The Resistance - Day 03
Day 03: Wednesday, February 01
Read 1 Peter Chapter 3
Highlight
Chapter 3 begins with Peter addressing husbands and wives, but note the word “likewise” that begins his statements to each group. This word links the commands back 1 Peter 2:15-16 (and ultimately to Peter’s theme in the whole book): “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom to cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” He goes on to put this in the context of Jesus’ own willingness to suffer for others and forgive his enemies.
When Scripture talks about freedom, it is often talking about a different kind of freedom that comes to our own minds. In our Western mindset, freedom means having no limitations or barriers. But the Bible is talking about a different kind of freedom - Freedom from our own sinful desires so that we can choose to do what is right and good, including choosing to submit to and serve one another, even including our enemies. This glorifies God because only a person freed from sins can truly love their enemies. This is how Peter can simultaneously declare that husbands and wives are of equal status in the eyes of God (verse 7) while also calling them to submit to one another (even a wife of a non-believing husband).
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration: Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession: Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving: Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication: Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read 1 Peter Chapter 3
Highlight
Chapter 3 begins with Peter addressing husbands and wives, but note the word “likewise” that begins his statements to each group. This word links the commands back 1 Peter 2:15-16 (and ultimately to Peter’s theme in the whole book): “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom to cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” He goes on to put this in the context of Jesus’ own willingness to suffer for others and forgive his enemies.
When Scripture talks about freedom, it is often talking about a different kind of freedom that comes to our own minds. In our Western mindset, freedom means having no limitations or barriers. But the Bible is talking about a different kind of freedom - Freedom from our own sinful desires so that we can choose to do what is right and good, including choosing to submit to and serve one another, even including our enemies. This glorifies God because only a person freed from sins can truly love their enemies. This is how Peter can simultaneously declare that husbands and wives are of equal status in the eyes of God (verse 7) while also calling them to submit to one another (even a wife of a non-believing husband).
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration: Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession: Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving: Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication: Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance