Cultivating Christlike Living
Surviving Times of Suffering
1 Peter 3:8-12
In these verses, Peter is not concluding his letter but summing up the section that began in 2:11 to live as “aliens and strangers” in their conflict with fleshly desires (2:11-12), when they are treated unjustly by the government (2:11-17), unfairly by their masters (2:18-25), and in the challenges of married life (3:1-7). When Peter sums up the virtues of the ideal “resident alien” living in the world, he’s asking them to do more than simply believe something is true – he wants to see it in their lives.
A belief is something you’ll argue about, but a conviction is something you’ll .
1. A general attitude of (v. 8)
FIVE-FOLD DESCRIPTION
A. Like-minded – cooperation in the .
“In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”
John 17:21
“May the mind of Christ my Savior / Live in me from day to day. / By his love and power controlling / All I do and say.” (Kate Wilkinson)
Psalm 119:9, 11
Philippians 2:2, 5
B. Be sympathetic – to have your hurts
Romans 12:15
1 Corinthians 12:26
C. Love one another –
1 John 3:14
D. Compassion is .
Ephesians 4:32
E. Humility – to have a of ourselves before God.
2. By our (v. 9)
Matthew 5:44, 45
Matthew 5:11, 12
Romans 12:14, 17
1 Thessalonians 5:15
3. By our (vv. 10-12)
A. Because Scripture (v. 10)
Psalm 34
B. Because God (v. 12)
1 Peter 5:7
Romans 5:6-8
Daily Meditations
Memory verse: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9
Monday
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12. Peter lists 5 things that we need in order to relate rightly to one another. List those five things and give a brief explanation of each one:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Which of these things is hardest for you to demonstrate to others and which is easiest?
Tuesday
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12. What incredible challenge did Peter give his readers in verses 8 and 9?
When are you tempted to return evil with evil and insult with insult? Why?
Wednesday
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12. Why did Peter instruct his readers to live at peace with everyone in verse 9?
Why do our words get us into so much trouble?
Thursday
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12. According to verses 10 and 11, what must a person do who wants to love life?
What concrete actions can we use to promote harmony?
Friday
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12. Who does God listen to? See verse 12.
How could suffering for doing right be a blessing?
Saturday
Read 1 Peter 3:8-12. What can you do over the next few days to promote harmony between you and the believers you know?