AUGUST 15 = 1 PETER 3
IN THE SAME WAY
Chapter 3 begins with a phrase that needs a context. He says, “Wives, in the same way…” In the same way as what? He is referring back to something, and I think it is part of the major themes of his letter. So today, let’s look at all of the “same way” verses in the letter of First Peter.
I think it provides some context for understanding how our behavior is to follow in the steps of Jesus. Peter is going to say several examples that underscore this instruction...
AUGUST 15 = 1 PETER 3
IN THE SAME WAY
Chapter 3 begins with a phrase that needs a context. He says, “Wives, in the same way…” In the same way as what? He is referring back to something, and I think it is part of the major themes of his letter. So today, let’s look at all of the “same way” verses in the letter of First Peter.
I think it provides some context for understanding how our behavior is to follow in the steps of Jesus. Peter is going to say several examples that underscore this instruction: Do what is right, even when it is hard. Treat people well, even when they don’t return the favor. Whatever your station in life, serve the way that Jesus served. Don’t give in to the world’s ways, but be an example that might sway them to want to be holy. The rewards may not come in this life, but they are guaranteed in the next one. Jesus did it. So can you.
So when you see Peter use the phrase, “In the same way,” you’ll know what he is saying. Ready? Let’s hear from Peter how to live in the same way that Jesus did.
2:11 “Dear friends, I urge you to . . . Live such good lives among the pagans that . . . They may see your good deeds and glorify God…
2:13 “Submit yourselves ….to every human authority … For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”
2:17 “Show proper respect to everyone…fear God, honor the emperor.”
2:18 “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters…if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
2:19 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
2:23 “When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate…he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
3:1 “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over…”
3:7 “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect…so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
3:8 “Finally, all of you, …do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
3:14 “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.”
3:17 “For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
3:18 “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
4:1 “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.”
4:7 “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
4:12 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed…”
4:16 “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
4:19 “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
5:1 “To the elders among you…Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, …not lording it over those entrusted to you…”
5:5 “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another“
5:6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
5:9 “resist [the devil]…because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
As we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we would do well to not measure our progress based on how well people like us, or how smooth our road is. God is the score keeper, and He has the final word. Amen.
