Continuing the topic of submission, Peter here gives instructions about what submission means both in the fellowship and in dealing with outsiders.

Peter has already addressed the matter of love within the fellowship in 1:22-2:3. The Christians who received this letter needed to maintain love, peace, and harmony within the fellowship. Some of them may have been treated badly by other Christians, but that was no excuse for paying the abusers back with mistreatment. Peter quotes from Psalm 34:12-16 (the same psalm he had referred to in 2:3). If you want a good life, the psalm says, you must treat other people well. The Lord's face is against those who do evil. You can't expect God to bless you if you aren't willing to bless other people.

In dealing with outsiders, these Christians needed to commit themselves to doing good. People don't usually get into trouble for doing what is right; and even if you do, he says, you will be blessed for it. They needed to set Christ as Lord in their hearts and have a kind but clear answer for anyone who would ask them why they lived as they did. Unbelievers might attack them and ridicule them; but as God's people they were to do good, even if they suffered for it.

With both Christians and outsiders, believers are to avoid retaliation. We have been changed because of Christ. We are to treat other Christians with love because of who God is, who they are, and who we have become. We are to treat outsiders with respect and avoid getting back at those who abuse us because God will take care of them in due time and because we should want to be the best influence possible on them so that they might be converted.

Doing good. For Christians, it's simply a way of life.

1. Describe specific ways that you can follow the commands in 1 Peter 3:8.

 

2. How difficult is it to resist repaying evil for evil and insult for insult (3:9)?

 

3. When have you suffered for doing what is right (3:13-14)? Was it worth it?

 

4. Verse 15 says "in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord." The verb "set apart" is a form of the word "holy." Peter is saying, "make holy in your hearts Christ as Lord." How does making Christ your holy Lord in your heart help you handle what life throws at you?

 

5. What is your answer for the hope that you have in Christ (3:15)?

 

6. How might a Christian not answer a questioner with gentleness and respect (3:15)?

 

7. Why is it important for a Christian to keep a clear conscience (3:16)?

 

8. What are some examples of people who have had to suffer for doing good (3:17)?

 

9. Christians will never be universally admired and understood in this world. Why is this true?