2 Peter 2:17

"These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackest of darkness forever."

Context:  Leaders who don't tell the whole truth.

The people who lead others with partial truths or just plain lies have a future that they should not look forward to at all.  They are worthless, controlled by another that isn't them, and face a depressive death that they can't imagine.

Simply put, "don't lie."

If you truly love those around you and want to be the good person our God wants us all to be, don't lie.  Don't exaggerate.  Don't stretch the truth.  Don't tell white lies even if you are "protecting" or "being nice."  don't say things thinking that the outcome justifies the means.  Just don't.

If you do, you are evil and God will have to punish you.  His Law is unchanging and He doesn't lie.

2 Peter 2:15, 16

"They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet."

Context:  We have been reading about false teachers or leaders who are not speaking the truth.

People who don't tell the truth and are leaders via false means are not on God's path nor are they good people.

There was a prophet who was supposed to be a follower of God.  Yet he was tempted by worldly riches to say things that weren't true for personal gain.  This was wrong of him.  When a person tells lies (white lies or big lies or harmful lies alike) then they are compared with someone who has gone mad.  Become insane.  Not mentally stable.

You might say it is a slippery slope, but I truly believe those who lie for personal gain are mad.  Those who lie, no matter if they are stretching the truth or outright wrong, are in need of more than an attitude adjustment.

When people of such importance (or self-importance) lead others without speaking the entire truth, it takes something very shocking to get their attention.  They then have a choice (again as you always have a choice) to either make things right (and the cost might be high) or to continue as you were.  If you continue as you were, then you are purposefully choosing a sinful path.

2 Peter 2:12-14

Context:  This entire text so far has been about people who teach others about stuff that isn't true.  That they do it for selfish reasons, leading people against Jesus.  That people follow them for selfish reasons, because it is against Jesus.  These leaders come to have or do have certain actions that are bad - sin.  Examples of this is people who do stuff that satisfies them physically like lust or even saying bad things about those in authority which is just as bad.

"But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime.  They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls.  They have a heart trained in covetous practices and are accursed children."

In ancient times, brute beasts were animals such as gazelle, oxen (and their wild counterparts), horses, camels, donkeys, lions...  The Mesopotamians would first try to capture and domesticate the species.  If they failed as they did with the gazelle and the wild counterpart of the oxen, aurochs, then they would simply hunt them.  In the case of the mighty aurochs, they were hunted to extinction.  They used them however they could, but in the end if they were useless then they were killed.  In the case of lions, they were killed for sport.

So leaders who speak of false things are like aurochs, oxen, and lions.  These leaders sound like they know what they are saying for why else would so many follow them.  In the last post, one thing they did was speak ill of political leaders.    I can't tell you how many emails I have gotten that speak badly of political leaders.  Both republican and democrat alike.  These emails, when I go and research their content, are about 90% lies and 10% truth.  Yet it is the lies that people focus on.  Those who created the emails didn't know what they were talking about, but their goal wasn't truth so much as hurting someone's reputation.

I was talking with Teacher Janelle and mentioned that when we talked about our coworkers, that we were surely gossiping and gossiping was a sin.  She thought a moment and then pointed out our intent when we talked of others was to brainstorm how to help them and make their lives better.  Gossip was malicious intent to make others think worse of someone.

So anyone who tries to lead you to think badly about someone else, especially if they don't know the subject well that they are speaking about, falls into this category of those God is saving for destruction at the end of time.

These types of liars are just as bad as those who "carouse."  In particular those who do this in the daytime.  Carouse means to drink lots of alcohol.  Both will find their death in their own corruption - in their dishonesty and/or fraudulence.  Both will face the consequences of their actions.  Those who follow God will be heirs of His kingdom when He comes a second time.  Those who don't follow God will be completely destroyed by God's holy fire when He comes back.

This text continues to describe these people.  They are described as having spots and blemishes.  This was written in a culture that would have understood this phrase readily.

The Jewish culture had to have what was considered perfect offerings for religious ceremonies.  One such ceremony involved a red heifer.  For the ceremony, nothing considered unclean (today it would be germs or chances of disease) could come in contact with the people, items, animals, and anything else used in the religious ceremony.  They went to such great lengths as to raise some children in complete seclusion from the world so that they could draw water from a specific place... ensuring that they had never accidentally come into contact with a corpse.

In the case of the red heifer that was used for the religious ceremony, it had to be one without spots or blemishes.  There could only be red hairs on it.  If any other hair was found of another color anywhere, then it was unsuitable.  It could not have any blemishes either.  This mean no previous or current injuries: internal or external.  Even having using an yoke or something else tied to it would have given sign that it was used to work would have made the red heifer unsuitable for the religious ceremony.

For example, when you take a horse and put a saddle on it, the horse's back changes.  Anyone who knows horses can tell which is used to being ridden and which as never been ridden before.  That same goes for cows and if they have been used for something or not.

Pearls are the same way.  The most precious pearls are those which have no spot or blemish on them.  Otherwise they are not worth much.

So people who lead others with lies are like those with spots and blemishes - worthless and undesirable.

These people love making themselves worthless and enjoy making themselves worthless while hanging out with you.

A common problem in high school among girls is cutting themselves.  They enjoy hurting themselves and putting scars on their skin.  When they hang out with others, they might convince another to join them.  Though generally it is kept a secret, they always end of telling someone and sometimes that someone joins them instead of getting them help.

Leaders who don't tell the truth and speak badly about the others are like that and they want you to join them.  They want what is not theirs to have.  They can't stop what they are doing.  They get those who are around them, especially those who are not firm in God's Word, to join and follow them.

Gandhi wrote in his autobiography that when he was a boy, he wanted to help a friend to stop eating meat because to Indians that is as bad as eating a human.  He thought by being friends that he could reform his friend.  However, by hanging out with his friend he ended up joining him instead.  Gandhi ends by explaining that friends give to each other and build up on the other.  So helping to change a person is impossible if you are friends.

When someone is doing wrong, leading others to do wrong, and have lives filled with lies... that is what they are trained to do.  They want to do that and enjoy doing that.  You can't change them by hanging out with them... as you will be all the more likely to fall yourself.  They are under a curse and you can't change that.  That is something only God can handle... you can only pray.

2 Peter 2:10, 11

"and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority.  They are presumptuous, self-willed.  They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord."

Something I once learned about ancient times, and someone suggested was how God's government also works, is that when you bring an accusation against someone it is done before a group of witnesses.  They then investigate the claims of the accuser and the accused.  If found guilty, there is a sentence passed.  If found innocent, the sentence that would have been passed on the guilty is instead passed on the accuser as well as a loss of credibility/respect/honor.

Even angels fall into this, it is not only applying to humans.

A good reason to be slow to anger, yes?

So in these two verses, we have two situations in the first sentence.  First, those who are lustful are being held by God for the day of judgement.  Second, those who despite authority are being held by God for the day of judgement.  Yes, that second one is a sin.

