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04/17/2025

Bible Study From Star Of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 4–16–2025 1 Peter Chapter 5 Part 9

1 Peter 5
The last chapter of First Peter is quite short, but it is long in edification. First Peter 5 may be divided into three major parts as follows:

A. The Pastors (1 Peter 5:1–4)
B. The People (1 Peter 5:5–9)
C. The Penman (1 Peter 5:10–14)

A. THE PASTORS

1 Peter 5:1–4

Peter gives some instructions for the pastors of the churches. The word is “elders” (1 Peter 5:1) in the text which is translated from the word from which we get “Presbyterian.” It was originally used for those older in age but eventually came to represent an official at church, which is often called pastor.

1. The Exhorter of the Pastors (1 Peter 5:1)
Peter gives a bit of a background of himself as the exhorter of the pastors. This is to support and better qualify him for making the exhortation.

• His position. “Who am also an elder” (1 Peter 5:1). The word “elder” here means “fellow elder.” Such a title strikes a great blow to the primacy of Peter in the church—a view the Roman Catholics embrace in their unscriptural view of Peter.

• His proclaiming. “A witness of the sufferings of Christ” (1 Peter 5:1). “Witness” here does not refer to observation but to proclamation. Later in the second epistle of Peter (2 Peter 1:16), he will speak of observing the sufferings. There the word is “eyewitness.”

• His partaking. “Partaker of the glory that shall be revealed” (1 Peter 5:1). The glory of Christ comes after the suffering of Christ. Some want glory without suffering. It does not come that way.

2. The Exhortation for the Pastors (1 Peter 5:2–4)
Peter has a few exhortations to make to pastors.

• Their assignment in the exhortation. The first exhortation has to do with the pastor’s assignment or duty. First, the message. “Feed the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:2). The primary meaning of the word translated “feed” is feeding, but the word also involves ruling. The noun form of this verb is translated “shepherd” 17 times and once “pastor” (Ephesians 4:11) in the KJV. Because the ruling part will be emphasized in the next point, we emphasize the feeding or preaching and teaching part here. The pastor must feed his people the Word of God. Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones said the primary task of the Christian minister is preaching the Word of God. Acts 6:2, 4 supports that conclusion emphatically. Second, the management. “Taking the oversight thereof” (1 Peter 5:2). The pastor is also to rule or manage the church. As a shepherd, he guides the sheep and controls the situation in the pasture. The sheep simply follow. With rare exception, churches that do well have a congregation that understands the pastor’s position of management and follow his leadership without complaint or unjustified opposition.

• Their attitude in the exhortation. Motivation is important when God evaluates our work. Here Peter deals with motivation and looks at three attitudes that are not to be present in assuming the task of a pastor. First, not by constraint. “Not by constraint, but willingly” (1 Peter 5:2). No service for God is acceptable is there is not a willing heart. Doing one’s duty because he “has to” is not the right attitude. Second, nor by covetousness. “Not for filthy lucre” (1 Peter 5:2). This speaks of using the position of spiritual leadership commercially—that is as a way to make big money. Avarice is behind many ministries, especially those TV shows that have a bank of telephones to take calls of people giving to the ministry. Anyone going into the pastorate is a bit insane if he thinks it is a place to make money. Most churches prefer to starve the pastor than to pay him a decent salary. Third, not for control. “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage” (1 Peter 5:3). Some men, like most politicians, are in the ministry because they have a desire to have power over people.

• The archetype in the exhortation. “Being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). The word translated “ensamples” comes from the Greek word “tupos.” Zodhiates uses the word “archetype” to describe its meaning. Pastors are to be an example to the members of their congregation. They are not only to preach and teach by words but also by their walk.

• Their award in their exhortation. The reward for being a faithful pastor is a great one. First, the description of the award. “When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that faded not away” (1 Peter 5:4). The award is great because it comes from heaven (the chief Shepherd). Second, the duration of the award. “That faded not away” (1 Peter 5:4). Trophies and awards in this life tarnish, rust and will rot. But the award that comes from heaven will never lose its luster. It will shine for eternity.

04/11/2025

Bible Study From Star Of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 4–9–2025 1 Peter Chapter 4 Part 8

1 Peter 4

The Punishment in the Expectation (1 Peter 4:17–19)
This speaks of the punishment of discipline via persecution of the believer and the judgment of the unbeliever in suffering.

