Day 3—1 Peter 3

Read 1 Peter 3

Radical Relationships

1 Peter 3 is interesting in that Peter continues to talk about relationships. In the previous chapter he challenged his readers to submit to governing authorities. He even challenged those in the lowest positions of life like slavery, where injustice was a norm, to submit to their masters.

Peter point is important. The way that we handle the relationships of life can affect our witness for Christ. Peter continues this theme in this chapter of his letter. He moves from the governing authorities of life, the nation, to the home, literally. The next relationship of importance is the relationship between wives and husbands.

Peter tells wives hearing this letter to submit to their husbands. Our modern-day culture often throws these passages out of Bible or dismisses them as irrelevant, culturally dated, and chauvinistic. It is important to remember though that Paul when writing the Ephesian church told his readers to “submit to one another” out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). He then goes on to talk about the responsibility of wives and husbands to submit to and love one another.

Submission isn’t about being a doormat. One could easily argue that submission is an attitude of Godliness. Jesus submitted himself to the Father willingly knowing that in submission God would raise him up. The way a wife responds to her husband, particularly, if he doesn’t know Christ, can have incredible impact. Peter tells his female readers that the motivation here is that “they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives” (1Peter 3:2). Submission is never a demand of husbands, it is an act of love by a wife.

Husbands must also be very careful about how they relate to their wives. Paul told husbands to love their wives to the same extent that Jesus loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). This is no easy thing, given that Jesus gave his life for the church. A husband’s love must be sacrificial—it is to be the most beautiful, caring and protective love in the world. It is literally a “dying for another”, kind of love. Peter tells his male readers, that the way they treat their wives affects their prayers. Literally, their prayers are hindered when they are inconsiderate, uncaring, or dismissive of their wives. An abusive husband misses out on blessings from God.

Everyone should seek to live in harmony with others (1 Peter 3:8). This isn’t easy. It’s easier to treat people well IF THEY DESERVE IT. The minute they don’t, punish them. Give them a piece of your mind. Shut them out. Criticize, critique, and judge their every move.

Peter tells his readers to actually do the opposite. Never return hurt for hurt, insult for insult, or evil for evil. Instead, do good, even if you end up suffering for it, knowing that God blesses those who suffer for doing what is right (1 Peter 3:13-14).

Our orientation toward others could very well open doors for more conversation. It very well could be an opportunity for people to ask, “What up with you? I can’t figure you out. You’re different.” Peter encourages us to be ready for such opportunities. Our hope is a hope that comes from Christ. It doesn’t come from our circumstances. It doesn’t come from being comfortable. So, he challenges us to “always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). This is never an argument. It’s not about winning a theological battle over others. It is a gentle, respectful testimony of who God is and what he has done for us.

And what happens if it goes badly?

Peter tells his readers that if they are rejected or punished in any way that at least it was for doing what is right and good. The same thing happened to Jesus. He was the supreme example of gentleness, love, respect, and goodness. And he was treated the exact opposite. He is our advocate. He is in heaven right now standing for us at the right hand of the father. And one day he will make all things wrong, right!

Baptism is a beautiful picture of our identity in Christ. Baptism is a symbol or our salvation. It’s one of the ways that we say yes to God and no to the world. In an of itself, baptism doesn’t save, but it is the symbol of a good conscience toward God and commanded for every believer. It is a picture of Jesus’s death and resurrection, and of the new life that we receive from him (1 Peter 3:18-22)

Application:

1. How can you have an effective witness for Christ in your relationships whether it be marriage, family, or work and or community relationships?
2. What would it look like for you to be “eager to do good” even if it’s hard? (1 Peter 3:11) What happens when your good intentions and actions backfire? What would Peter say to you?
3. How would you tell someone about the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15)?

 

Have you put your faith in Christ? If not, what would it take for you to take that step right now? The Bible tells us that a simple act of faith is to repent (turn from our sins) and believe (in Jesus’s work on our behalf)? Just tell God how sorry you are for your sins. Then confess your belief in Jesus. Thank him for the gift of salvation (1 Peter 3:18)!

Consider writing down a key verse or verses from today on an index card or small piece of paper and carry it with you today. Look at it as often as you can as a reminder of what we learned today.

Possible Verses: 1 Peter 3:8; 1 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 Peter 3:18