Silly me didn’t give you your assignment last week. LOL! It was to complete Lessons 15-17. I’m sure you probably figured that out. Let’s get started …
Begin by Praying (Ask God to open your heart and mind so you can understand His Word)
Lord, would you help me to cultivate a heart that trusts You more fully, a heart that puts You first, and a heart that remembers the cross when suffering comes? In Jesus’ name, amen.
Now Read … 1 Peter 3:8-22
Before we go any further, take a few minutes and read this week’s WOW Weekly Moment that corresponds to our study.
Listen (Receive some thoughts and further insights about the lessons studied)
God’s Word is full of instructions, and this week I saw some lists of instructions as I read through this passage of Scripture. I saw some “to do lists,” and some “do not do lists.” I really love that! I’ve often said, “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it!” Sometimes that’s easier said than done though.
Now let me just say from the beginning that I am not suggesting that we become legalistic, checking off a bunch of “to do’s” on a list. All of Christian living comes down to the heart. Our hearts much be transformed into the likeness of Christ and then our actions flow from that heart change. If we attempt to do these things “as is,” we will fail, become frustrated. We will just keep spinning our wheels trying to do good, but we will end up getting bogged down in the process.
Lesson 15:
To Do List for 1 Peter 3:8-12 …
- Be of one mind
- Have compassion for one another
- Love as brothers
- Be tenderhearted
- Be courteous
- Bless
Do Not Do List for 1 Peter 3:8-12 …
- Do not return evil for evil
- Do not returen reviling fo reviling (that words means to criticize in an abusive or angrily or insulting manner
God is looking for those who are righteous. He listens to the prayers of the righteous, but He is against those who do evil. What does he mean by “righteous?” Not perfect – we’d all be in trouble. Righteous means, approved of or acceptable of God, keeping the commands of God, wholly conformed to the will of God. I really like that last definition, wholly conformed to the will of God. If I am conformed to the will of God, my heart is sensitive to His voice and I desire to follow His instruction even in the midst of persecution. Remember Romans 12:16-19. (Particularly verse 19)
Lesson 16:
To Do List for 1 Peter 3:13-17…
- Sanctify the Lord God in your heart
- Always be ready to give a defense of the hope you have in Christ with meekness
- Do keep a good conscience
Do Not Do List for 1 Peter 3:13-17 …
- Do not be afraid
- Do not be troubled
These things are accomplished through consistency. Read this excerpt from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.
… sanctification is God’s will for the believer, 1Th 4:3, and His purpose in calling him by the gospel, 1Th 4:7; it must be learned from God, 1Th 4:4, as He teaches it by His Word, Jhn 17:17, 19; Psa 17:4; 119:9, and it must be pursued by the believer, earnestly and undeviatingly, 1Ti 2:15; Hbr 12:14. For the holy character, hagiosune, 1Th 3:13, is not vicarious, i.e., it cannot be transferred or imputed, it is an individual possession, built up, little by little, as the result of obedience to the Word of God, and of following the example of Christ, Mat 11:29; Jhn 13:15; Eph 4:20; Phl 2:5, in the power of the Holy Spirit, Rom 8:13; Eph 3:16.
The phrase, “it is an individual possession, built up, little by little,” refers to a consistent progression. The more we go to God, through His Word, and the more we seek the things of God, the more we become like Him.
This is how we can suffer for righteousness sake, we must consistently take on Christ and by His grace follow His example and display a “gentle and quiet spirit.”
Lesson 17: 1 Peter 3:18-22
I love what Elizabeth George says on page 101 of Putting on a Gentle & Quiet Spirit.
When unjust suffering seems unbearable, remember the Cross. When the fear of death steals your peace, remember the resurrection.
Respond (Apply spiritual truth to your life) Don’t forget to post your comments below!!
- How are you doing with your “to do” and “don’t” lists?
- Are you able to display a gentle and quiet spirit in the midst of mistreatment?
- What can you do to become more consistent in this area?
Homework: (We’re almost to the end … be consistent and keep persevering through!)
Lessons 18-20
Pray and thank God for revealing Truth to you. Ask Jesus to help these deep truths sink into your heart and mind.
Jacqueline Heider is the Director of Women’s Ministry, Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church.