• The announcement of the punishment. “The time is come … judgment” (1 Peter 4:17). This is punishment for the believer, especially via persecution trials. First, the prospects of punishment. “The time is come” is the language of certainty. The believer will be disciplined. Second, the pain of the punishment. “Judgment” (1 Peter 4:16). This involves infliction or pain. Third, the people for the punishment. “Us” (1 Peter 4:17). Those in view here are believers. They will experience punishment, affliction to correct and purify. It is remedial not ruin. Fourth, the priority of punishment. “Judgment must begin at the house of God … first begin at us” (1 Peter 4:17). Christians experience chastisement before the world experiences condemnation judgment. That helps to explain why the world seems to go along in prosperity without suffering while God’s people have one affliction after another.

• The anticipation of the punishment. “What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God … the ungodly and the sinner” (1 Peter 4:17, 18). Here we now look at the judgment that comes to unbelievers. First, the cause of the punishment. Them that obey not the gospel of God … the ungodly and the sinner” (1 Peter 4:17, 18). Three major reasons are given for their judgment— (1) rejecting the Gospel (“obey not gospel”), (2) rejecting God (“ungodly”), and (3) rejecting godliness (“sinner”) Second, the character of the punishment. “If it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them … if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear” (1 Peter 4:17, 18). The judgment upon the believer will be worse than the chastising of the believer. The believers’ suffering will be remedial; the sinners’ suffering will be ruin. The believer’s suffering will end; the sinners’ suffering will be eternal.

• The acceptance of the punishment. “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:19). This is the exhortation to those who accept their trial (persecution) as the “will of God.” First, the crowd for the acceptance. “Them that suffer according to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:18). This speaks of believers. The term “will of God” shows the plan and purpose God has for the believers’ suffering. Second, the committing in the acceptance. “Commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:19). This is to believe that God has a plan and purpose for the suffering so rest in the fact and submit to the experience without grumbling and complaining.

04/03/2025

Bible Study From Star Of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 4–2–2025 1 Peter Chapter 4 Part 8

1 Peter 4
B. THE END OF THINGS

1 Peter 4:7–11
Men need the perspective of the “end of all things” (1 Peter 4:7). Too often a person does not consider the “end of all things” when he ventures on some endeavor.

1. The Defining of the End (1 Peter 4:7)
“End of all things” (1 Peter 4:7). The “end of all things” can speak of either eschatology or experience. In either case there is a finality about one’s destiny. Like Israel, many do not consider the “end of all things.” “O that they were wise … that they would consider their latter end” (Deuteronomy 32:29).

2. The Dating of the End (1 Peter 4:7)
“The end of all things is at hand” (1 Peter 4:7). One never knows when life, as we know it, will be all over—when one’s destiny will be sealed. We do not know the exact date of the end but the “is at hand” is sufficient warning.

3. The Deportment for the End (1 Peter 4:7–9)
Peter gives some exhortations about what kind of deportment is desirable because the “end of all things is at hand.”

• The sensibleness in the deportment. “Be ye therefore sober” (1 Peter 4:7). This sobriety means a “sound mind” (Thayer). Sin causes illogical thinking. That is why there is so much illogical and senseless thinking today because sin prevails in the world. The best way to promote good sensible thinking is to get into the Word of God.

• The supplicating in the deportment. “Watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7). Prayer is essential to good conduct. The word “watch” means to be sober (as in not intoxicated); also, to be calm. “The Christian who is always on a tear, whose mind is crowded with fears and worries, who is never at rest in his heart, does not do much praying” (Wuest). The fact of praying and the quality of our prayers is emphasized here in “watch.”

• The sentiment in the deportment. “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Love should be demonstrated in one’s life in view of the “end of all things is at hand.” First, the people for love. “Among yourselves” (1 Peter 4:7). This is love of believers for believers. Second, the priority of love. “Above all things” (1 Peter 4:8). Love for the brethren should have priority of importance in our deportment. Third, the passion of love. “Fervent charity” (1 Peter 4:8). This is real, genuine love, not phony love that lacks sincerity. Fourth, the product of love. “Cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). This does not mean love tolerates evil; but it means love does not exaggerate the size of the sin, exclaim it indiscreetly, or exhume past and forgiven sins to prejudice people’s thinking.