Then the writer continues to explain just how bad despising authority is.  The characteristics are not similar to those of the Fruit of the Spirit nor part of the definition of Love.  They are clearly bad characteristics to have.  He continues to explain that people like that do what even the angels dare not.

How many people, myself included, complain about their bosses or political leaders?  This is wrong and a sin.  You can disagree with their actions, but to gossip or speak badly of someone is not allowed.  It is a sin!  And sin can keep you out of heaven.

Sin is sin.  Killing has the same spiritual consequences that telling a lie has... eternal death.

2 Peter 2:9

"then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,"

There is always hope.  You always have a choice.  You are never alone because God is there ready to help if you trust in Him.  Trust Him and live life as best as you know He wants you to and He will take care of the rest.

Sometimes it seems like those who do not have high standards in the same way we have high standards are not getting what is due them or that they get the easy life.

It isn't so bad.  Afterall, God is gladly saving whoever He can because He cares so much.  Those who don't return it pretty much refused the pardon He has for them... making it the unpardonable sin because they wouldn't take the pardon.

So they will face the consequences... in time.

It isn't anyone's place to try to rush that.  God will be the judge of what happens when.

We should live life as good people.  If hard times comes and we are tempted to think, say, or do something that isn't right or good in God's eyes, then God will provide a way out.

There was once a story I was reading.  A fantasy story with no bearing on real life.  In this story, an orphan was being raised by an assassin to be his successor.  The orphan remembered his child hood sweetheart who, despite the damage done to her face by a man with a knife, was pure in heart because of her belief in the One True God.  In this fantasy story, the orphan faced a problem.  His tutor stood before him holding the item that was worth a kingdom and said no witnesses could be left, that the orphan's childhood sweetheart, who happened to be laying unconscious in the room, had to die.  The orphan faced a decision, kill the sweetheart as commanded or kill his mentor in rebellion.  He found a third option that no one had considered (he was the main character after all and had to live.)  He bowed before his mentor and said she had only seen him, to kill him in place of the girl so that his beloved mentor and beloved sweetheart could both live.

It was a third option that no one saw coming.  (All three lived, no worries.)

There is always another option.  The devil will try to claim it's too late, you've gone too far, or some other such rubbish.  Don't listen to him.  He wants your death and to cheat you of the inheritance God has for you.  God will always save you if you let Him.  Trust in God and live as best as you can.  God will take care of the rest.  Humans mess up.  That doesn't make it the end of the world.  Still, even then, trust in God.

2 Peter 2:8

"(for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds) -"

Context: God will deal with those who are bad.  Even though it seems like they are living life the way they want with no judgement falling on them, be patient it will.

The reason that God has to deal with the bad person - besides the obvious reason that they are choosing to live life in a way that is harmful to themselves and others - is because it is torment for the good people to endure their presence.  To see their actions and to hear what the bad people have been up to hurts a lot.  So God will deal with them to make this place a better place.

The Air Conditioner

At my school, my classroom that I have my desk in has an air conditioner and heating unit up in the middle of the ceiling.  To turn it on or off requires the use of a remote control.  Same goes goes for changing any of the settings, of which there are quite a few.

Before we leave at the end of the day, the last teacher out must turn off the AC/Heating unit.  As it is now summer, it if very much just the AC.  I waited behind for another teacher who tends to stay later than the rest of us.  She was locking things up while I straightened the chairs and books.

Then she reached for the remote control, pointed it at the AC, and pushed the off button.  Then she put it down and started to leave.  I paused.  The AC unit was still on.  She had pointed it at the unit, but not at the receiver.  She had pushed the off button, but without the control being pointed specifically in the right place, the AC didn't know to turn off.  The remote said the AC was off.  The AC was still on.

I tried to explain that you had to point to a specific place for the instructions from the control to get to the AC and that the AC makes a beeping noise when those instructions are received.  She pointed out the control said it was off.  I pointed a finger at the clearly turned on AC and said that it didn't matter what the control said, the AC was still on.

Our relationship with God is often the same way.  Heck, our relationships with those around us and those we claim to care about are often this way.  We pray, we preach, we tell others how to live their lives... but without that connection to God it is all meaningless.

Quick disclaimer, I am not a fan of anyone lecturing another on how to live their lives.  We are all adults.  Still, there is a time and a place.  If you don't have that connection to God, you might very well not do a thing when you think you are.  You have to listen for Him to talk back to you, otherwise, you aren't being a very good steward.

2 Peter 2:4-7

Context: We have been talking about people who try to teach us things about God that isn't true.  How they can manipulate people because they and their followers seek power at the price of Jesus' reputation.

"4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked"

Here are examples of how God has not tolerated bad people.  Has not tolerated those who lead others astray.  Has not allowed bad people and activities to continue.  

The rebelling angels were chained in a prison of their own.  I remember that in the New Testament, when Jesus was about to cast the demons out of the man, the bad angels begged for mercy by having them exiled into the pigs instead.  Evidently there is a worse place for them to be sent to than Earth as we know it.

When the ancient world became super evil, God destroyed it except for Noah's family.  He wouldn't let bad people completely destroy those who followed Him.

Sodom and Gomorrah were centers of evil.  God decided that the evil influence they had must be completely wiped out.  The verse is Jude 1:7 that says that they were struck by eternal fire.  The fire that came down destroyed them completely and most likely took a long time to burn out.  When the fire did burn out though, the land was inhabitable and to this day no life lives there (or at least that was the case 5 years ago.)

God will always be there for those who let Him.  He loves everyone, but can only do so much legally for those who do not accept Him or pray asking for His help.  Afterall, until He returns to claim Earth and Humanity, this world is the Devil's... given to the Devil by Adam and Eve.  So legally, because God is good and respects laws, He won't interfere more than can be justified here on Earth.  Such then is the power of prayer.  It allows God to act and to protect and to rescue.

2 Peter 2:3

"By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words;"

Okay, two thoughts really fast before I forget.

1. Lucifer coveted Jesus and led a rebellion in heaven.
2. People either covet power and use deceptive words to get it... or... people covet something and want it so bad that they listen to deceptive words to get what they want.

"By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgement as not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber."

We have been talking about prophets (or leaders) who don't speak the complete truth.  They add in stuff that are lies.  That lots of people follow them (knowing and unknowing).  The reason for this is because it is Jesus who is getting lied about (either directly or indirectly.)

Now this text explains that more by showing the motivation is wanting what you don't have or isn't yours.  That they have decided to do this a long time and actively reinforced that.  That though you might go give a homeless person a meal, they are continuing without rest causing more and more harm.  It never stops.  It never ends.

That is why we need to have as close and as strong a relationship with God as we can.  Because God does not rest nor does God slumber.  If we continually pray and talk to Him, giving Him person to intervene in our lives when we live on a world that belongs to the devil until Jesus returns for good, then He will watch out for us even while we sleep.  If we specifically pray for something, then He can specifically (and legally) do a lot.  Don't believe anything else.  God is more powerful than anything or anyone else.  If you ask Him to help, He can and He will.

2 Peter 2:2

"And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed."

