Family Of God

1 Peter 4:15-17 - If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Ezekiel 9:6 - Slaughter old men, young men and maidens, women and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary." So they began with the elders who were in front of the temple.

Amos 3:2 - "You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins."

2 Thessalonians 1:8 - He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

Conclusions:

• Judgment begins with God’s people
• Israel’s present strength and prosperity gave rise to complacency about her privileged status as the Lord’s chosen people
• She is shockingly reminded of the long-forgotten responsibilities her privileges entailed
• “Do not know God” does not refer to those who have never heard of the true God but to those who refuse to recognize Him
• The gospel invites acceptance, and rejection is disobedience to a royal invitation

Application:

• Do you recognize that judgment will begin with you?
• Are you being punished for your sins?
• Have you accepted the gospel?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible

Arm Yourselves Also With The Same Attitude

1 Peter 4:1 - Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

1 Peter 2:21 - To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Romans 6:11,14,18 - In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus…For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace…You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Philippians 2:5-7 - Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Conclusions:

• The patient endurance of injustice is part of God’s plan for the Christian
• It was an important feature of the true grace of God experienced by the readers
• Christ is the supreme example of suffering evil for doing good
• His experience as the suffering Servant-Savior transforms the sufferings of His followers from misery into privilege
• A Christian has changed masters
• Whereas a Christian was formerly a slave to sin, he becomes a slave to righteousness
• In spite of all that is unique and radically different about the person and work of Christ, Christians are to have His attitude of self-sacrificing humility and love for others
• Made Himself nothing means He emptied Himself
• He made Himself nothing, not by giving up deity, but by laying aside His glory and submitting to the humiliation of becoming man
• Jesus is truly God and truly man
• Another view is that He emptied Himself, not of deity itself, but of its prerogatives—the high position and glory of deity
• Nature of a servant emphasizes the full reality of His servant identity
• As a servant, he was always submissive to the will of the Father
• Count yourselves is the first step toward victory over sin in the believer’s life
• The believer is dead to sin and alive to God, and by faith he is to live in the light of this truth
• The first occurrence in Romans of in Christ is found in Romans 6:11, which is often found in Paul’s writings
• True believers are in Christ because they have died with Christ and have been raised to new life with Him
• Paul conceived of sin as power that enslaves, and so personified it
• The meaning of not under law is not that the Christian has been freed from all moral authority
• The Christian has, however, been freed from the law in the manner in which God’s people were under law in the Old Testament era
• Law provides no enablement to resist the power of sin; it only condemns the sinner. But grace enables.

Application:

• Do you patiently endure injustice?
• Are you a slave to righteousness?
• Do you have Christ's attitude of self-sacrificing humility and love for others?
• Do you see Christ as a servant?
• Have you died with Christ?
• Have you been freed from the law?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible

Even If You Should Suffer

1 Peter 3:10-16 - For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Titus 2:12-14 - It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Colossians 4:6 - Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Hebrews 3:6 - But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

Conclusions:

• Salvation involves the double work of redeeming us from guilt and judgment and of producing moral purity and helpful service to others
• “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven” is a present reality as well as a future hope
• Set apart Christ as Lord is an exhortation to the readers to make an inner commitment to Christ
• If an inner commitment is made to Christ, then they need not be speechless when called on to defend their faith
• If an inner commitment is made to Christ, there will be a readiness to answer
• The Christian is always to be a gentleman or gentle woman, even when opposed by unbelievers
• Our answer is always to be given with love, never in degrading terms
• Salt is a preservative and is tasty
• The Christian’s conversation is to be wholesome
• The house is made up of God’s people, His household
• Failure to persevere reveals that a person is actually not a child of God, whereas perseverance is the hallmark of His children

Application:

• Are you eager to do what is good?
• Are you persecuted because of righteousness?
• Are you a gentle person when opposed by unbelievers?
• Is you conversation wholesome?
• Do you hold on to your courage and the hope?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible

Do Not Repay Evil With Evil

1 Peter 3:9 - Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 - Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

Matthew 5:44-45 - But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

1 Peter 2:21 - To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Romans 12:18-20 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Conclusions:

• Retaliation is never a Christian option
• Christians are called to forgive
• Prayer is one of the practical ways love expresses itself
• The patient endurance of injustice is part of God’s plan for the Christian
• It was an important feature of the true grace of God experienced by the readers
• Christ is the supreme example of suffering evil for doing good
• His experience as the suffering Servant-Savior transforms the suffering of His followers from misery into privilege
• Jesus pronounced a blessing on peacemakers, and believers are to cultivate peace with everyone to the extent that it depends on them
• Doing good to one’s enemy, instead of trying to take revenge, may bring about his repentance

Application:

• Do you forgive?
• Do you love your enemies?
• Do you endure patiently?
• Do you cultivate peace with everyone?
• Do you feed and provide drink to your enemies?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible

Heirs With You Of The Gracious Gift Of Life

1 Peter 3:1-2,7-8 - Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives…Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Ephesians 5:25-27 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:5-6 - May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:10,15 - Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves…Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

1 Peter 2:11,13-14,21 - Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul…Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right…To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Philippians 2:1-2,6-7 - If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose…Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

1 Thessalonians 4:9 - Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.

Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Conclusions:

• Submit, love, show no partiality, be united, encourage, honor, be compassionate, be kind, be humble, be gentle, be patient

Application:

• Do you treat your spouse with love or respect?
• Do you glorify Gof the Father with your heart and mouth?
• Do you honor others above yourself?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible

Her Master

1 Peter 3:1-6 - Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Romans 7:22-23 - For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.

Romans 2:29 - No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.

Conclusions:

• God’s law is the Mosaic law or God’s law generally
• It is difficult to see how a non-Christian could say I delight in God’s law
• The true sign of belonging to God is not an outward mark on the physical body, but the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit within—what Paul meant by circumcision of the heart
• Wives are to be submissive in the same way as believers are to submit to government authorities, and as slaves are to submit to masters
• Being submissive calls for submission to a recognized authority
• Inferiority is not implied by 1 Peter 3:1
• Being submissive is one of role or function necessary for the orderly operation of the home
• The Word is the gospel message
• Believing wives are not to rely on argumentation to win their unbelieving husbands, but on the quality of their lives
• Actions speak louder than words

Application:

• Do you delight in God's law?
• Do you have the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit within?
• Do you submit to government authorities and your masters?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible

In The Same Way

1 Peter 3:1-2 - Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

1 Peter 2:13-14,21 - Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right…To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Conclusions:

• Wives are to be submissive in the same way as believers are to submit to government authorities, and as slaves are to submit to masters
• Be submissive calls for submission to a recognized authority
• Inferiority is not implied by 1 Peter 3:1
• The submission is one of role or function necessary for the orderly operation of the home
• The word is the gospel message
• Believing wives are not to rely on argumentation to win their unbelieving husbands, but on the quality of their lives
• Actions speak louder than words
• Authority established among men depends on God for its existence
• Indirectly, when one disobeys a human ruler he disobeys God, who ordained the system of human government
• When Peter wrote, the emperor was the godless, brutal Nero, who ruled from A.D. 54 to 68
• Of course, obedience to the emperor must never be in violation of the law of God
• The patient endurance of injustice is part of God’s plan for the Christian
• It was an important feature of the true grace of God experienced by the readers
• Christ is the supreme example of suffering evil for doing good
• His experience as the suffering Servant-Savior transforms the suffering of His followers from misery into privilege

Application:

• Do you submit to government authority?
• Do you disobey human rulers?
• Do you patiently endure injustice?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible