P’s and Q’s : 1 Peter 3
“Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” (verses 3 & 4)
As single guys/girls, verses 1-7 may not seem relevant, but the best way NOT to have a problem in your marriage is to keep from bringing problems into your marriage. So, as single guys/girls, how do you live today to create an “adornment of the heart” and step aside to allow God to build your beauty from the heart?
Guys, likewise, with all the emphasis on being “cute,” “handsome”, “hot,” (whatever) why does God’s kind of “handsomeness” come from the heart, and how do you put more emphasis on that than on your looks?
“You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” (verse 7)
How do you begin to “honor” your spouse today even if you don’t know that person? Specifically, why is that so, so important?
Honoring your spouse today looks like living a life of purity. This is so important because every moment fighting for purity is building the best foundation for a strong, fun and God-honoring marriage.
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kind hearted, and humble in spirit.” (verse 8)
As you read this verse, what qualities in this list do you need to focus on? Describe and define those qualities you’d like to pursue and why they are important to you.
Harmonious – to get along with others – pursuing this helps others to see your love for them.
Sympathetic – to pity someone else’s misfortune – showing your care makes others feel valued.
Kind-hearted – to be friendly to all – caring for people right where they are at.
Humble – to think of others more than yourself – shining like Jesus for others to see Him.
“…not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.” (verse 9)
As single guys and girls, your best training ground for your future family is your present family, especially if you have siblings or are out of sync with your mom or dad. So, how do you need to improve on withholding “evil” (selfishness, sarcasm, insults, etc.) and giving grace instead?
“For, ‘the one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.’” (verse 10)
What does it mean to “keep your lips from deceit?” …To “seek peace and pursue it?”
“Keep your lips from deceit” = speaking truth all the time.
To “seek peace and pursue it” = seek peace with God and with all people.
“Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?” (verse 13)
“Doing good” sounds pretty simple, but WOW, how profound it is! It sums up everything. Talk about simple ways and plans you have for “doing good” more consistently.
“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.” (verse 14)
“Suffering” in the first century meant risking your life for your faith. Men and women were dying for the name of Jesus. How can you sacrifice to “suffer for Jesus” now?
How can you be more profound and distinctive in your faith, even if it means your halfway christian friends think you’re “radical” in your love for Jesus?
“…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (verse 15)
What’s the difference between having Jesus in your heart as “Savior” and having Him as God? How are you doing with that?
The difference is that you can live in sinful ways and still have Jesus in your heart as “Savior”, but, when Jesus is your God and Lord, you will live daily in ways that glorify Him.
How do you prepare yourself now to be ready to “make a defense” for your faith when it’s time to do so? Who in your life needs to know about Jesus that you need to “make a defense” to? What help do you need to move forward with that person?
What does Peter mean when he instructs us to make our defense with “gentleness and reverence?” Why is that so important?
On the contrary, people sometimes decide to argue and raise their voices to defend Christ. To be gentle and reverent in our defense of Christ is vital because it shows that we are of the same loving character as Jesus.
“…and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” (verse 16)
What is scripture asking of you when God exhorts you to “keep a good conscience?”
This means that I should not only keep my actions holy but also keep my thoughts on things above that glorify Jesus.
“For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” (verse 18)
Describe how Jesus’ death brings someone to God. Why was His death necessary for that to happen?
His death was necessary to bring someone to God because we have all sinned. As a result of our sin, we all deserve condemnation for sinning and not being perfect before God. Thus, like a courtroom, there must be justice and a payment for our sin. Jesus is the only perfect one who could make that payment with His death.
“Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (verse 21)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The Greek word “Baptizo” means “to be placed into.” When a person receives Christ as Lord and Savior, that person is baptized (placed into) the body of or family of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. When a believer is baptized (placed into) the water, that baptism symbolizes the spiritual baptism accompanied by the “living Christ” indwelling that believer’s heart. How do Peter’s words in this verse describe that eternally important commitment?
In verse 21, the “baptism” Peter is referring to is our commitment to living for the Lord and our handing over of our life to Him. Once we have made that commitment to the Lord, water baptism is the next step, which symbolizes the decision we have made in our hearts. Faith in Jesus is what truly saves us.
“…who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.” (verse 22)
“…who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” (Romans 8:34)
What is Jesus’ correct position and what is He continuing to accomplish on your behalf? (To “intercede” means to prayerfully take a stand on behalf of someone else.)
Jesus is my advocate before God. He is constantly praying on behalf of me.