Okay, so the NKJV isn't helping me understand this one very well.  So going to biblegateway.com to look for the expanded version.

The EXB says... *copies and pastes*

2 Many will follow their ·evil [depraved; debauched; licentious] ways and ·say evil things about [malign; slander] the way of truth.

Okay, so now we have this as well.  Let's talk about it.

Looking it over, there is one thing I want to say.  The part that confused me was the "because of whom" part.  Yet the Expanded Bible doesn't even touch it.  This bothers me and I am going to check some other versions to see if I can find one that does address that section.  If no other version does, then we will go with the Expanded Version.

Okay, the 21st Century King James kinda gave me that slight understanding that makes all things clear.  It apparently is talking about Jesus.  Now we can talk.

Context: In the previous verse, there was warning that people would try to lead others astray just like religious leaders had successfully and unsuccessfully done in the past.  They will bring into your religious beliefs ideas or concepts that are not true and are more harmful than not.  Particularly denying "the Lord who brought them."  So they don't have God's Spirit in them and have turned from Him.

Now there will be a lot of humans who follow those people.  Remember, those people might have once been God's workers or might not have been, but now they are definitely not God's.  They don't listen to Him.  The humans that follow them follow because the teachings given to them are untrue about Jesus.

That is a scary thought.  People follow leaders because the leaders misrepresent Jesus.  That is just scary.

So pray and be on your guard.  Work on learning more about Jesus and talking to Him about your life.  The stronger your relationship with Him, the less chance you have of being lied successfully to.

2 Peter 2:1

"But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who brought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction."

Context: Previous few sentences talked about how the scriptures that the Jews studied were written by men who were inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.

It appears that when the scriptures were written, there was also false prophets who led some of God's people astray.  That this happened then and will happen again.  Something that they do is deny our Lord.  I'm not sure in what way they do so, but it is something to keep an eye out for.

2 Peter 1:16-21

"For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.  For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'  And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

There is always that bit of doubt when you learn something new as to its origins and reliability.  You have to wonder is the source is worthwhile and accurate.  Who is the audience and what is the author trying to accomplish.  What is the bias for or against.  Being a history major and learning about research methods and how to use sources makes the process worse.

Yet there is something here that is important.  The people reading Peter's letter are told that he isn't telling them stuff he heard.  That he witnessed it.  There is nothing more powerful than a personal testimony.  Sure a historian won't take it by itself, but talking to someone personally about their experience is a good way to learn.  Peter's testimony is that Jesus existed, was awesome, was vouched for by God, and died only to rise again all for us as our Savior.

If personal testimony alone isn't enough, Jesus fulfilled every prophecy.  Not just a few, but all of them.  That the scripture was written by men's hand but under the influence of the Holy Spirit will have to be taken up on faith.

2 Peter 1:12-15

"For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.  Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.  Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease."

Peter wants to remind Christians everywhere that their spiritual walk with God and daily living is a continual learning process and we all have a long way to go.  However we are not to give up.  The reason he is so passionate right now with that sense of urgency is he knows he is going to die soon.  These are his last words that he can give.  So he will do everything he can with what time he has left.  He won't waste a single moment.

2 Peter 1:12

"For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth."

Context: Improving your life on the faith you have been given with the understanding of love of God because you chose to do God's will leading to Him taking over when you are not enough so that you can go to Heaven.

Peter is desperately trying to tell his readers something here.  He doesn't care how much you know about God or how solid a relationship you have with God.  He doesn't care if you grew up in the church or if everything is currently peachy in your spiritual life.  He doesn't care because it isn't where you are at that matters as much as to where you need to stay and how you must continue to grow.  The price is too high not to remind you and renew your relationship with God very often.

2 Peter 1:10,11

"Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for it you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Context: In order to escape the bad stuff in this world from hurting our souls and to be able to spend eternity with God, God gave us faith.  We then spend our lives building on that with His help adding high standards, experiences and skills, self-control, not giving up, a deep respect for God, caring about others with a generous attitude, being patient, being kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not dishonoring others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, no records of wrongs against others, not delighting in evil, rejoicing in the truth, protecting, trustful, hopeful, and persevering.

Context: If you have all these things, you will succeed in life by following God's will.  Your life will be worth so much more and you will have brought people to know Jesus when all is said and done.  There will be no reason to have a mid life crisis or wish for death because you will know that you did something worthwhile.  You lived as God wants to the best that you could while on Earth and that He is proud of you.

Context: If you don't live as God knows is best, then you will be focused only on the here and now.  You will seek self-pleasure and worldly riches which won't last but leave you empty inside.  When Christians try to explain their way to you, you won't understand because that knowledge is lost to you.  You won't remember all that Jesus did to save you.

Conclusion: If you work hard to live as God wants and are sure of being on His side, then He will help you to not stumble.  If you need it of Him, He will always provide a path for you and make sure that you get to be with Him in Heaven.

2 Peter 1:9

"For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins."

Context:  In order to escape the bad stuff in this world from hurting our souls and to be able to spend eternity with God, God gave us faith.  We then spend our lives building on that with His help adding high standards, experiences and skills, self-control, not giving up, a deep respect for God, caring about others with a generous attitude, being patient, being kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not dishonoring others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, no records of wrongs against others, not delighting in evil, rejoicing in the truth, protecting, trustful, hopeful, and persevering.

If you don't live as God knows is best, then you will be focused only on the here and now.  You will seek self-pleasure and worldly riches which won't last but leave you empty inside.  When Christians try to explain their way to you, you won't understand because that knowledge is lost to you.  You won't remember all that Jesus did to save you.

2 Peter 1:8

"For is these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Context:  In order to escape the bad stuff in this world from hurting our souls and to be able to spend eternity with God, God gave us faith.  We then spend our lives building on that with His help adding high standards, experiences and skills, self-control, not giving up, a deep respect for God, caring about others with a generous attitude, being patient, being kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not dishonoring others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, no records of wrongs against others, not delighting in evil, rejoicing in the truth, protecting, trustful, hopeful, and persevering.

If you have all these things, you will succeed in life by following God's will.  Your life will be worth so much more and you will have brought people to know Jesus when all is said and done.  There will be no reason to have a mid life crisis or wish for death because you will know that you did something worthwhile.  You lived as God wants to the best that you could while on Earth and that He is proud of you.

2 Peter 1:5-7

"But for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love."

Context:  God has given us the ability to choose to be alive and to trust in Him.  He gave us faith so that we could escape the bad stuff that would destroy us within and instead enjoy living with Him in His divine nature.

So we have faith.  That is where it all starts.  From there we have to work hard.

We must then be virtuous, or have high standards.

With our faith and high standards, we can aim for more knowledge.  Gaining more information and skills through experiences and education so that we know the theoretical and practical side.

With our faith, high standards, and experiences, we must have self-control.  Not allowing yourself to indulge in something because we know in the end it is better for us isn't easy.  Put chocolate in front of a college female student and see how long it lasts.

With our faith, high standards, experiences and self-control, we must add perseverance.  Being steadfast in our lives for Christ despite the delays and difficulties we face the seem to delay the goals we were aiming for is important.

