God Honors the Humble

1Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Humility is the most essential of all character qualities upon which all other virtues are contingent. In fact God has so orchestrated the gospel as to prevent the proud from entering the kingdom. And he says, "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." Is 66:2b A person who is humble is teachable. The proud are unwilling to be discipled. Implied in Jesus' Great Commission of Mt 28:29,20 is the requirement that young Christians be willing to be discipled by older ones. As for honor, "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility." Pr 15:33 The application here is to sumbit to authority. The proud seek for honor dishonorably. For "it is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor." Pr 25:27 Honor should be earned through the practice of humility.

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Be a Willing Disciple

1Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

One thing implied here is that the older are instructing, need I say "discipling", the younger. All should be involved in this. There's an expectation that when people get older they become teachers. "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers" Heb 5:12a

One aspect of clothing yourself with humility is "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment" Rom 12:3 In fact both high self-esteem and low self-esteem are indicative of pride. The humble have a realistic evaluation of themselves as they do also of others. The meek embrace the role which God has placed them in. And part of the role of the young is to be taught. So "obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." Heb 13:17 

As for the proud God mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. Pr 3:34

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Good Leadership is Rewarded

1Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Much as leaders, such as teachers, will receive stricter judgement according to James 3:1 "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.", those who serve well will be rewarded in kind. "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." Daniels 12:3 And speaking of responsibilities Jesus said, "everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance." Mt 25:29

Now we are not told what the crown symbolizes, or what the reward consists of, but perhaps from the parable of the talents from which I just quoted, one aspect of having the crown is the idea of reigning with Christ and as such it may incorporate being given more responsibilities along the same lines as exercised on earth. For "if we endure, we will also reign with him." 2Tim 2:12 But realize once again that Jesus portrayed leadership in a much different way than the vanity in which it is normally portraryed in the world.

Another aspect of the crown and the glory associated with it is that is represents the people whom you have influenced for Christ. Paul writes of the Thessalonian Christians saying, "For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?" 1Th 2:19 In this sense the crown is likened to a crowning acheivement.

Realize also that while Peter is speaking to elders here, the crown of righteousness is not limited to them. Paul writes, "there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day— and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2Tim 4:8 and James writes, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

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Not Lording it Over the Flock

1Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Jesus set the example, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15 Actually in their first opportunity to do so they failed to follow his example. The example he spoke of here was taking the role of a servant washing feet - which means to meet practical needs. But in Acts 6 when widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables." Acts 6:2 Such are the typical excuses of the religious elite. Its funny that the elders they assigned to do the job were quite capable of both waiting on tables and do the ministry of the word, just like Jesus. The instituionally elite today need to replace their EITHER-OR attitude with a BOTH-AND perspective.

Jesus said, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant." Mr 10:42,43 By being an example to follow - doing the very things they tell others to do, elders can avoid the elitist attitude of lording over others. Paul instructs Titus "In everything set them an example by doing what is good." Tit 2:7 and TImothy, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1Tim 4:12 To the Philippians he says, "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you." Php 3:17

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Lead with Enthusiasm

1Peter 5:1-2 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers— not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve

Paul viewed himself as, among other things, a church elder.  As a minor point of interpretation, this fact aids in the interpretation of passages concerning the qualifications of elders, and in particular on the one point that states, "the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient." Titus 1:6 Given that Paul was unmarried, such a passage appears to means "if he is married, then he is to be the husband of but one wife, and if he was children then ..." As opposed to the idea that one must be married and with children to be an elder.

Concerning the shepherding of the church, such an analogy is made of Christ himself in verse 4. But what does such a role incorporate? For one thing they are overseers. The fact that Paul equates elders with overseers again helps in interpretating other passages. Titus 3:1-7 gives requirements for overseers. These are also elders. If elders of a church chould be characterized as overlookers rather than over overseers, they are not doing their job.  Of shepherds it is written, "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds" Pr 27:23 Let not the elders view themselves as mere administrators. And let not pastors of church view themselves as the soul shepherd. (In fact there is little Biblical basis for the "senior pastor" model) All the elders are to be involved in overseeing each individual in the congregation. In Paul's speech to the Ephesians elders, one thing he said was, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." Acts 20:28

If elders are reluctant to carry out their duties, they shouldn't be elders. Men are not to seek eldership for the sake of a mere title. They must be willing. The general principle of giving oneself to God in ministry is given in 2Cor 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." With regards to money, elders were generally paid for their services. "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.'" 1Tim 5:17,18 But this also became a source of temptation, a basis for greed and corruption which can be seen throughout the history of post-Biblical Christianity.

