Welcome back to our sermon series, ‘Living Hope’ by Pastor Joel. I have been sharing snippets from the sermon series he preached a few months ago. I apologize for the delay in sharing my notes, but life has been coming at me fast and furious. I hope you don’t mind me sharing the notes I take. They help me understand Scripture and how to apply God’s Word and submit to his leadership in my life each day. I pray they help you too.
Today, we’re looking at passages from Peter’s first letter, 1 Peter, chapter 2, verses 11 through 25. Then we’ll venture into chapter 3, and look at some verses that usually raise a few eyebrows with married couples. That whole submission thing tends to create some discomfort.
Let’s get started.
Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11-12
“We need to remember there is a battle being waged for our souls. So, what can we do to live so that others see Christ in us?”
I ask myself this all the time – can others see Christ in me? Sadly, I have to admit there are days no one would know I love the Lord and follow him. My actions don’t always reflect Christ-like behavior.
How we live and act is imperative to others far from God.
17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Side note here: The emperor Peter is referencing was a man named Nero. Why would he say honor the emperor? My Bible footnote says,” Because every human being bears the image of God.”
Should we do what Nero did? No. Historians say his ways were evil. However, Nero was made in the image of God. But somewhere along the way, he chose to live apart from God and do evil, wicked things.
We are to submit our lives to the Lord. That is priority number one. We should use our freedoms to glorify God.
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
We are to live in reverent submission to our Heavenly Father.
21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a]
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[b] but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Here’s another Scripture reference.
5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
“The cross will forever be the apex to which everything comes down to.”
Does my submission reflect Jesus? Why is this important? Because the cross supersedes everything.
We are to live a godly life in a pagan society. If we don’t, who will?”
Submit
Now lets’ dive into Chapter 3 of 1 Peter. Personally, I love how Peter starts this chapter – Wives…
3 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own 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, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, 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. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
“Jesus made women co-heirs in Christ. Wives are to submit to Jesus first, then to their husbands. How are you doing wife?
Hubbys, don’t get too comfortable and think all the work is done by the wife. Peter has some words for you too.”
7 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.”
My footnote says, “This is not a reference to moral stamina, the strength of character or mental capacity, but most likely to sheer physical strength. Women experience the saving grace of God on equal terms with men.
Let’s land this thing.
Pastor asked this question – “Husbands, are you worthy of their submission?”
My footnote says, “Spiritual fellowship with God and with one another, may be hindered by disregarding God’s instruction concerning husband-wife relationships.”
21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21
Check your mode of submission.
How are you living for Christ?
Until next time, stay safe, stay alert, and sober-minded.
Blessings,
Sermon Snippets – Living Hope 1 Peter 2:4-10
Sermon Snippets – Living Hope – Be Holy 1 Peter 1:13-25
Sermon Snippets – Living Hope – 1 Peter 1:1-9
Sermon Snippets – Living Hope – 1
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