To our faith, high standards, experiences, self-control and not giving up we must add godliness.  Being godly means having piety which is having reverence which is a deep and solemn respect.  We must live with a deep respect for God.

To our faith, high standards, experiences, self-control, not giving up, and deep respect for God... we must add brotherly kindness.  Brotherly kindness is having very close feelings with someone and being generous.

To our faith, high standards, experiences, self-control, not giving up, deep respect for God, and caring about others with a generous attitude... we must add love.

Love.

It can be defined as an intense feeling of affection.

The Bible says love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, doesn't dishonor others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices in the truth, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres because it never fails.  It is stronger than even faith, which grows like a mustard seed.

Conclusion:  In order to escape the bad stuff in this world from hurting our souls and to be able to spend eternity with God, God gave us faith.  We then spend our lives building on that with His help adding high standards, experiences and skills, self-control, not giving up, a deep respect for God, caring about others with a generous attitude, being patient, being kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not dishonoring others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, no records of wrongs against others, not delighting in evil, rejoicing in the truth, protecting, trustful, hopeful, and persevering.

2 Peter 1:1-4

"Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

~ 2 Peter 1:1-4

Peter is writing another letter to the Christian Church.

Something that struck me immediately while reading this was "precious faith" at the beginning of his letter.  Faith is something that is always talked about in church and by our religious leaders.  It is something mentioned by family and friends.  It is assumed that if you have faith, you are saved.  That you just have to believe, and indeed that is true.

However here, it is not just something you choose to have and can have in abundance or scarcity according to your own choice.  It is more than that.  It is something that is precious.  Something precious and something that we can choose to have because our God is a just and good God.  If it wasn't for our Savior, that faith couldn't even exist.

This brings me to an insight.  We can do nothing ourselves for even something like faith comes from God.

Something else that struck me was that grace and peace are also from God.  We can have it and gain more of it by knowing our God.  Everything that involves life comes from Him.  That means being born happens because of him.  Our hearts beating happens because of Him.  Our ability to breath comes from Him.  Our ability to think, create, and even love comes from God.  If you want to be a good person, then God is the one that makes that happen.  You can't do it on your own.

In return, He asks us to be a part of His glory and to live as good people who are virtuous.  He won't make us do so alone.  God knows the hardships that follow His people because of the Evil One.  God gave us a lot of promises to reassure us.  We can claim them at any time we need to, want to, or remember to.  Those promises are what allows us to have the ability to be the good humans God wants us to be.  That allows us to live healthy lives physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.  Something that is impossible without God's help and is something that the Evil One strives to make us fail in.

1 Peter 5:12-14

"By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is true grace of God in which you stand.

She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.

Greet one another with a kiss of love.  Peace to you all who are in Christ.  Amen."

This is the end of the letter called 1 Peter.

Silvanus was a Christian scribe that did the actual writing for Peter.  Someone that they all know who lives in Babylon (the Christian word for a bad place, so most likely Rome) sent her greetings.  And then of course Mark who is either actually Peter's son or like a son to him.

Peter wants them to understand and know that they are standing in a full pool of God's grace.  That even when they mess up, God's got their backs so to keep trying their best.  That their experiences tell this.

So love each other... which means no hating.  There should be peace... and that farewell is standard in the Christian circles of those times.  I think that it would be quite nice if after church, we were told this by the pastor or elder in charge.  "Peace to you all who are in Christ."

1 Peter 5: 5-11

This is for the younger people, the youth and young adults.  I'm assuming that means me as well.

"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.  Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed in humility, for

God resist the proud,

But gives grace to the humble.

Therefore humble under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walkabout like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.  Amen."

My thoughts on these verses:

I know that one of the hardest things to do as a youth is to do as I am told.  Just being commanded to do something always made me want to do the opposite.  Yet it was when I was obedient that life was good and that those above me praised my actions and attitude.  God knows what will make us happy, so these are important words for us.  

God wants us to be humble.  The proud tend to think only of themselves and since God is a God of unselfishness, this trait is not something that we can carry and still be close to Him.  By allowing God and the older folks to guide us, we are allowing God to take control of our lives.  He will give you the recognition you want in time.  So give Him your worries and thoughts, and in His Love for us, He will take care of it.  He loves you.

We have a common enemy.  Why fight each other or those in charge of us when we have a common enemy that would attempt to take our lives?  Though it seems sometimes like the way we choose is harder, by choosing God's side and the way He wants us to live, we are successfully escaping another snare and trap set for us by the devil.  God gladly helps us avoid those traps and to escape the snares if we mess up.  Life is easier with God.

Though following God and saying no to the hobbies and favorite things in our life that stand between us and God is hard.  Though following God and dealing with people who rather we didn't live according to His guidance is hard.  Be true to the Savior as He gave His Life for you so that you may live.  You owe Him everything.  The suffering you experience is not something only you experience, but is also dealt with by other Christians as well.

Our God that we serve is the God of grace.  He has everything that is elegant, refined, and gives honor to whoever it pleases Him.  He called us to be a part in being with Him where there is the highest honor that you can have.  His.  Yes we must endure the unpleasant things in life here now, but over time we will become more like Jesus and be established firmly in our faith in Him.  As we grow stronger under His guidance, we will settle into the life that He has for us that is perfect for us.  

God is so amazing like that.  He thinks of everything and knows the best way to get through life.  He lives and rules all forever, so give Him the worship you can with every bit of yourself without music or other things getting between Him and you.  

Between His love for you and you.

1 Peter 5:1-4

This is a message to the elders and those who lead the groups of Christians.

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." 

Those who are elders, the ones who have responsibilities within the Church, are asked to do several things.  All that is asked is asked by another elder like you who had been through the roughest times and seen the worst of humanity.  He is a follower of Christ and has this advice for you.

Take care of and guide those that are around you.  Don't do it because you must or it is your duty, but instead with a willing and eager heart.  I believe the proper would here is "volunteer."  Be careful when you are caring for and guiding those around you, that you are eager to do so and are not dishonest or taking bribes or anything like that.

As elders, you are to live your life as you want them to live.  This is better than acting like the boss and being in charge.  It suits people better and they will take notice in a better way than if you try to command them.  God placed them in your care, so care for them.

The day Jesus returns, you will be rewarded with a beautiful crown and it will never lose it's value or beauty because it is from God.  So keep your chin up!

1 Peter 4:17-19

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  Now

If the righteous one is scarcely saved,

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." ~ 1 Peter 4:17-19

Context:  The last few versus have been about suffering for God.  To expect hard times, but not to seek hard times through sinful acts.  Rejoice in your trials if they are for living as God wants you to because when He returns your joy will be great.

God has already started the judgment process.  He started with those who believe in Him first and they are barely saved.  So those who haven't claimed Jesus' gift nor live as He tries to guide them would not have any chance at all.  Brings home just how much is at stack.

So live life as God wants you to.  Put away those games, movies, books, hobbies... whatever it is that comes between you and Him.  If it comes between you and Him, then it will be hard to put away.  So do your best to pray and be in constant communication with God.  Study His Word.

