“The Just Shall Live By Faith”
New King James Version Written by: David Hicks
Romans 1:17 “ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Galatians 3:11 “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."
Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
“Articles of Faith”
(A Study in I Peter)
Lesson 9- Sanctify The Lord God in You Hearts:
The last several lessons, we have been engaged in a study of honorable conduct and visual good works, which project our love of God and glorify Him ( Chap. 2:11 -12 ). This study has focused on submission (governments; masters; the home); with an illustration of the Lord Himself as a pattern to follow. In this lesson we are going to focus the subject of submission towards each other (as brethren), and then move back towards the original thoughts that have brought us here (overcoming through good works).
As we move on to our study, we must consider these brethren and their situation. As pilgrims and sojourners of hope, these brethren have moved into unfamiliar lands and their only consolation in these uncertain times would be their faith in Christ and each other.
Text #1:
1 Peter 3:8-12 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For
"He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
All of You: The instructions are now directed more generally and apply to all Christians regardless of their walk of life. The concept of single-mindedness is often misunderstood! The idea does not denote that one stops thinking, learning, and growing. Instead the unifying control comes from the understanding that the instruction of our Lord must dominate our minds. You don't have to know all truth to know the source of all truth. If everyone understands and respects the true source of authority for our actions, praise, and personal strength; we can truly be of one mind.
This is especially true when considering the overwhelming amount of teaching from our Lord concerning how we look towards each other (brethren). We are to be sympathetic towards one another and loving, being unified as family (of the same body). Tenderhearted draws a picture of a genuine outlook and concern for them, and courteous equals a friendly and kind disposition. See these passages of scripture: Galatians 6:10 ; Ephesians 4:31-32 ; Philippians 2:3-4 ; I John 3:16-18 ; 4:7-11 .
Not Returning: When we became servants of Christ, it was to be His behavior towards others that we were to imitate. This means that the worldly concepts of retaliation were to be left behind us, and that we were to develop an understanding for our brethren (still the subject), if we expect to inherit a blessing from Christ. This was the same thought that Paul taught to the Romans (see: Romans 12:19-21 ).
Christians are often the most sensitive people in the world! They analyze everything their brethren say and do, looking for fault. They seem to be un-trusting, suspicious, and afraid of the people that they are joined to in Christ.
However, in light of the blessings of Christ, these are the people that you should be able to trust explicitly and bring any trouble, for love and admonishment, verses judgment. Disciples must be willing to bless (do good) their brethren in Christ. Thus they must be looking for that opportunity even in the face of those who would treat them differently. The greatest challenge to Christians is to bless someone who is intent on hurting you.
Imagine the division that has plagued churches for many years, which could have been avoided, had this been everyone's concern and practice towards each other. Self importance, pride, and lack of humility have plagued this all important Christian behavior and practice; and is the enemy of unity.
Quote: Verses 10-12 , is a quote from Psalms 34:12-16 . It is presented here by Peter to these Christians of Jewish heritage, as a higher basis for an enjoyable life, apart from the common standards of the world. The overall presentation is one who avoids evil in all its forms and does good instead, regardless of the environment. God cannot be seen in anyone unless they display His characteristics.
Text #2:
1 Peter 3:13-17 “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
Who will harm you: This does not mean that nobody will oppose those who do good, for they will. They might even do some bodily harm. However, in the end the true servant of God will be the victor and hence no damage to the soul will result.
The best commentary on this subject is given by Paul to the church at Rome ( Romans 8:31 -39 ). Paul would illustrate that since our relationship with God through His Christ is predicated on the power behind the resurrection of the dead (God Himself), not even death can separate us from Him. So in the end, regardless of what ever transpires here (persecutions, destitution, or even death); victory will be found in our faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sanctify: So how do we arm ourselves against the worst this life can throw at us? Sanctify the Lord God in your heart! This means to create a sanctuary or holy place for God in your lives. In this place God is above all else. This is done in order to never loose sight of our priority in this life (fear God and keep His commandments – this is our all! Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ).
With this compass of the heart pointed firmly towards our God and the hope He gives all who are His, we will boldly give an answer to any who ask us of this hope (regardless of how they might treat us for it), with reverence and humility before His saving power.
A good conscience: In the last two verses, it is implied that at least some who call for an explanation of our faith may be unfriendly. They approach us with the attitude of confrontation rather than understanding. This is why the preceding verse instructs us to be meek and respectful. In addition, the defense we offer for our love of God is useless unless our behavior matches that which we profess. If our life is in harmony with our words, we may have a good conscience (having educated our conscience via the teachings of Christ); as others will be able to see the word of God in our actions.
It is better: Since by now we should have an outstanding understanding that persecutions of one form or another are going to plague a faithful child of God; we should also understand that we are far better off to suffer for Christ, than to suffer and have absolutely no hope.
This is again going to be the subject of the remainder of the chapter, as well as into the fourth chapter. We will again re-visit an illustration of Christ Himself as our pattern. It will begin to become obvious that these Christians have given up much, and are faced with new trials as pilgrims and sojourners. They have found themselves in this situation because of their faith in the Apostolic warnings to flee their home and Peter will bring this to their attention again in the next chapter.
Since every Christian of every time may be faced with great trials that may tax them physically to an extent they have never known; a mastery of this mind set of overcoming regardless of our circumstances, is vital to us all.
Next: “ Overcoming Suffering ”