• The sharing in the deportment. “Use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 Peter 4:9). This meant providing housing for the traveling believers. First, the cause for the sharing. There were no motels and hotels like today and believers were often forced by persecution to move so they were often in poverty and thus in need of hospitality. Second, the character of the sharing. “Without grudging” means in the right spirit.

4. The Duty for the End (1 Peter 4:10, 11)
Believers were not to sit around doing nothing because “the end of all things was at hand.” Rather they were to contribute to the welfare of believers. It is called “minister” (1 Peter 4:10) here which means deaconing or serving.

• The gifts for duty. “As every man hath received the gift” (1 Peter 4:10). God always gifts those He calls to serve. All are gifted; all do not have the same gift, but all are gifted.

• The gainfulness of duty. “Good stewards” (1 Peter 4:10). God’s people are to be “good stewards” of their gifts. This means several important things. First, the development of their gifts. Gifts are to be developed (Matthew 25:14–30). So, the pianists must practice though gifted musically. Second, the deployment of their gift. Gifts are to be used; a good steward will use his gift wisely and faithfully.

• The good from duty. “Minister the same one to another” (1 Peter 4:10). Gifts are not for self-glory but for the benefit of others. God gifted you to help the church (Ephesians 4:11, 12).

• The governing of duty. The use of the gifts is governed. First, according to the guidebook. “As the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). The Scriptures guide the use of gifts. Second, according to the gifts. “Do it as of the ability which God giveth” (1 Peter 4:11). Do what you can, not what you cannot or are not called to do. Third, according to the glory. “That God in all things may be glorified though Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11). The glory of God is the ultimate goal of any service.

03/27/2025

Bible Study From Star Of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 3–26–2025 1 Peter Chapter 4 Part 7

1 Peter 4
PURGATION OF CONDUCT

1 Peter 4:1–6

Suffering is to sanctify. Christ’s sufferings on the cross were to cleanse sinners from their sins, and the believer’s sufferings are to help clean up his life.

1. The Prompting of Expurgation (1 Peter 4:1)
“Christ hath suffered for us” (1 Peter 4:1). The great motivator for believers is the work Christ did for them in redemption. Christ suffered in order to save souls which means to cleanse them. This should motivate a purified life.

2. The Preparation for Expurgation (1 Peter 4:1)
“Arm yourselves likewise with the same mind” (1 Peter 4:1). Victory in any field requires adequate preparation. First, the site of the preparation. “Mind.” To have victory in the matter of holy living, one must prepare the mind. The mind is so important in living godly lives. Romans 12:2 speaks of “renewing of your mind” and Philippians 2:5 speaks of having the mind the Christ in oneself. TV generally prepares the mind for pollution not purity. Second, the strength of the preparation. “Arm.” The word translated “arm” means heavy, strong arming, not light. One must arm very well, or one will be defeated in the matter of purity. Satan wants to disarm believers by criticizing dogmatism in convictions and emphasizing an unholy love to tolerate evil.

3. The Preference for Expurgation (1 Peter 4:1, 2)
“He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2). The preference is the desire for purity. First, suffering in the preference. “Suffered … hath ceased from sin.” Persecution goes after the righteous. The suffering shows the preference for a pure life. Second, the submission is purity. “Will of God.” The preference for purity manifests itself in submission to the will of God. Unholy lives disobey the will of God.

4. The Pollution for Expurgation (1 Peter 4:3)
“The time past … will of the Gentiles” (1 Peter 4:3). Peter lists some of the great sins the people used to practice before they were saved. These sins are called the “will of the Gentiles.” Salvation expurgated them from the redeemed. Today these sins are generally popular and acceptable, for the “will of the Gentiles” dictates present-day culture.

• Degradation of evil. “Lasciviousness” (1 Peter 4:3). This refers to evil conduct that is unbridled lust, shameless, insolence, and outrageous. Homosexual parades illustrate this shameless wickedness.

• Desires of evil. “Lusts” (1 Peter 4:3). This refers to the appetites of the flesh guiding one’s activities. “If it feels good, do it” is the slogan of lusts.

• Drinking in evil. “Excess of wine, raveling’s, banqueting’s” (1 Peter 4:3). These three items all refer in sequential order to the problem of drinking. “Excess of wine” speaks of too much drinking, getting drunk etc. “Reveling” is the next step and it speaks of wild parties that go on into the night. “Banqueting’s” is the pits. It speaks of gross dissolute behavior from drinking—sex sins and other beastly behavior.