1 Peter 4:16

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter."

In the last verse, it warned that suffering for being a bad person isn't okay and isn't something God wants or enjoys.  So here when it says that if, as a Christian, you suffer because you lived as God wants you to, then that is when you praise God because He will accept your praise and strengthen you.

Right now I am in South Korea.  Every male Korean here must serve two years in the military.  Even the gentlest and shyest boys who enter military service come out hardened.  One of the teachers at my school served in the army.  He is a Seventh-day Adventist and believes that the day of worship never changed from Saturday to Sunday, but in fact stayed on Saturday.  He also believes that like in the Creation Story in Genesis, Sabbath starts Friday at sundown and lasts until sundown on Saturday.

When he was in the army in South Korea, he tried to keep that time holy by living as he felt God wanted him too.  He couldn't work or practice shooting.  He needed to spend those hours in meditation.  The army didn't see it that way and despite his reasoning with them, they put him into an army jail for over a year.  It was hard and difficult for him, but he didn't swerve from the path God laid out for him.  He gave all the glory to God and God strengthened him.

1 Peter 4:15

We have been talking about suffering and living life praising God despite the hardships that we endure for doing what is right.

Before you think that being miserable or having a difficult life where others are mad at you is the point, please read the verse in this post.

"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters." ~ Verse 15

You can see for yourself that looking for trouble is not God's way.  Purposefully being miserable like that is not the life He was asking for nor wants.  It is the opposite of what God wants.

It is easy to not go killing people just because you are angry, have a grudge, or think revenge is needed.

It is easy to not go stealing stuff.

It is easy to be considered a good person.

However one of the biggest pitfalls I have witness personally is the last part.  A busybody is just as bad as a murderer in God's eyes.  It is not something worth suffering for.

If you are familiar with the author Jane Austen and some of her books, you will notice that there are always at least one character that tries to interfere with others' lives in some fashion.  Generally to break up a couple or to play matchmaker.  Whatever the goal, that is wrong.

Don't do it.

1 Peter 4:14

"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified."

Context: Going through hardships makes God's victory all the more sweeter in the end.

I have a story for you.  My senior year in college was very difficult for me.  Many things were all going wrong at the same time.  There was drama among my friends.  Things didn't work out between my boyfriend and I.  I was dwelling on the words of those who said mean things instead of listening to those who were trying to encourage me.  I was student teaching and burdened under the requirements of that program.  It didn't seem like I could take much more... when the final straw did happen.

At the school I was working at, I tried utilizing everything I could from my education classes.  However teaching that way was not a style that worked with one of my two cooperating teachers.  In her classes, she preferred a much more flexible plan.  That on top of a personality conflict let to a lot of stress and misunderstandings.  The other cooperating teacher watched me come in after the classes I taught for the first teacher and was concerned, though her conclusions were not accurate as to what she thought was happening upstairs.  In the end, I was asked to leave.

Feeling like a failure and that my goal to be a teacher was no longer obtainable, I felt complete despair that I have never felt before nor had felt since.  It was the end of life as I knew it.  Then my teachers at my college came through for me and put me into a school where the things they were trying to teach me could actually be practiced.  I had a new cooperating teacher who was very open to the requirements of the student teaching program as well as aware of other personalities besides his own.

Once more I worked hard to prove I could be a teacher and to meet the requirements.  This time with success.

The way I was teaching was viewed by two different parties in two different ways.  The first party couldn't understand the paperwork that was required and constantly bad-mouthed my school and teachers.  The second party understood that despite personal opinions, the paperwork must be dealt with as well as my classes.  I had the complete support and encouragement of my teachers at school, but that wasn't enough to become a teacher.  I had to survive the real world of a school.  Now I am a teacher and am very thankful for teaching the way my teachers at Union College encouraged me to.  It works well, even if it is seen as strict and too difficult by those who haven't tried it.

God is the same way.  Those who follow Him are encouraged and enjoy life that way.  Those who scorn God and those who follow Him can't understand the peace and love He gives us.  God knows that you praise Him with your life.  God also knows that those who don't are missing out and will have much more difficult lives because of it.

1 Peter 4:13 Extended

I want to further a comment on the previous verse.  It talked about rejoice during trials to such an extent that you are super happy with God's glory is revealed.

I have a story for you.  In college, I was studying to become a teacher.  It had been my goal since 1996 or 1997.  (About that same time I had decided that I loved horses and green was a super beautiful color.)  Now here I was, in college, working to fulfill my dream.  I had many people all praying and encouraging me forward.  My family, my friends, my teachers and the faculty I had become friends with.  They all helped me in their own ways as they were able.  When I graduated, their joy was very great because they had shared in my stress and in my frustration.  When I achieved victory, they felt the same joy I felt.

I think it is the same way with our lives and with God.  When we focus on living our lives as God wants us to no matter how painful or hard, being encouraged because Jesus had endured and would give us the strength to endure, when God returns in all His glory... His joy will be ours too.

1 Peter 4:13

"but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

Context: The last verse was talking about how you should not think it unnatural to face hardships.

When bad things happen to you, you should be rejoice.  Rejoice means to be glad about something.  So when you have had a rough day, a rough month, a rough year... be truly happy.

Keep in mind that you are made up of a physical side, an emotional side, a social side, and a spiritual side.  When you are really happy, it helps you physically to be healthy, emotionally to be more stable, and makes your social life less strenuous.  When you place God as the reason for your joy, then your spiritual side is good too.  When even one of these areas suffer, so does the other three.  Being happy is a good way to prevent this.

Being happy during hard times is impossible without Jesus in your heart.  When your focus is focus is completely on Him then you are strengthened.

It says that you should do this to such an extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings.... I'm not entirely sure what this means.  Maybe by being a positive person and caring for others with the viewpoint that Jesus has and wants us to have, that we will understand more easily His  wishes and so feel glad when His wishes are met.

1 Peter 4:12

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;"

The first word of this verse is "Beloved," not another name.  It is addressed to you as someone who is cared about deeply and loved so much.  So you know that whatever follows is for your benefit and not for your harm.

When bad things happen, we are not supposed to think it weird or strange.  Bad stuff happens to the godly and ungodly alike after all.  It isn't usual or strange.  Something instead to be expected.  

Again, we are not told bad stuff will happen out of some twisted amusement, but because God wants us to know and trust Him.

1 Peter 4:10,11

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

I know that my spiritual gift is helping others.  Sometimes God gives me a little indication of another's feelings so that I don't misuse my gift.  Overall though, if I don't use my gift to help others then I feel a sense of incompleteness and wastefulness.  Like I had not done my part in God's plan for my life.

That is what stewards do.  They take care of things for their masters.  They make sure things are run smoothly to the best of their abilities for the glory of their master no matter what personal problems they may have.  The focus is not themselves, but their masters.

We are to be the same way.  We have been given talents, roles, and resources.  Some a bit more unusual than others.  We are supposed to use them for God's glory, not ourselves or to bring focus on us.  Just on Him.

