Hope and Hostility - 1 Peter 3:8-12

This has been called our “Victory” chapter.

1 Peter calls for submission to:

Every human authority

Government

Cruel slave masters

Unbelieving husbands.

For the sake of Christ.

Christians live a different lifestyle than the rest of the world. In the face of hostility.

READ (1 Peter 3:8-12)

1. Overcome evil with Christ-like behavior.

Peter references the attitude that ought to exist in the church community.

As the church aligns under God’s mighty hand, his power and authority will flow to the people.

“One mind” - unity of thought and feeling.

“Sympathetic” - sympathy to everyone’s situation

“Love” - as Christian brothers and sisters

“Compassion” - tender-hearted

“Humble” - Courteous

Sharing the same thoughts and attitudes thinking harmoniously.

Growing together.

“A person’s pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23)

“The Nazi, it turns out, did not deacons. After the Netherlands feel to Germany in 1940, deacons in the Dutch Reformed Church rose up to care for the politicians opressed, supplying food and providing secret refuge. Realizing what was happening, the Germans decreed the office of deacons should be eliminated. This is how the Dutch believers responded. “Whoever touches the diaconate interferes with what Christ has ordained as the task of this church… Whoever lays hands on our deacons lays hands on worship!”

A united group of Christians can withstand every form of hostility.

We get our orders from God and live according to his pattern of life.

The attributes of God are effective and need not be changed.

2. Overcome evil with good.

There is no Biblical passage that supports the act of seeking vengeance against our enemies.

Christians are not to repay evil words with more of the same, but with the opposite, following both the teaching and example of Christ. (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27-29, 35; 23:34, Rom. 12:14, 17-21; 1 Cor. 4:12)

Instead, we “give a blessing.”

Why? Peter has already told us… “You were called to this.”

God’s kindness leads to repentance… (Rom 2:4)

This is our example.

“inherit a blessing” (kleronomeo) “inherit, acquire, obtain”

dual meaning. Inheritance for today and for the future.

People are awful on social media. Nothing good has ever come when fighting these battles from a place of anger.

We are fighting a battle on a higher level.

When we stay with God, his protection will keep us standing.

3. Overcome evil with scripture.

Psalm 34 is an encouraging passage.

“Love life”, Not trouble free, It suggests an enjoyment of life and contentment in the life he has given, no matter the outward circumstances.

“turn away”, shun evil.

“Eyes of the Lord” - Looks favorably.

“What wants to play Thursday?” (Coach Cunningham when we complained.)

The Word of God is the source of absolute truth.

Discover God’s final word on every matter.