Bible League: Living His Word For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.— 1 Peter 3:17 ESV In the days in which we live, Christians are finding it more difficult to take their stand in the world. Society unknowingly continues to lose ground ethically and morally, and this causes Christians to "look down" where they are standing and question if they ought not to move also. After all, believers do not want to appear either too tolerant or intolerant of the world in which they also must live, a common excuse posed by some. The pending dilemma is that any such move usually negatively impacts our testimony and weakens the Church's proclamation of the truth. The words of Peter, spoken amid a Roman society steeped in debaucherous moral decay, can also help modern believers know exactly where to stand in their faith, and we should be very glad for them. Read carefully these four verses again and note that in the middle of verse 15, believers are given their mark for where to firmly stand in a world crumbling around them: "...in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you..." The word used for "honor" is perhaps more accurately understood as a word for "proving" Christ as holy, set apart for obedience and adoration. The Christian's stand in life, is that of proving and proclaiming the very character of Christ the Lord, verified by those observing our lifestyle. This is the "reason for the hope" that is in us (verse 15), and life lived in such a way can dispel whatever fear arises within our souls. Read the passage once more and recognize that Christians who know their standing in Christ stand out! They are characterized by being "zealous for what is good," and then allowing their "good conscience" to motivate their "good behavior in Christ." Most Bible teachers believe the word "good" is a working synonym for the word "God," since God is the essence of all that is good. In a society which is now consciously moving away from God, it is all the more necessary for Christians to stand firm and zealously pursue godliness. Rest assured, you will be noticed, for "good" is the declarative mark of a Christian in both its pursuit and proclamation. Peter has questioned what harm can come to the Christian who has staked his life in God (verse 13). Indeed, he was talking of a Spiritual protection that keeps the Christian focused and in fellowship with Christ, for he was very much aware of the physical suffering Christians endure for their faith. He would soon be experiencing persecution himself. But for Peter, his words for Christians of every generation are that "it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil" (verse 17). Charles Stanley summarized this passage by stating that God's "voice leads us not into timid discipleship but into bold witness." Herein is the Christian to take his stand. Such commitment marks a bright light of righteousness in such a dark world. By Bill Niblette, Ph.D., Bible League International staff, Pennsylvania USA Bible in a Year Old Testament ReadingPsalm 75, 76, 77 Psalm 75 -- We give thanks to you, God. We give thanks, for your Name is near. NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Psalm 76 -- In Judah, God is known. His name is great in Israel. NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Psalm 77 -- My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB New Testament Reading Romans 6 Romans 6 -- The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Reading Plan Courtesy of Christian Classics Etherial Library. Tyndale Life Application Daily Devotion “Though his ministry follows mine, I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”Insight John the Baptist said he was not even worthy to be Christ's slave, to perform the humble task of unfastening his shoes. But according to Luke 7:28, Jesus said that John was the greatest of all prophets. If such a great person felt inadequate even to be Christ's slave, how much more should we lay aside our pride to serve Christ! Challenge When we truly understand who Christ is, our pride and self-importance melt away. Morning and Evening by Spurgeon Numbers 32:6 Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?Kindred has its obligations. The Reubenites and Gadites would have been unbrotherly if they had claimed the land which had been conquered, and had left the rest of the people to fight for their portions alone. We have received much by means of the efforts and sufferings of the saints in years gone by, and if we do not make some return to the church of Christ by giving her our best energies, we are unworthy to be enrolled in her ranks. Others are combating the errors of the age manfully, or excavating perishing ones from amid the ruins of the fall, and if we fold our hands in idleness we had need be warned, lest the curse of Meroz fall upon us. The Master of the vineyard saith, "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" What is the idler's excuse? Personal service of Jesus becomes all the more the duty of all because it is cheerfully and abundantly rendered by some. The toils of devoted missionaries and fervent ministers shame us if we sit still in indolence. Shrinking from trial is the temptation of those who are at ease in Zion: they would fain escape the cross and yet wear the crown; to them the question for this evening's meditation is very applicable. If the most precious are tried in the fire, are we to escape the crucible? If the diamond must be vexed upon the wheel, are we to be made perfect without suffering? Who hath commanded the wind to cease from blowing because our bark is on the deep? Why and wherefore should we be treated better than our Lord? The firstborn felt the rod, and why not the younger brethren? It is a cowardly pride which would choose a downy pillow and a silken couch for a soldier of the cross. Wiser far is he who, being first resigned to the divine will, groweth by the energy of grace to be pleased with it, and so learns to gather lilies at the cross foot, and, like Samson, to find honey in the lion. Daily Light on the Daily Path Matthew 26:42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done."Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Matthew 26:39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." Psalm 131:2 Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me. Romans 8:26,27 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; • and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Matthew 20:22 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to Him, "We are able." Psalm 106:15 So He gave them their request, But sent a wasting disease among them. 1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. 1 Corinthians 7:32 But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; Isaiah 26:3 "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. |
    |