"If anyone speaks, let him speaks as the oracles of God.  If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

When you do speak, you need to speak as the mouthpiece of God.  Let nothing come out of you that doesn't glorify Him.  If others need a helping hand and you are the one who does so, it is because God wanted you to.  Serving the people in whatever way you do is not because of your skill or your talent, but because of skill and talent God gave you.  So to Him the praise should go.  Always.

1 Peter 4:7-9

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers." ~ Verse 7

Many times at staff worship or dorm worship when I pray aloud, I make my prayers a bit goofy or light-hearted.  I feel bad about this, but I can't think and don't know what to say when I pray aloud.  My silent prayers are so simple and short.  Like a few phrases.  That to pray aloud is very stressful for me because I am no longer talking to God personally but representing those present.

Yet here we are told very specifically the attitude of our prayers and why.  We are supposed to be serious, and dare say I, mature.  Be aware of what is going on and talk to God about it.  Because the beginning of the end has come.

"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins." ~ Verse 8

We know that God desperately loves us, all of us, including the people we ourselves bad talk or gossip about.  Here He says how much He wants us to have that love for each other, including the person who didn't do something the way you would have.

So many times I have messed up.  There are generally two reactions to when I don't do things right.  The first reaction is to point out my mistake and then to remind me of it several times afterwards.  The second is to point out how I did something right and then how to go about improving.  Between those two ways, I found that I enjoyed being around people more who treated me the latter way.  Less judged and more accepted.  When I was treated the former way, I returned it automatically without thinking: criticism, judgement, and bitterness.

When you treat people in a caring and loving manner, they respond automatically more positively.  That already influences their behavior towards God.  Thereby avoiding some sins in the immediate future.

"Be hospitable to one another without grumbling." ~ Verse 9 

When I worked at camp that first summer, I made a lot of mistakes.  Having a job for the first time with other people around me.  I socially had a lot of things to adjust to that others already had a knack for.  One of my friends that I made that summer was a complete sweetheart.  She always had a kind word for everyone she met, telling them why they were special as well as thanking them for something.  If you were stressed or needed help, she offered even if her plate was full.  She never complained nor did she listen to even her closest friends when they wanted to grumble about another person.  She was very attuned to the fact that everyone has a good side and that everyone needs a Christian shoulder to lean on.

I think her story shows with beautiful clarity how we can live by this text.  God wants us to the best host and hostess we can be at all times.  Making people comfortable around us and relaxed.  With no worry about being left out or misunderstood.

When you grumble, the opposite happens.  People return how they are treated.  It is in our nature.  So be aware that there is a good side to everyone and that they have been through difficult times that made them the way they are.  Don't complain, just love compassionately.

1 Peter 4:6

"For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." ~ 1 Peter 4:6

Context:  In the last few versus, we have been looking at how you were born living a sinful life.  Now that you know God, you should live more as He wants you to live.  That others will judge you and be mean because you are living a good life, but to not mind them as God has it under control.

Further Back Context:  People before Jesus had hope in His promise.  So that when Jesus came to Earth, lived, died, and rose again... those people were saved even though they were dead.

This verse, honestly confuses me.  Taking what I know from previous verses, I am trying to understand this.

People who are dead because they lived before the gospel still knew the gospel story.  So they are judged by how they lived because they had that knowledge.  Therefore they have a chance to live again when Jesus comes back to take us all home.  I think.

Sorry folks, I really am unsure how else to understand that.  If you have thoughts or comments, please leave them here.

1 Peter 4: 4, 5

⁴ In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. ⁵ They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Context: The last few verses were concerning how once you are in the world and experience the pleasures of self... and then meet God... you have already lived for self so now live for God.

In this verse, it goes on to explain when you live the way God wants you to in order to serve Him and be happy, that those who don't won't understand why.  

I feel like I should have a story about two little girls.  Where one is jealous of another because the other has something she doesn't.  But it isn't quite working.  I can only tell a story about how I was jealous of another camp staff member because she has a testimony and I didn't.  And I yelled at God for it. Then He reminded me that He saw me too, and heard me, much to my embarrassment.  

Basically though when someone is doing something right, others who aren't will feel guilty and angry.  Easily.  You see this in classrooms among children. You see this among teenagers at parties.  It is easy to become jealous and those who are tend to treat others with scorn, ridicule, or to become angry.

So when you follow God's way and live according to His rules, then those who don't (Christian or not) will become upset with you and say mean things about you (subtly or not).  

But it isn't your place to retaliate, talk about what they said, or anything like that.  Just continue living life, saying only good things of others, and being the kind of person God wants you to be.  God will judge them.  

1 Peter 4:3

"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles - when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries." 

Context: In the previous verse or two, it talks about how Jesus suffered the temptations that we do and now He is done with that and works only for God.  In the same way, we have lived a life doing things that are not right.  We should be done with that and focus on living the way God wants us to.

Summary:  Basically the early years of our lives was spent in self-pleasure.  Doing things that are selfish.  Now though, we should live "for the will of God."

1 Peter 4:1,2

"Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God."

This sounds a lot like being willing to put up with not doing things that would make you feel good, like lust or gluttony, in order to stay focused on God's will for us.  It is easy to say you can multi task, but the truth is if you are focused on things like playing all the Final Fantasy games or attending the most fashionable parties, then you won't be able to have time for God too.

So to change your life so that you are talking to, spending time with, and listening to God means that you give up a lot of the things that otherwise would have come first and are more open to His guiding.  With Him guiding you and being there to catch you when you fall... life because more enjoyable.  Less dramatic in a sense and more peaceful to experience inside.

1 Peter 3:22

"who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him." 

We had been talking about how people before Jesus came were living with the promise that their death penalty would be paid by Another sometime in the future.  Now though, after Jesus came, we live knowing that it's been paid and we have only to accept.

Baptism is a spiritual cleansing of the conscience... the antitype to the faith and hope the people in Noah's day had for the Savior's coming.

Now, this verse says that after Jesus suffered unjustly for the unjust, that he went into heaven and is basically the Ruler of all.  The One who had suffered the lowest rungs of society is now acknowledged and in charge of everyone from servant to king.  Everyone, whether divine or mortal, unblemished or sinful, must do as He commands.

1 Peter 3:19 - 21

"by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison" ~ verse 19

This by itself seems simple.  Jesus preached to the criminals while on Earth.

In context of the last few versus, it confused me.  Christ suffered for us and died for us... was "made alive by the Spirit."  Then preached to those in prison.  Does this refer to after He rose again?

Then I kept reading and felt less confused and uneasy about how I was interpreting this.  So am going to include verse twenty.

"who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water."  ~ verse 20

Okay, I lied.  We are going to verse 21.

"There is also an antitype which now saves us - baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"  ~ verse 22

Before Jesus died on the cross, those who trusted in Him had to trust that they were saved for something He would do in the future and that though their sins were not paid for now, that they would be.  When Jesus died in our place for the crimes we committed, that waiting in faith for the debt to be paid happened no more.  Now we are covered and know that if we accept Jesus' gift of salvation and let Him work in our lives to help us no longer be disobedient, that we are free.  Death is no longer a prison to be feared.  

