The book of 1 Peter
In these insights I will be journeying through the five chapters of the New Testament book: 1 Peter which I believe is very helpful and relevant to modern Christian living with all its trials and temptations.
Background
Peter writes as a practical theologian who connects Christian doctrines such as God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Church and Eschatology (the end times) to everyday living.
A summary of his teaching might be: ‘In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord’ (3:15). Peter wants all Christian behaviour to be rooted in biblical truth which will act as a basis from which all Christian ethics flow and live out.
Read together 1 Peter chapter 3
Sharing love and life (verses 1 – 7)
Throughout the world there are communities and individuals that are submissive and obedient, alongside those who have a spirit of independence and self-determination. In these verses there are many who would object to Peter’s thoughts, as expressed in historical practices, whereby women’s rights have been seen as inferior to men’s.
However, if both men and women mutually submit and obey each other in love and practical living then there should be no issue of one lording it over the other. Jesus humbly submitted to the will of the Father who raised him up after his mission was completed. Independence in all relationships may produce good and bad results. Peter speaks about the importance of authentic beauty rising from within and showing itself externally, rather than the other way round (v 3-4).
Question What does it mean to be submissive/obedient to God and those we live with?
Suffering love (verses 8 – 14)
We all have faced some form of persecution and suffered awkward relationships. Peter offers practical advice as how best to respond which takes on board compassion and humility so avoiding repaying evil with evil and insult. In facing persecution we may experience a blessing as referred to in Psalm 34: 12 -16 and we have the amazing example of Jesus in all his interactions with people he had compassion for.
Set apart Christ as Lord (verses 15 – 17)
If we live daily in the light of Christ, then we will be able to give an answer and reason for the hope that we live by. When people act maliciously against us we need to have a Christ like attitude towards them which will nullify and shame their words and actions?
Question How should we respond to those who persecute us because of our faith?
Secure in Christ (verses 18 – 22)
Through the ministry of Christ, even preaching to spirits in prison, we can experience a restored spiritual relationship with God that is seen in the act of water baptism.
God patiently waits for us to respond to his love and complete his plans for our lives just like Noah did. In his rising, Jesus is restored back to the right hand of the Father. Through the ascension of Jesus, evil forces are relegated to their rightful place beneath his feet.
Question What does it mean in practical terms to be: ‘Set apart for Christ’?
Selah (Pause to carefully consider what you have just read)
Graham
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