The Noisy Conscience

We all have consciences which accuse us because we have all sinned against God and disobeyed his commandments. So, whenever we suffer or are persecuted by those with power over us, there is a little voice within which says to us, “why, of course, you are suffering.” “God is punishing you because you did this, or because you did that.” To those first century Christians of the Diaspora undergoing difficult trials, and no doubt, wondering whether or not God abandoned them because of something they had done to displease him, Peter offers a wonderful word of encouragement–a word which can silence the accusatory voice, but also reminds us of the promise God has made to us. No matter what happens in this life, everything will turn out for our good and unto God’s glory, just as he has promised. God has given to us a suffering Savior, who has died for our sins. And God has given us a tangible promise (the waters of baptism) that he will save his people–his elect exiles–on the day of judgment.

The Context for Peter’s Discussion of Noah and Being “Saved” by Water

Part eight of our series (vv. 18-22 of 1 Peter 3) is the conclusion to the preceding section (vv. 2:11-3:17). The closing verses of chapter 3 are intended to remind those sufferers whom Peter has been addressing of the meaning of Christ’s suffering on behalf of his fellow sufferers. Jesus’ perfect humility and suffering as the God-man took him to the cross. His death saves us from our sins–even those sins we committed when we have responded to those who curse and revile us with curses and reviling of our own. 1 Peter 3:18-22 also speaks a profound word of pardon to all of us who have cursed and reviled our enemies, and who have sought to take vengeance into our own hands, and who have not properly submitted to those authorities mentioned by the apostle. In effect, Peter follows his series of imperatives (commands, i.e., do this”)–with a wonderful indicative declaration (a statement of fact). Jesus’ death covers our sins when we fail to comply with those imperatives which Peter has set forth. And hearing the good news in the indicatives, in turn, creates in us a desire to obey the imperatives.

In the previous section (vv. 8-17), Peter instructs Christians to not curse and revile those who curse and revile us, but rather to respond to them with a word of blessing. Christians are to do this because God hears the prayers of his oppressed people and promises that he will deliver us from those who have wronged his people. Peter understands how difficult responding like this is to do, which is why he offers a word of encouragement from Psalm 34 (when David expresses a change in heart), before reminding us that Jesus’ death removes the guilt of our sin and brings us to God. In part eight of our look at Peter’s epistle we are covering (vv. 18-22), where he lays out the benefits we receive from Jesus’ humility and suffering. Jesus dies for us and in our place so that our sins are forgiven. In imitating the humility of Jesus, Peter reminds us, Christians point their oppressors back to the sinless Savior in whom alone men and women may be saved, and so that Christians may receive better treatment from the hands of their oppressors.

To read the rest, follow the link below

Read More