Lesson 54
Study of
First Peter Chapter 3
Review:
3:15 But set apart the Christ as Lord (authority) in your hearts (through the Word) 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.
Observations: Things to think about!
1. Verse 15 gives us the alternative
to fear and intimidation, the mental anxiety when we're facing verbal abuse and
maligning, or any external pressure for that matter.
2. The command to sanctify the Christ
as Lord in your hearts indicates having your spiritual priorities straight as
you develop the new inner man of truth.
3. The hope that Peter speaks of here
not only indicates the confidence we that we have from a knowledge of doctrine
and the wisdom and understanding that flows from it but also a grasp on the
things to come, eschatology.
4. This confidence that is observed
by others will lead to opportunities to witness to the hope that you have.
5. Our verbal defense is to be given
with humility, gentleness which is not to be confused with weakness; it is rather the
manifestation of an inner strength that enables an
attitude of gentleness, humility,
courtesy, considerateness - even toward those who do not manifest such a
spirit.
6. Though having full confidence in our own faith, we as
Believers should avoid an attitude of arrogant belligerence in our defense of
it. We must guard against giving an impression of haughty superiority toward
those witnessing to.
Not only are we to respond with humility and reverence
but we are to maintain a good or clear conscience as we deal with the
questioner.
Some Observations on the conscience:
1. The word conscience (sunei,dhsij) quite
literally means knowing with
and represents the self sitting in
judgment on self.
2. The conscience is that internal judge that witnesses to
us, that enables us to know with, either approving our actions or
accusing (Rom.
3. The conscience may be compared to a window that lets in
the light of Gods truth. If we persist
in disobeying, the window gets dirtier and dirtier, until the light can no
longer enter. This leads to a defiled conscience (Titus
4. Paul speaks of a seared conscience which is
one that has been so sinned against that it no longer is sensitive to what is
right and wrong (1 Tim. 4:2).
5. It is even
possible for the conscience to be so poisoned that it approves things that are
bad and accuses when the person does good! This the
Bible calls an evil conscience (Heb.
6. Conscience depends on knowledge, the light coming
through the window. As a believer studies the Word, he better understands the
will of God, and his conscience becomes more sensitive to the light therefore
what is right and wrong from God's standard.
7. If we fail to grow in spiritual knowledge and
obedience, we will have a weak conscience that is we will be upset
very easily by inconsequential things
(1 Cor. 8:7).
8. What is a good
conscience? It is one that
first has been freed from the guilt of sin by the application of Christs work
on the Cross; Believed
in Christ.
9. Secondly a good conscience is one that is operating on or living consistent with the N&S of the Word of God that is known.
10 How
does a good conscience help a believer in times of trial and opposition?
a. For one
thing, it fortifies him with courage because he knows he is right with God and
men, so that he need not be afraid.
b. Therefore the
exhortation here is to maintain your mental attitude and therefore your
thinking consistent with the N&S of the will of God.
11. So then having a clear or good conscience denotes the
personal integrity of the believer before God.
12 "Good" implies that the conscience has
been cleansed and enlightened by God's Word to know what is right and wrong,
and further, that its possessor obeys its dictates. Illustration:
2 Cor
13. The maintenance of such a conscience enables one to
face an opponent without fear, and to effectively defend the truth. Psa 118:6
14. If we are to maintain a good conscience, we must deal
with sin in our lives and confess it immediately (1 John 1:9).
15. A strong conscience is the-result of obedience based
on knowledge; and a strong conscience makes for a strong Christian witness to
the lost. It also gives us strength in times of persecution and difficulty.
Once
again Peter exhorts us that the way you respond in dealing with others is
important!
so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your
good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
your good
behavior in Christ = their conduct
is consistent with the Word of God
All this reminds us that the ones in view, that he's
addressing here have set apart Christ as Lord, He is the authority in their
life. As He should be
in ours.
may be put to
shame (kataiscu,nw) part of a
purpose clause that that results from your handling the insults with integrity
and it brings shame and humiliation on them.
Summary
1. Peter is exhorting them
(and us) again to remember that even though they are applying truth, as
indicated by "your good conduct" they may still be slandered and
maligned, objects of the sin of the tongue.
2. The basis for not only their
good conduct (pattern of life) but also their ability to handle this external
pressure of UNDSF was their "good conscience."
- 2:19
3. Peter made it very clear
in
4. Peter's repeated
exhortations are necessary since it would be so easy to retaliate when being
unjustly attacked as they were, to render evil for evil instead of doing what
is right, that is rendering good for evil, the highest virtue.
5. Need to remember that God
will work out the circumstances so that your accusers will be put to shame in
His timing, so just relax.
6. The believer who makes the correct application while
being verbally abused or insulted will be blessed (