Thus Paul advised the Ephesian elders, "I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:33-35 This applies to all lelders including the senior pastor if a church has such a position. And even concerning this online ministry "Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit." 2Cor 2:17 Greed affects doctine as well, "In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up." 2Peter 2:3 People will make up stories for the sake of getting paid. Better to give up one's rights and entitlements if such things hinder the gospel. Paul. In 1Cor 9 Paul speaks of himself and Barnabus giving up a number of their entitlements, including marriage and getting paid for ministry for the sake of the gospel. "But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ." 1Cor 9:12

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Reacting to Suffering

1Peter 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

While the world condemns the righteous, causing them to experience unjustified suffering, God is faithful and will bring about the vindication he promised. This is meekness. "Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting." Online Bible Lexicon And "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1Peter 5:7 In his last breath Jesus committed himself to God saying, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." Lk 23:46

Let not unjustified suffering cause one to stop doing good. Christians are not to develop bitterness. If God allows it, then some good will come of it. Continue to do good. And "consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." Heb 12:3

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Experiencing Condemnation

1Peter 4:17,18  For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

The context speaks of Christians suffering persecution. The word "judgment" is krima most commonly translated "condemnation". The Church Age in which we live is a time in which the family of God experiences condemnation by the world. And this should be no surprise, as Jesus said, "The world hates me because I testify that what it does is evil." John 7:7b But "God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you ... He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power." 2Th 1:6,8,9 So the ungodly and sinners will have their time of condemnation, and that by God.

Jesus was asked, "Lord, are there few who are saved?" And He said to them,"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able." Luke 13:23,24 Elsewhere he said, "narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Mt 7:14 And this is particularly the case with the rich - those who experience ease in this life. Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." Mt 19:23 Is it easy to be saved? Apparently not. Will many be saved? Apparently not.

By the "righteous" here he is referring to a category of people spoken of thoughout the Bible as those who characteristically do what is right. And as John said, "Do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil." 1John 3:7,8 And likewise of the ungody and sinnersl While we are all sinners yet here he is referring to those who live in sin, as Paul said, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." 1Cor 6:9,10. In fact Peter is alluding to a verse in Proverbs which speaks of a general principle in life. "If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!" Pr 11:31 Thus genuine Christians are identified by their behavior (which is why they were callled "Christians") "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." 1John 3:10

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Criminal Suffering

1Peter 4:15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

While it is good discipline and just to suffer for sinning, such is not the category of suffering appropriate for Christians, and certainly not something Christians should glory in. In fact John writes, "no murderer has eternal life in him." 1John 3:15b and Paul writes, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." 1Cor 6:9,10

The term "meddler" is "allotriepiskopos", which is the combination of the words "stranger" and "overseer". Such a person is one who usurps supervision over other people's matters. He meddles in things which should be none of his business. So rather than meddling in other people's affairs, "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you" 1Th 4:11 

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Insulted for Christ

1Peter 4:14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

What does it mean for the Spirit of glory and of God to rest on a person? First of all it means that by suffering for Christ you are glorifying Christ and thus are in the limelight with respect to God's eternal purpose for your life. In the Old Testament it is often said the Spirit rested on the prophets when they prophesied. Likewise when we act on Christ's behalf and suffer for it, it communicates conviction just as the prophets communicated God's Word. And of the Messiah it is written, "The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD" Is 11:2 These are attributes that likewise can be imparted to those who suffer persecution for Christ's sake. Those who legitimately suffer persecution for Christ gain conviction and revelation. So don't make it your objective to avoid opposition. Opposition builds character.

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Fellowship with Christ's Sufferings

1Peter 4:13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

The letter of 1Peter uses the word "suffer" in various forms 17 times. It's a major theme in 1Peter. How did they participate in the sufferings of Christ? This is not merely allegorical rhetoric. The Christians actually suffered. There is of course the common suffering we experience between the flesh and the Spirit. "For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." Gal 5:17 And Jesus "had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Heb 2:17,18 Thus "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are— yet was without sin." Heb 4:15 This is one way Christians fellowship with Christ's suffering. But as is alluded to throughout 1Peter Christians were being persecuted for their faith, just as Christ suffered persecution. For example 1Peter 2:23 "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

It's a good thing to endure suffering for doing what is right. It is one way we fellowship with Christ. Paul writes, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." Php 3:10,11 And there is reward in it. There's no comparison between the meager persecutions we suffer in this life, even if it be to death, with the glory to be revealed in us in the future. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs— heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Rom 8:16,17 And such suffering builds character and conviction. Therefore "we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Rom 5:3,4 

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Suffer Persecution - no surprise!

1Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

Paul writes, "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" 2Tim 2:12 There's a certain inevitability about it just as it was inevitable that Christ would be crucified. Jesus said to his unbelieving brothers, "The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil." John 7:7 Thus it is in the nature of those who follow Christ to be hated by the world. "Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you." 1John 3:13 So get familiar with suffering. After Jesus "was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering." Is 53:3

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A prerequisite for Christian ministry is a sense of our own inadequacy, but also a trust in God to provide us the ability to carry out His ministry. These often develop over time and experience as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit. But God can't direct a ship which is not moving. And if the car is parked, turning the wheel won't change its direction. So let's get moving. And I counsel young Christians not to be too concerning about identifying their gifts, but rather to fulfill their responsibilities and God will reveal their gifts while they do so.

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Gifts - Use them!

1Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

In my estimation there are characteristically two major roadblocks to applying this verse. One is the restrictions institutional Christianity places upon individuals exercising their gifts. And secondly is the reluctance of individuals to take up the responsibility to exercise their gifts. In fact some will claim not be gift simply to avoid doing any work. "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." Eph 4:7 When any part of the body stops functioning, the whole body suffers. "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Eph 4:15,16

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That is, "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Rom 12:13 Hospitality would have been an essential ingredient in practicing Christian love in the midst of the type of persecution many faced those days. Christians were practically thrown out of Israel and being homeless would have had to rely on a good deal of hospitality. But all of us like a degree of privacy, so there is the temptation of begrudging such requests. The Greek lexicon tells us that "grumbling" means "a secret displeasure not openly avowed" So it's not sufficient to keep one's complaints to oneself. Having a spirit of hospitality involves not even complaining in oneself over the matter. And such an attitude should be characteristic of all Christian work as Paul says, "Do all things without complaining and disputing" Php 2:14

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Above all things

1Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

It is a common characteristic of Christians to love each other. In fact it is a measure of whether one has been born of God, as John says in 1John 3:10 and consequently a basis for one's assurance of salvation, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers." 1John 3:14a The challenge is to mature beyond this and have a deep or "fervent" love for one another. Paul writes to the Thessalonians saying, "May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you" 1Thess 3:12 And Peter himself said earlier in this letter, "love one another fervently with a pure heart" 1Peter 1:22c

But as to what Peter means by "love will cover a multitude of sins." it is unclear. Now whatever the Bible is unclear about often ends up being the basis of unsound doctrine. So let's be careful not to read too much into it. And let's not take too serious whatever speculations people may have about such a phrase.

There are those who would say that Peter means that love overlooks sins. And therefore those who love others don't point out sin. However another place where this phrase is also used casts doubt on such an interpretation. James uses a similar phrase saying, "let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." Jas 5:20  Turning a sinner from the error of his ways would seem contrary to overlooking sin. For how can one turn a sinner from his error if he doesn't deal with the error?

Perhaps it's the future tense of "cover" - namely "will cover" - which holds the clue. For while some versions, like NIV don't say "will cover", in fact in both these cases the verb is in the future tense in Greek. Such an interpretation could mean that the effect, outcome or product of fervent love is the forgiveness of sin at some point in the future. Not that sin is overlooked in the present.

However, a related verse is Pr 10:12 "Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins." In this case covering sins is contrasted with stirring up strife. However again I don't think the author means love overlooks sin. Rather I would take this in the sense that hatred destroys but love heals.

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1Peter 4:7 Prerequisites for Effective Prayer

1Peter 4:7  The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Prayer takes self-control. What is the real reason prayer alludes many of us? It's because we fail to exercise self-control over our flesh. Even in prayer clear mindedness and self-control must be exercised. In his parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, the Pharisee was zealous to pray about himself. His praying was simply a way of making himself feel religously superior to others. Also "prayer meetings" can end up simply being "gossip meetings" - place where Christians can either here the latest gossip about the personal lives of others, or air their grievances against their brethren.

Furthermore there are serious implications to the fact that the end of all things is near. How much today prayer is dominated by temporal concerns of this life rather than issues of eternal concern. Likewise Paul writes, "You, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled" 1Thess 5:4-8a

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A Reason for Preaching the Gospel

1Peter 4:6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

That is, for those Christians who have died, and perhaps Peter is speaking of those who have died as a consequence of their being persecuted for their faith (judged according to men in regard to the body) much as Christ died, these people had formerly had the gospel preached to them so that now, though killed by the world, they live to God in the spirit. For throughout this letter Peter is encouraging the elect to continue in the faith despite the hostility the world has against them.

Likewise Peter previously said, "having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1Peter 2:12 Vindication for the Christian is largely in the future.

