did Christ proclaim to spirits?
— Through Noah, in Noah’s day, to sinners then before the Flood, who are now disembodied spirits kept in prison awaiting judgment?
— After Jesus’ death (his spirit alive) or after his resurrection, to fallen angels (“spirits”) or Noah’s evil peers, to declare his victory?
In any case, no “second chance.” Main point: judgment and triumph.
3:20 … in which [ark] a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
“Corresponds to” – baptism is the antitype of an OT experience.
OT type: saved through water (flood).
NT antitype: saved through water (baptism).
A physical act – for a spiritual purpose (not removal of dirt).
Does the blood of Christ save, or does baptism save?
Hint: did God save Noah, or did the ark save Noah?
Did Noah have to build the ark, and go through water, to be saved?
Excellent illustration of grace, faith, and required acts of faith.
Why and how do denominational and community church leaders claim that water baptism is not essential for salvation?
How important is conviction in conversion?
“Appeal for,” “answer of,” or “pledge of” a good conscience.
22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Where is Jesus now?
How important is the ascension? Ac 1:9-11; Eph 4:7-16; Hebrews.
What difference does that make when our faith is under fire?