1 Peter 3:18

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit." ~ 1 Peter 3:18

Context: We are to be compassionate towards those around us and not return evil with evil.  Instead bless others, including those who don't deserve it.  Be meek and respectful.  For God wants this and will protect and be there for you.

Story: I was told a story once about a girl in high school.  She was attending a Christian school and that week there was a guest speaker who was giving hour long talks each day.  At the end of the week, he finished his talk and had music softly start playing.  He asked all who wanted to give their lives to Jesus, or to renew their life with Jesus, to please come up front and kneel.

This girl was a devout Christian who lived life as she believed a Christian should.  She prayed to Jesus and felt like she was a good Christian.  When the speaker made that call, she thought that her life was good with Jesus at the center and she had no need to go forward, as was her right.

Every student slowly made their way to the front, except for that girl.  The speaker continued on for a few minutes saying to just come up if you want a closer relationship with God.  The girl thought she had a close relationship and the idea of renewing it never occurred to her.  She sat alone watching other girls in her class kneeling in prayer while she alone didn't come forward.  Finally, out of impatience for this to end, she came forward and everyone was happy.

Many Christians are like this girl.  They think that they are set for life because they gave their life to God once upon a time.  However, in this sinful world where people around us talk disrespectfully of our government leaders and gossip against people who have been or are in our lives, we need to daily renew our relationship with God.

Quick disclaimer, I'm not saying that what the girl thought was right or wrong, I'm simply trying to get across a small lesson.

Now let's move on to the verse now that we have the context of the last few versus.

Clarification:  In this verse we have several words that we use everyday, but perhaps don't know their full meaning.  The ones I am going to look at are "suffered," "sins," "just," "unjust," and "spirit."

Suffered means to experience or subjected to something bad or unpleasant.

Sins are an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law.

Just is based on or behaving in a way that is morally right and fair.  Unjust is not.

Spirit is the nonphysical part of a person that is their feelings and character.  Some call it the soul.  Here, the spirit is capitalized to Spirit, making is a being instead of an ordinary noun.  In my church, we believe that the Spirit is part of God and some refer to God also as Trinity.

Conclusion: Christ came to Earth once upon a time and experienced everything bad and unpleasant that a human experiences.  He did this despite being moral and good in our place so that we who are unmoral and corrupted by nature can be brought by Him to God.  He was killed in the flesh but brought back to life by a being that has no physical form, but is instead what one could call the Soul of God.

That gives things a slightly new look on life.

I don't want to just read a verse and go, "Okay, I have heard all that before."  Instead I would like to try to understand the importance and impact these words were meant to have on their readers.  To gain encouragement and guidance from them.  What I get from this verse in a simplified sentence is simply this: Jesus loved us and gave His all so that we could all live together as a happy family someday.

Promises

I signed up for Bible devotions of various kinds from Biblegateway.com.  Here are a few things I came across I thought I would share with you.  God bless.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress . . . Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. ~ Psalm 107:19,21

This simply says, "I can trust my God in everything," to me.

"He who hast the Son, Jesus, has life, eternal life. He who does not have the Son does not have eternal life." - 1 John 5:12 NIV

I have a choice.  I always have a choice.  Have Jesus as the center of my life or not?  I choose Him.

[ The Good News About Christ ] Now, brothers and sisters, I want you to ·remember [or be clear about] the ·Good News [Gospel] I brought to you. You received this ·Good News [Gospel] ·and continue strong in it [or and have based your faith on it; [ that he was buried and was raised to life on the third day ·as the Scriptures say [according to the Scripture; Ps. 16:8–11];

As long as I stay true to my faith and love in Jesus, then I belong to Jesus and He will take care of me.

The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18

God wants to take care of me and be there for me.  I just have to trust Him.

[ Love Your Neighbor ] Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. ~ Romans 3:8

I am only supposed to care about others... not control them or judge them.  That is what God wants of me.

"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

God is everything and all that I need.  No matter how much I lack, He will make up for it.

1 Peter 3:17

"For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."

This pretty much is straight forward.  In life there are a lot of things you can choose to do or not do.  Some things are okay with God and some things are things He rather you didn't choose.  He rather you not choose it for your own sake.  He knows you and the circumstances that you will have to be in when you make a choice.  Some things would be harder for you and others if you choose that option. However that very option that you shouldn't choose might look more tempting or beneficial.

For example, that promotion to a more important job position that pays more money and has more benefits. You were amazing at your current job, so you will be good at the promoted place right?  Not always.  Some people are not meant to be in charge of larger groups or to handle the type of stress that exists a step higher. They were good where they were and should have stayed there.  God knows that.

Or when you get locked out of your apartment in the middle of the summer by the landlord because of miscommunication.  You can get angry and frustrated, telling off anyone in ear shot.  But it benefits no one and can cause stressful relations.  It would be wiser to hold your tongue and be slow to anger.

1 Peter 3:16

"having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed."

When people get angry at others and start trash talking them or saying mean things, the automatic response is defensive.  People tend to respond with why they are not that way or to pull down the person who is accusing them.  When Christians are treated in this manner, that is the very thing they shouldn't do.  Just go about living your life normally and with the best behavior you can with as meek an attitude as you can.

This way when people then turn their eyes on you to see how you are behaving, they see that those who accuse you are not justified.

1 Peter 3:15

Review: In the last two verses, we looked at who might hurt us because we are Christians as well as despite this we are blessed.  Sometimes people that we trust and think wouldn't do hurt us without realizing it but we don't have to worry because God will protect and be there for us.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;" ~ 1 Peter 3:15

Clarification: 
-Sanctify means separation in Greek.
-Hope as a noun means to desire something to happen.
-Meekness is patient, submissive humbleness.
-Fear today means to dread something, but at the time of this writing fear also mean to be in complete awe and respect.

-Defense is has two parts.  The first is to defense or resist attack.  The second is to vindicate or justify something.  Vindicate is to defend against censure.  Justify is to show that something is reasonable.

Analysis:
God wants us to have God in our hearts, and only God.  If anyone asks why we look forward to God's return so much, be ready to tell them with reasons so that they can't criticize you.  However make sure that you do so with a patient, submissive humbleness and with respect.

Evaluation:
As Christians, we are held up to a very high standard because we as followers of a loving and perfect God must also be loving and perfect.  However because we are human, we mess up and hurt (as well as being hurt) others no matter their background or stance in life.  However God is there for us and won't leave us.  We don't have to face this nor what is to come by ourselves because God's blessing, or protection, is on us. We know that our souls are safe.  So it shouldn't be a problem to give God our hearts and to kick out other things that we would otherwise love more than God.  Whenever people bring up how much you love God and wish for His return, tell them why with a spirit of humbleness for the very talking about God should be done with all respect.