• Devoutness in evil. “Abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3). Here religion is at its worst. The word translated “abominable” means things prohibited by the law and justice. Jim Jones, the Waco debacle, and Muslims flying airplanes into buildings are all things that can be included in this evil devoutness.

5. The Perplexity About Expurgation (1 Peter 4:4)
The world’s reaction to a person getting saved and cleaned up is not noble. First, the dumbness of the world. “They think it strange” (1 Peter 4:4). Seeing a person saved and living a holy life baffles the world. The world’s wisdom does not understand redemption. “The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Second, the defamation by the world. “Speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4). Anything about the Gospel the world does not understand they simply mock and accuse falsely.

6. The Probing for Expurgation (1 Peter 4:5)
“Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5). Mockers will be examined by God about their conduct. That will stop their mocking of purity

7. The Preaching for Expurgation (1 Peter 4:6)
“For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead” (1 Peter 4:6). The words “that are dead” does not mean the Gospel was preached to dead people but that the people to whom the Gospel was preached had now died. The purpose of preaching the Gospel is to save people which involves expurgation—cleansing away sins. If a nation is to be cleaned up, it needs large doses of Gospel preaching. But no government will ever recommend that program for cleaning up the nation.

03/21/2025

Bible Study From Star Of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 3–19–2025 1 Peter Chapter 3 Part 6

1 Peter 3
C. THE MISTREATMENT OF THE RIGHTEOUS

1 Peter 3:13–22
Doing right is not the way to reward the world but is the way to gain more brickbats than bouquets from the world. Both the believer and Jesus Christ have suffered because of the evil work of others.

1. The Mistreatment of Christians (1 Peter 3:13–17)
Christians have been subjected to much mistreatment over the centuries. Brutal and bloody persecutions have sent many believers to the grave but not without triumph.

• The prospects of mistreatment. “Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good” (1 Peter 3:13). This text implies triumph over every mistreatment and persecution (Romans 8:31, 37). But it also reminds us that the prospects of persecution are great (2 Timothy 3:12).

• The prosperity in the mistreatment. “If ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye” (1 Peter 3:14). This paradoxical effect of mistreatment is repeated by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:10–12). The rejoicing is caused by the fact of the rewards that mistreatment will bring to the believers who are mistreated (Matthew 5:12).

• The perniciousness of the mistreatment. “Be not afraid of their terror” (1 Peter 3:14). The persecution of believers is not trivial but brutal, bloody, and life threatening—that which can cause great fear and terror.

• The peace in the mistreatment. “Be not afraid … neither be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14). Persecutors can only kill the body, not the soul (Luke 12:4, 5).

• The piety in the mistreatment. “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15). “Sanctify” includes honor, praise and devotion. Mistreatment/persecution can improve one’s spiritual condition.

• The profession in mistreatment. Maintain a good testimony despite mistreatment. First, preparation for the profession. “Be ready always” (1 Peter 3:15). To give a good profession of faith is not an accident, it requires much preparation (study of the Word and prayer). Second, the purpose of the profession. “Give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Summed up this statement says the purpose of our profession/testimony is to give a good message of the Gospel. Third, the propriety in the profession. “With meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). The manner of our professing Christ is important. “Meekness” is not weakness as suggested by English word meanings, but it is the opposite of arrogance and rudeness. It does not exclude firmness. “Fear” is that of God which means respect for, deference to, and obedience and honor for God.

• The prevarication in the mistreatment. “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation [behavior, manner of life] in Christ” (1 Peter 3:16). Those who mistreat/persecute believers hesitate not to lie. If they do not have the facts to accuse, they invent them. First, the protection from prevarication. “Having a good conscience … good conversation.” Living an upright life will make it difficult for persecutors to accuse you of bad conduct. It will protect you from justified accusations. Second, the punishing of prevarication. “They may be ashamed” (1 Peter 3:16). False accusers may have clever accusations, but if you live a good life, the accusers will often experience shame because of their lack of integrity in making accusations against you. Their shame may not come until judgment time in eternity, but the time will come sooner or later when the false accusers will be greatly shamed.

• The preference for the mistreatment. “It is better … that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing” (1 Peter 3:17). This is an understatement obviously. Suffering from evil deeds has no consolation but suffering when not guilty of evil does indeed have consolations and rewards from heaven.

