In the first two chapters of his letter Peter declared that as Christians our future is secure, that we are God’s Holy people and that we are set apart here on earth to accomplish his purposes. In so doing Peter says that believers may very well suffer in this life even for doing good and that hardships sometimes come to those who seek to live as Jesus did. He also extends the idea of our calling to submit to every human authority to include wives and husbands to one another being of equal standing in God’s eyes as co-heirs of His grace.

Being set aside by God we are to refuse the natural human instinct of seeking revenge when we are insulted or ill-treated and to be a blessing to those who hurt us. The temptation may be great to simply go with the flow of modern culture but in so doing we dishonour God and the calling he has placed on our lives.  We are called to influence our culture even it means we suffer for doing good for who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good. How should we respond when that happens? Peter says that we should honour Christ as Lord fully submitting to Him. It is when we do that we ourselves are changed and should be prepared to give an answer to those who ask the reason for the hope we have. When we respond it should always be with gentleness and respect as we share the story of how we have been redeemed by God through faith in Jesus Christ. ‘It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil’ (v.17).

Peter reminds us that Christ died for our sins, was put death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.  We also have been born again though baptism and are alive in the Spirit of Him who saved us from ourselves.

***

Questions:

Have there been times when you have been tempted to ‘go with the flow’ instead of standing firm in your faith just to have an ‘easier’ life?

Are you prepared to answer when someone asks you about your faith and the hope you have in Jesus Christ?

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, that you gave your life for me and set me apart to further your kingdom here on earth. Help me to resist temptation and always to stand firm in my faith and always be ready and prepared to tell my story of your redeeming love. Amen.