1 Peter 3:14

"But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed.  "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."  ~1 Peter 3:14

Context: You are to be respectful and compassionate with others... no matter if they annoy you or are a politician... because you love God and want to be the better man which is possible with God.

So when bad things happen, despite living life the best you know how, you are still blessed.  Suffer and blessings don't usually go together.  Suffer is having something bad happen to you.  Blessing is having God's protection.  So even though something bad happens to you, God hasn't left you because He is still there protecting you.

So you don't have to fear other's threats or worry when bad things happen.

I'm experiencing this in a very real way.  I'm overseas in South Korea teaching English.  However with North Korea's threats, I should be worried right?  I'm not.  No one here is except military and political leaders.  I have their view on this, but also I know God's protecting me so I have no need to fear anything.  It will be okay.

1 Peter 3:13

"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?"

1 Peter 3:13

Context:  Before this verse, the writer was talking about how you should be respectful and obedient to your employers, your political leaders, and your spouse.  After this, at a glance, it talks about trusting God even in hard times because Jesus suffered too.

Thoughts:  So based on those, let's look at this verse.  It is essentially a question.  If you are a follower of good, that means that you are not a follower of the counterpart which is bad.  Two sides.  So the person who would harm you would definitely not be your comrades, that leaves the other side.

I am remembering the movie, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.  It is part of the Narnia series and the most famous of those.  In this movie, you have a family where the children were sent to the country side where they would be safe from the bombings that were occurring due to the war.  These children accidentally ended up in going into another world, literally, from their own byway of a special wardrobe.

In this movie, you have a Christ figure named Aslan who is a lion.  Then you have the counterpart, a white witch who pretended to be queen of Narnia.  The four children who came were there to essentially redeem the throne that Aslan had set up for the Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve thousands of years earlier.

Through a series of events and trials, three of the children made it to the place of the final battle.  However one had unwittingly betrayed his family and was in the hands of the witch.  Aslan sent a rescue party, but according to the rules of the land, someone who betrays another is the witch's to kill.  Aslan took the young boy's place (even though Aslan was innocent) and died for him.  Then rose up the next day and saved Narnia.

So what does this have to do with the verse?

I mentioned that there are two sides: good and bad.  When you live your life as Jesus wants you to, sometimes people close to you that should be on God's side will hurt you or do things that is very unChristian.  They are not necessary on the devil's side, but are acting on the devil's behalf regardless.  They may not even realize they are.  Like the boy in the movie, they were tricked or unaware of the harm they were causing.

So when I ask you "who is he who will harm you" and your first thoughts is someone in your church or a loved one... don't assume they are bad people.  Pray for them and believe in God to make all things right someday.

1 Peter 3:8-12 (3/3)

Review:  We have seen that everyone should be respectful towards their employers, local leaders, and national leaders.  We have seen that spouses should be respectful and considerate of each other as well.

8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 

10 For

“He who would love life

And see good days,

Let him refrain his tongue from evil,

And his lips from speaking deceit.

11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;

Let him seek peace and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

And His ears are open to their prayers;

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

~ 1 Peter 3:8-12

Now finally, we are at how Christians should behave.  You are to be unified.  With diversity comes disunity, but it doesn't have to be that way.  Everyone has different views on the way you are supposed to cut a board or bake a cake.  However those are, in the end, not that important.  They are not salvation issues.  At least I never heard of anyone not being saved simply because their personal preferences were for an earlier dinner instead of a later one.  So please, don't be disgruntled at one another.

Instead have compassion.  Is someone dealing with stressful events in their lives?  Are they tired or depressed?  Don't tell them all the things they are doing wrong.  Instead ask how you can help them or encourage them.  That question does more good than you can know.

In the Bible, there are many types of love.  The most commonly form of love used was the one meaning lust. This verse specifically says to love as brothers.  They are close and important people in your life.  So take care of them, respect them, and don't hurt them with your words (to them or about them) or actions.  Treat them gentle with care and show them the consideration that we all wish for.

This isn't just in the New Testament.  God's words are also found in the Old Testament.  If you want to live a good life, don't say things that hurt.  Don't lie.  Simply live a good live doing good things that lead to peace.  In fact pursue peace as much as possible.  God watches and listens to those who live this way.  If you hurt others, are unforgiving, and show no concern for those around you then God will be your foe.

1 Peter 3:7 (2/3)

Review:  We saw that you should be respectful and hardworking when it comes to your employer, local leaders, and national leaders.  Then in the same way, wives were to act the same way towards their husbands as well as working to cultivate a godly character over outward appearances.  Now we will move on to the husbands.

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

~ 1 Peter 3:7

Husbands, your turn.

When you interact with your wife, you should be understanding towards them.  They are working hard for you and being respectful towards you.  You need to understand how much of their energy goes towards supporting you.  So everything you say and do should reflect the honor back to them.  Show them respect and treat them respectfully.  They are not as physically strong as you so losing your temper could really hurt them.  Allowing others to hurt them when they rely on your protection is also not good.  After all, you are in this together.

Why do all this?  If just not loving her is enough, then do so for another Christian reason.  So "that your prayers may not be hindered."

We looked at in a previous post that how you judge others is how you will be judged.  If you show others mercy, then God will show you mercy.  If you are harsh, laying down the law on others around you.  Then you condemn yourself by the same law.  Also, if you refuse to forgive others, then God can't forgive you.  The bitterness or anger that exists causing you to not forgive stands between you and God by your own choice.

So how you treat your wife reflects on you with God.  Living life as good and respectfully of others as you can, including in concern with your wife, is reciprocated by God towards you.  Not out of obligation for God is obligated to no one, but because He loves you.

1 Peter 3:1-6 (1/3)

Review:  At the end of chapter two, we were looking at being submissive to those over us whether it was employer (good or bad), the local leaders, or even the leaders of the country you are in.  That you were to be nothing but respectful and hardworking so that God's glory shines through.

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,  

when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.  

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—  

rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 

For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 

as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

~ 1 Peter 3:1-6

So now we are going from your attitude towards employers and leaders to wives towards their husbands.  It opens with the words "likewise" which implies that the same rules for the former apply here too.  Something I think of as ironic is how husband's treat government is how wives should treat them.  How many people do you know say good things or support the government?  Should then wives act in the same manner towards them?  Yeah, we should definitely rise above that.  All our attitudes I think could improve.

Just like government or employers that you work for, even if your husband is not following God's leading you should still behave in a respectful and hardworking manner because then it is your actions that might bring them to Jesus and to living life with Him in their hearts.  Who isn't inspired when then they observe someone working on their behalf in a respectful and kind manner?

However, life should not be based on your actions alone.  How you look on the outside might be important, but it is your character and what makes you you on the inside that is more valuable to God.  I know that you wouldn't get away with not taking the time to care for yourself.  Definitely brush your hair at least (unlike a little girl I once knew) but it is what you are inside that counts most.  So focus your energies on gentleness instead of anger and calm words instead of brash outbursts.  It is surprisingly good for health too.

If you behave this way, you can have that calm assurance that Christian woman have.  There is no reason to be afraid when you are on God's side.  He will always look out for you.