2. The Mistreatment of Christ (1 Peter 3:18–22)
The worst case of mistreatment ever to occur on the face of the earth was the mistreatment of Jesus Christ. Here was the Son of God incarnated in a human body mistreated like a criminal despite the fact He never did anything wrong. The mistreatment of Christ is not a reflection on Christ, but it is a great discrediting of humanity.

• The Partner in the mistreatment. “For Christ also hath once suffered” (1 Peter 3:18). Believers can find much consolation in the fact that Christ “also” experienced much unjust suffering. And His suffering was far greater than any suffering believers have ever or will ever experience.

• The purity for the mistreatment. “The just” (1 Peter 3:18). Christ was sinless, yet He suffered great mistreatment in persecution from His enemies.

• The proxy in the mistreatment. “The just for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18). Christ’s suffering at Calvary was vicarious. He had no sin for which to justly suffer but His suffering was for those who did have sin.

• The purpose in the mistreatment “To bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). The Psalmist said, “Surely the wrath of man shall raise thee; the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain” (Psalm 76:10). When Satan thinks he has defeated God, he learns that his tactics only helped God to defeat him. So, it was with the mistreatment of Jesus Christ. It resulted in Calvary and the salvation for sinners—definitely not what Satan wanted.

• The proficiency in the mistreatment. “Hath once suffered for sins” (1 Peter 3:18). Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices which were very deficient, Christ only had to suffer on the cross once. He was so good at His work of providing salvation that He accomplished the work with just one sacrifice for sin.

• The perniciousness of the mistreatment. “Being put to death in the flesh” (1 Peter 3:18). The mistreatment of Jesus Christ was not trivial. It resulted in His death. The enemies of Christ wanted to kill Jesus.

• The prevailing over the mistreatment. “But quickened by the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18). This speaks of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. This was triumph over the mistreatment. The mistreatment could not prevail over Jesus Christ. It will not prevail in the believer’s case either. Wrong may sit on the throne today, but its ultimate and final defeat is coming, for righteousness will prevail.

• The preaching in the mistreatment. In a passage that puzzles some Bible students is an account of Christ preaching to some because of His mistreatment. First, the preaching period. The context indicates that this period was during the time Christ’s body was in the grave. Second, the power for preaching. “By which also he went and preached” (1 Peter 3:19). The “By” refers to the “Spirit” found in the previous text (1 Peter 3:18). Third, the persons for the preaching. “Unto the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:19). These were the fallen angels of 2 Peter 2:4. Fourth, the place of the preaching. “Prison” (1 Peter 3:19). This is defined in 2 Peter 2:4 as “Tartarus.” The word is translated “hell” by the KJV, but it is a different word that hades or sheol. It was the special place where fallen angels were kept. Fifth, the purpose of the preaching. It certainly was not the Gospel, for Jesus did not die for angels. The message was one of announcing eternal damnation for rebellion 2 Peter 2:4. Christ’s victory in death made certain the eternal damnation of the fallen angels for their sin (as mentioned in Jude 1:6 and illustrated in Genesis 6:4).

• The portrayal of the mistreatment. “The ark … wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:20, 21). The mention of the ark caused Peter to mention another figure to illustrate salvation. That figure was baptism. First, the comparison in the portrayal. “Baptism [as a figure] doth also now save us … by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). The water saved the people in the ark in that it held the ark up in safety. Baptism in a figure portrays salvation in that it (only immersion) pictures the resurrection which is absolutely essential to our salvation. If you leave out the parenthesis (which clarifies the work of baptism) in the verse, you can understand this comparison message from baptism much clearer. Second, the clarification in the portrayal. “Like figure” (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is a picture (figure) not a prerequisite of salvation as some misguided interpreters of this verse concludes. Third, the conclusion of the portrayal. “By the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). The conclusion of this often-misinterpreted text is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ made salvation possible. If Christ had not risen from the grave, Calvary would have been a waste, and our faith would be worthless (1 Corinthians 15:14–17).

• The power over the mistreatment. Christ overcame all mistreatment. He conquered mistreatment and was not conquered by it. First, the ascension to power. “Who is gone into heaven” (1 Peter 3:22). Christ was put on the cross, but it did not stop His ascending in triumph back to heaven. Second, the area for power. “Is on the right hand of God” (1 Peter 3:22). This is a place of great honor and power. Third, the authority in power. “Angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him” (1 Peter 3:22). Christ will rule overall. His mistreatment did not hinder His ultimate rise to power (authority). It only intensifies the judgment of His enemies.

