Welcome to episode 105 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we begin our study in the Book of 1 Peter, covering chapter 3:8-17.  The series is called “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.”  Today, we will cover: 

• Responsibilities of all believers (v. 8-17) 

Key takeaways: 

• The Christian life is not one of passivity for Peter.  A life of goodness does not simply happen as believers meditate quietly in their rooms. Believers must make a conscious effort to turn from evil.  They must devote themselves to what is good. 
• Peter was not promising that believers would escape rejection and harm in this world.  Instead, Peter assured believers that nothing can ultimately harm them if they continue to walk in God’s paths, that the pain inflicted on them now is only temporary, and that they will be vindicated by God on the last day. 
• Suffering is an indication of God’s blessing.  Since believers are blessed by God when they suffer, they should not fear what unbelievers can do to them.  Fear of human beings, even of those who persecute, is forbidden. Since no one can ultimately harm believers and since even their suffering is a sign of God’s blessing, then it follows that they should not fear what others can do to them. 
• Peter assumed that believers have solid intellectual grounds for believing the gospel.  Every believer should grasp the essentials of the faith and should have the ability to explain to others why they think the Christian faith is true. 
• The opposition Christians receive must be for good behavior, not their shortcomings.  In other words, when we suffer for doing wrong, we deserve it.  When we suffer when doing God’s will, He will reward it. 

Quotable: 

• Living a godly life does not earn salvation but is evidence of it. Peter insisted that a transformed life is necessary to obtain eternal inheritance. 

Application: 

• Peter exhorts his readers to exhibit the following within the church:  Harmony, sympathy, brotherly love, compassion, and humility. 
• Those who inflict evil or hurl insults at believers should not be repaid in kind, as tempting as it might be to strike back.  Instead of insulting others or responding in kind, believers are called on to bless others. 
• Setting apart Christ as Lord in the heart is not merely a private reality but will be evident to all when believers suffer for their faith. The inner and outer life are inseparable, for what happens within will inevitably be displayed to all, especially when one suffers. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.