Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
Before we dive in:
Welcome to Week 5 of the Summer Reading Plan!
Last week, we finished 1 Peter 2. In this chapter we were reminded of the living hope we have in Christ. We also found that we are called to live holy lives and began to see the role submission plays in our faith.
Peter wrote to lead followers of Christ to joyful hope through encouraging an eternal perspective on their earthly lives. He offered practical guidance for believers who were experiencing persecution from an ungodly government. God’s people should respond in the way of Christ—suffering willingly, innocently, and honorably for what is right and true. Let’s proceed to this week!
Section 1:
We start with the husband-and-wife relationship (3:1-7). What is Peter really saying when he orders wives to submit to their own husbands? Some see his words as degrading to women, but take a deeper look. Submission to each other does not mean inequality. Remember, women and men are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). Equal access to God exists through Jesus Christ. Our daily lives often bring our focus to functional roles and domestic responsibilities; however, these differences do not equate to women being inferior to men. Biblical submission of wife to husband in no way suggests that women are second rate in fact it is the opposite.
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.
“Weaker” is not referencing separation or contempt; instead, it denotes honor and respect for the precious creation called woman. Honor is due to her as an equal heir of the grace of God. Married couples should exemplify a loving, peaceful connection and must not be a stumbling block to each other’s connection to and growth in Christ.
Finally, all of you strive to live holy lives and DO NO EVIL (vv. 8–12). Not just in marriage, but in every relationship, Peter warns, we should not “repay evil for evil or insult for insult” (v.9). Although it is difficult at times, we are called to be like-minded and sympathetic, practicing humility. Humility and respect will keep division and discord out of relationships. How can we be like minded?
For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit…”
This advice, quoted directly from Psalm 34:12–14, is an excellent charge to live a faithful and spiritually fulfilled life in our contentious world. Avoiding evil and doing good can result in contentment and joy here and in eternal life. We are to always live and model Christ, embracing peace even when our circumstances are not peaceful. “They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it” (v. 11), we have no need to fear doing this.
Section 2:
Next, we look at undeserved suffering and following Christ (3:13–4:6). Peter was writing to early Jewish Christians scattered from Jerusalem because of persecution, afflicted because of their belief, tortured and killed under Emperor Nero. They did not deserve this. Peter encourages with this:
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Persecution promotes fear and distracts us from being ready to explain our faith. The word “answer” (v. 15) is the Greek word apologia, which is where we get the term apologetics. Apologetics is not about being sorry but about defending our faith. How does Peter say we should defend our faith?
1. With faith and hope in Christ Jesus as Lord
2. With prior preparation so that we are always ready (v. 15)
3. With rational and logical defense of the truth
4. With gentleness and respect
5. With a clear conscience
Where does suffering come in? Peter assures us it is better to suffer for doing good, if it is God’s will, than for doing evil (v. 17, Mounce). Praise God, Jesus suffered for you and me, who were unrighteous until He paid the price for each of us. By grace through faith we have salvation (Ephesians 2:8); we are justified, adopted, and redeemed to be with the Father in heaven; we are made righteous. Peter references Noah and the flood, clarifying what the sacrament of baptism symbolizes (v. 22). Noah and his family took steps in obedience to God and experienced the sanctifying grace of God. Cleansing by water, publicly symbolizing the decision and pledge of clear conscience to God, sets apart followers of Christ from the world.
Chapter 4 reminds early Jewish Christians they’ve lived in human desires—sin—long enough! Sin is carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and lawless idolatry (v. 3, CSB). Peter issues a wake-up call to self-discipline over the flesh, contrasting Christ followers with Gentiles who live for the world. The life of Christ is a powerful example, preaching the gospel to those who, Peter points out, are dead in the body (v. 6) and will face judgment. Christ’s suffering for the defeat of sin and death gives all the chance to live in the spirit, with the reality of judgment. A reminder that the end of all things is near (v. 7) makes it imperative we’re to live holy lives, focused and prayerful, loving God and others.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
We do all things grounded in the love of Christ, not our pride or selfish ambition, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen (v. 11).
Peter’s first epistle drives home a believer’s relationship to suffering. We must not be surprised when we face persecution. How do you rejoice and find joy in these moments? Shared perspective: as we share in the sufferings of Christ, the glory of Christ will be revealed.
If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Peter draws our attention to sober mindedness. As followers of Christ, we have been made righteous. Those who aren’t saved, the unrighteous—what will happen to them in the day of judgment? Jesus prophesied for Christ followers that times ahead would be difficult and deadly, to say the least (Matthew 24:9–10). Hear our charge as Christ followers:
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Section 3:
Chapter 5 addresses both elders and younger followers. Elders are a big part of Jewish culture; elder refers to the maturity and wisdom older individuals should have for leadership. Peter’s reference is wisdom and maturity instead of a specific age. The concept of submission is revisited for both elders and youth:
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Previously, the idea of submission and honor with the husband-and-wife relationship was shared. Here the importance of submission and honor between generations of followers depicts blessing in the order found in respect and humility.
1. Submit to God - humbling yourself
2. Submit to God - live a holy life honoring God
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
In summary, Peter’s encouraging words are to cast your worries on God; He provides. Humble yourself, submit to God in relationships, do good, live a holy life, and endure suffering with the grace and hope that comes only from Christ.
Here is a challenge: What’s the one step you need take to fully submit to God right now?
Deciding to follow Christ right now? Humble yourself before the Lord to serve the body of Christ, step up to shepherd the younger generation, and prepare to promote the reason for your faith in Christ. Remember what Jesus has done for you and why you believe what you believe. Step into the call to holiness: a call to self-discipline and growth walking with Christ.