1 Peter 3:8-12 Reviling and Blessing
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1 Peter 3:8-12
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. “He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Introduction
Introduction
In recent lessons, Peter has shown us that we Christians are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), 1 Pe 2:9.Interrogative
In short, Christians are a very special people in God’s eyes and He promises to love and take care of them
Peter goes on to share with us how the Lord expects His chosen people to behave, and what should motivate their attitudes. After all, we are children of the King.
Key Question: In our day to day lives, what can we expect of the people of God?
Key Question: In our day to day lives, what can we expect of the people of God?
Bottom line up Front: God’s people should live in harmony, sympathy, brotherly love; be kind hearted and humble.
Bottom line up Front: God’s people should live in harmony, sympathy, brotherly love; be kind hearted and humble.
Transition
Transition
In imparting God’s plan for His people, here Peter begins to explain why the Lord expects His people to be kind and humble. Frankly, this goes against our natures, as we live in a world that promotes wicked sinfulness, and we, in and of ourselves, have to deal with the sin disease in our flesh.
First Point: Mind and heart
First Point: Mind and heart
To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
Explanation
Peter is finishing a section of his letter here, hence he starts with a “to sum up.” He is bringing us to the culmination of the point he is making about our roles as lively stones and as priests in His temple, serving under the Lord Jesus - our great, high priest.
These are the attitudes we, as priests in the temple (God’s Kingdom), and reflections of our Lord, are to exemplify.
Harmonious/Unity of mind: This means of one mind. We are to be generally in agreement in our faith in Jesus and our trust in the Word of God. It is our faith, given by the Holy Spirit, that unifies us. If we are not unified in our faith, there is a problem. What unifies us is not only our faith, but the Word of God - we must be in agreement about it, what it means, its significance, and about the gospel. If we agree with Jesus, we should agree with each other
Sympathy: this is a good translation of the concept Peter is explaining. We will have conflicts and disagreements, but these can be overcome if we are sympathetic and understanding, one to another. Generally, when there is a conflict, it is the result of misunderstanding, or of a deeper problem, perhaps a sin problem. We need to consider, as we deal with one another, that others are dealing with matters and stresses we know nothing about, so we need to be sympathetic. We are all prone to sin.
brotherly love: Christians are adopted into Christ’s family and so should treat one another as loving brothers and sisters.
Quarrels and disagreements may arise, but they need to be settled in a loving way
This especially goes in the local church - there should be no room for feuds.
Those who behave aggressively toward us - we should respond with kindness and understanding. This can be really hard, especially in the heat of conflict
a tender or kind heart: Christians need to understand each other - to put on the other’s shoes and walk in them.
Pitiful, in the KJV - instead of becoming angry or offensive when someone doesn’t understand, we should try to understand what is holding them up. This is especially true when sharing the Gospel.
a humble mind: Christians should be courteous and respectful to one another, and to non-Christians as well.
Elders
Younger Christians
Illustration: The rich, young ruler. Mark 10:17-22
Argumentation:
The world sees things differently
We often grow up in a world where the objective is to win at all costs, whether it be a physical or verbal conflict. We are taught to use every means at our disposal to manipulate others to agree with us.
This is particularly evident in political conflict
Application: When we look at Jesus’ interactions with others, its easy to understand what Peter is getting at here. Jesus had perfect understanding of everyone He interacted with. He could be firm with those who were hard of heart, like the scribes and Pharisee. For those who lacked understanding, or were weak, He was patient and kindhearted.
Exhortation: God calls Christians to be patient and understanding
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
As a kingdom of priests, we should show all these attributes.
Second Point: Blessing others v.9
Second Point: Blessing others v.9
not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
Explanation:
Why should we, as Christians, put up with obnoxious behavior? How should we respond?
In our first point, Peter tells us what is expected of us, but I’m sure we all realize its a tall order. Why put up with it?
The Bible is consistent in making this point - that we are not to respond to evil with evil or respond with insult of insult. Paul makes this same point in Romans 12
Rather we are to give a blessing instead. This is how Jesus responds to our sin and rebellion: Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Although this can be a difficult duty, particularly because we ourselves struggle with sin, this is one reason Christ called us. Its a duty we have to Him, and to others.
Illustration: There are some people out there who just want to provoke a fight. I’m sure you have encountered them. They want to get a rise out of you. When they do, by your anger you are demonstrating a lack of faith in Jesus. Watch what happens when someone responds to aggression with kindness. Who comes out looking better? Who gets frustrated?
Argumentation: Fight fire with fire, says the world. Keep escalating/ramping up.
Application: As disciples of Christ, we are to be loving and peaceful, even in conflict. We share this Gospel not only with words, but actions.
Exhortation: Christ and His followers are saddened and disappointed by what we see in the world, and by how we are treated by others, both Christian and unbeliever. We need to remember that our sinful instincts will drive us to sinful responses, if we do not yield to the Holy Spirit.
Third Point: vv 10-12. God’s promises
Third Point: vv 10-12. God’s promises
For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. “He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
This is what King David said 1000 years earlier
Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, To cut off the memory of them from the earth.
Explanation:
Peter here illustrates his point from Psalm 34, in the OT.
We see that God’s instruction to us has been consistent since the time of King David and throughout history
Since Peter is writing to both Jews and Gentiles, its important for the Jews to understand that this lesson is consistent with their OT teachings. Its helpful to the Gentiles, to understand the foundation of Christ’s teachings.
This is but one of many instances where we see the consistency of God’s message over thousands of years, and via the inspiration of different authors.
Consistently, God has promised blessing to Christians who resist their sinful tendencies and seek to bless others, especially when they face opposition.
God knows and watches over His people, knowing that their lives will not be easy - that they are going against the way of the world, and will be outcasts and pariahs outside of their churches and Christian communities.
And its important to remember that the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Not only will they face all manner of adversity in this life, but the Lord has reserved a place of wrath for them in eternity.
Argumentation: This is a hard lesson. Paul said that “through many tribulations, we must enter the Kingdom of God.” We are asked to do the right thing, even when its hard.
Application: We can take courage that by doing the right thing, the Lord will take care of us, not only now, but in eternity. Jesus is our example - He showed all of these qualities: Harmony, sympathy, brotherly love, kindheartedness and humility, and while it blessed His followers with comfort and salvation, the world still hated him. Even so, the Father raised Him from the dead, and He will do the same for His followers.
Exhortation: Eccles 12:13-14
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Paul sums up what Peter is saying here in Romans - Romans 12:16–21
Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
God’s people should live in harmony, sympathy, and brotherly love; be kind hearted and humble.
God’s people should live in harmony, sympathy, and brotherly love; be kind hearted and humble.
Gospel Appeal:
Gospel Appeal:
This message is addressed to Christians, to those who are followers of Christ. Is that you? Should that be you?
Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,”
Romans 10:9 “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;”
God’s word compels you, to turn away from you sins and flee to Christ. Do it today.
Pray