03/13/2025

Bible Study From Star Of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 3–12–2025 1 Peter Chapter 3 Part 5

1 Peter 3
THE MANNERS OF BELIEVERS

1 Peter 3:8–12
Peter instructs on Christian conduct. He speaks of the particulars of the conduct and the prompting of the conduct.

1. The Particulars of Believers’ Manners (1 Peter 3:8–11)
Ten areas of conduct desirable for a believer are listed here.

• Concord. “Be ye all of one mind” (1 Peter 3:8). This does not mean one should agree on every little thing with everyone else. Rather it means to not be cantankerous and disagreeable in spirit, and it means to be cooperative in work so that we are “laborers together” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Like a symphony orchestra, we may play different instruments, but we are to perform in harmony.

• Compassion. “Having compassion” (1 Peter 3:8). The word means to be sympathetic and is fulfilled in “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15). One will quickly discover that it is much harder to rejoice with the rejoicing than weep with the weeping.

• Charity. “Love as brethren” (1 Peter 3:8). To love as brothers is to show preference for believers.

• Caring. “Be pitiful” (1 Peter 3:8). This is to be tender-hearted. It is the opposite of cruel and hard-hearted, which makes up much of our world today. This does not mean to go soft on crime, but to be kind to folk in everyday contact.

• Courtesy. “Be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8). This stop pushing and shoving in line at the check-out in the store. It will also stop road rage driving on the road. It helps others, opens the door for others. Sometimes the world shames the church in that it shows more common courtesy than some church members do.

• Countering. “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). Revenge is not a Christian deed. “Rendering evil for evil” refers to actions, “railing for railing” refers to words. The opposite of this fleshly retaliation is to treat offenders kindly (“blessing”).

• Communication. “Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile” (1 Peter 3:10). This is a needed exhortation about the believers’ tongue. First, the refraining for a good tongue. “Refrain his tongue from evil, and lips that they speak no guile.” Refrain from bad speech. Beguiling speech, and blasphemous speech need to be stopped and eliminated from the mouth of the believer. Second, the result of a good tongue. “He that will love life and see good days” (1 Peter 3:10). A bad tongue makes life miserable for everyone —both the speaker and the listener, and it does not help prolong one’s life. However, you will never see a medical advisory warning of a bad tongue as the cause of a shortened life span.

• Cleanliness. “Eschew evil” (1 Peter 3:11). The word “eschew” means to shun, to avoid evil. Literally to lean away from it. Our society is interested in leaning towards it and not avoiding it, so laws are passed to encourage such things as abortion, homosexuality and gambling.

• Character. “Do good” (1 Peter 3:11). Quality of conduct is here and also beneficialness of conduct. The believer’s conduct should be of the highest character and also beneficial.

• Calmness. “Seek peace and ensue it” (1 Peter 3:11). Two thoughts are here about peace. First, the essentialness of peace. “Seek” tells us the essentialness of peace. We must have peace with God to be saved and peace with others for fellowship. We must also have peace of mind for calmness. Second, the effort to obtain peace. “Ensue.” This speaks of the energy and effort required to have peace. Peace does not come without desire. If we want peace with others, we must put forth much effort to obtain peace. For peace with God, Jesus Christ put forth great effort and energy for our salvation.

2. The Prompting of Believers’ Manners (1 Peter 3:12)
“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Peter 3:12). This text is a partial quote of Psalm 34:15, 16. Peter gives three basic reasons here in this text to prompt the believers’ manners as just noted above. These three promptings have to do with three parts of the body —eyes, ears, and face.

• The purity of the Lord. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous.” God favors righteousness is the message of the eyes. That prompts us to act righteously.

• The prayers to the Lord. “His ears are open unto their [the righteous] prayers.” James said the prayer of the “righteous man” (James 5:16) was effective. The fact that God hears the prayers of the righteous prompts us to act righteously so our prayers have a good reception with God.

• The punishment of the Lord. “The face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” The attitude of a person is often seen in the face. We need to look at the face of God and see what His reactions are to things. His face certainly does not approve of wickedness. That prompts us to live righteously, not wickedly.

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