Thoughts, Deeds, and Purposes for Pilgrims

Pilgrims on the Path are to have minds conformed to Christ ()

Explanation: Peter ends this section with a summary. He has instructed the Pilgrims in various human relationships, and has told them to expect suffering and persecution, even if it is unrighteous suffering. For his conclusion, he instructs the Pilgrims to focus on having the proper mindset. He is calling them to have a unity of mind and to exercise character traits that will promote that unity. He is reminding them that they are a community of faith and they are to band together to remain strong. These believers are to be compassionate, kind and humble in the dealings with one another

Illustrate: Prairie trains consisted of many wagons traveling together for safety and comfort

Argument: Believers are not called to walk the Pilgrim’s path alone. Christ calls His followers to grow in fellowship one with another. For this community to flourish and prosper, individual members must be focused on the common good. Arrogance and selfishness will destroy community; that is why humility is a prized characteristic for believers. While this is not always easy, believers can do this because we have the mind of Christ (; )

Application: Do not isolate yourself from opportunities to fellowship with and minister with other Christians. We need each other, and we can let others know the value they add to our faith journey

Pilgrims on the Path are to have lives that avoid evil and embrace good (1 Pet 3:9-11)

Explanation: It should go without saying that believers are to live lives that reflect the goodness of God and that are morally upright and blameless in the sight of the world. Sadly, that is not always the case. Believers are still battling the old nature within, and will continue to do so until Christ returns or calls us home.

Peter addresses the expectations for Christians in the area of retaliation. Believers are not to react to a wrong with another wrong. We have not been granted the right to get even. Instead of even trying to do so, Christians are called to the high road of blessing those who curse, and turning away from evil and embrace good, even when it is difficult

Illustrate: President Trump is a prime example. If someone takes a shot or expresses disdain for his actions, he is going to fire back. He is not going to take the high road, he is going to do his best to get even. Not a good moral role model for our young people and civility in general.

Argument: Christians are not called to be door mats. We are not to simply get trampled by all others without ever expressing our disagreement. We are, however, called to express real points of disagreement with grace and free from sarcasm and hatefulness. We are to leave repayment to God (), but we are to embrace the hard part as well: being nice to those who mistreat us (; )

Application: Are you only being partially obedient in this area? You may not be trying to get even, but are you avoiding showing Christian love that exceeds natural expectations?

Pilgrims on the Path are to be motivated by the Purposes of the God who guides them ()

Explanation: Peter reminds the Pilgrims that God in heaven is watching. He reminds them that God watches the righteous and desires to bless and hear us. But there is a warning present as well. God also sees when His people do that which is unChrist-like. We are still His children, but when we do that which is wrong, that which is evil, it disrupts our fellowship. God will turn His face away from us when we have willful sin in our life.

Illustrate: a child of a prominent parent who thinks he or she can act however he wants and it will still be okay because of who the parent is. Having a, “Do you know who my dad is?” type mindset

Argument: We are not to take the blessing and guidance of God for granted in our lives. We are not to have the incorrect understanding that just because we belong to Him, we can do no wrong.

King Asa was a righteous king of Judah who lived most of his life for the Lord. He trusted God when faced with desperate situations and God delivered him and the kingdom. When King Asa was older, he got proud and thought it was all about him. In his pride he trusted in himself and lost the favor of God. A prophet God sent reminded the king of God’s watchfulness, but King Asa did not listen. ()

Application: Be thankful for God’s guidance. Remember that He wants the best for His children. His warnings and prohibitions are for our good. The best manner of thanking Him is through our obedience