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Pay Back Time!

1Peter 4:5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

"God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power" 2Th 1:6-9  So you who speak evil of Christians, be prepared with some good excuse.

We're also reminded of the Sheep/Goat judgement of Matthew 25 in which the judgement is based upon how one had treated Christians - the brethren of Christ.

And by the way, who is it that will judge the living and the dead? Elsewhere Peter says, "He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he (Jesus) is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead." Acts 10:42  Likewise Paul says, "Christ Jesus will judge the living and the dead" 2Tim 4:1b

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People Think You're Strange?

1Peter 4:3,4 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do— living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

As for the sinful lifestyle characteristic of the worldly, there is no excuse. Peter here says such things "pagans choose to do". Sinners are so by choice. The wicked, out of their own free will, choose to live a lifestyle of sin, and so are accountable. For God would not hold people accountable for things over which they had no control. Thus sin incurs guilt because sinners choose to sin.

Likewise Christians are free to choose not to sin. For the instructions Peter is giving to Christians involves our willingness to obey. Likewise Paul writes, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world" Rom 12:2a So "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices  and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Col 3:5-10

As for the world's reaction to our repentance from our former way of life, Jesus said to his worldly brothers, "The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil." John 7:7 Whether it be by words or lifestyle, the Christian testifies of the world's evil, thus invoking hostility upon ourselves. This is part of the Christian life.

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Suffer for Christ's Sake

1Peter 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.

Sounds much along the lines of Php 2:5-8 "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" In fact much of the Christian life involves such an attitude. Not simply action, but attitude - walking as Christ walked and with the same attitude, having the same kind of reasons for doing things as he had, namely doing the will of God despite the consequences to one's flesh, one's resources, one's dignity.

Also it says, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." Gal 5:24 For the grace of God "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age" Tit 2:12 It is inevitable that for a person to live for the will of God, they will suffer in the flesh. And if for no other reason but that "the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." Gal 5:17 

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Salvation Analogy

1Peter 3:21,22 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 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand— with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Peter is referring to the flood of Noah. He is not referring to a particular element of the flood. The NIV incorrectly inserts the word "water", which is not found in this verse in the Greek, and thus I'm quoting here from a more precise version. The water of Noah did not represent salvation but wrath. The ark represents Christ, our salvation. The ark saves us from the flood of God's wrath.

But there is an analogy with regards to water baptism. But he is not speaking of the ritual of water baptism having some kind of sacramental nature, which is why he says, "not the removal of the filth of the flesh". Nothing done to the flesh can save a person. An early Christian cult throught circumcision saves. Later a heresy was introduced in historic Christianity that water baptism saves, simply replacing circumcision with baptism - one ritual with another. Such heresies are of the same spirit. Rather what Peter is talking about is having a pledge of a good conscience towards God. Noah was saved because he had pledged a good conscience towards God. Water baptism is supposed to correspond to one's repentance from sin, having pledged a good conscience to God. In contrast, baptism heretics will baptize infants, which has nothing to do with repentance or making such a pledge.

Water baptism is an analogous to salvation. But what really matters is the baptism of the Holy Spirit in which one is included in Christ.  John the Baptist contrasts to two saying, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Mt 3:11 Baptism of the Spirit may occur before or after one is water baptized. For example concerning the conversion of the household of Cornelius they said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." Acts10:47 When one receives the Holy Spirit they are included in  Christ.  "You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance" Eph 1:13,14 And "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." Rom 8:9 When one receives the Holy Spirit they enter the Ark, God closes the door, and they are eternally secure. Having ascended to heaven Jesus has such authority as to secure a place for us.

"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom 8:38,39

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Hades

1Peter 3:19,20 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water

Where did Christ go when he died? In Acts chapter 2 Peter speaks of Christ death saying, "You will not leave my soul in Hades" Acts 2:27 Jesus went to Hades. What is Hades? Jesus describes Hades in Luke 16:19-31 where he speaks of two men dying and ending up there. In Hades there is paradise, as Jesus said to the thief on the cross next to him, "today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43b And there is hell fire. In Luke 16 he describes a rich man who "being in torments in Hades" Luke 16:23b says, "I am tormented in this flame." Luke 16:24b  This side is also known as "hell" or "Gehenna", like Jesus said, "And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire" Mr 9:47 So there are two sides to Hades. One is paradise and the other is hell, a place of torment. These are separated by an impassible gap. However both sides could talk to each other.When Jesus died he went to paradise and preached across the gap to those in hell.

Among those he would have preached to were those who died in disobedience during Noah's time. Perhaps the reason why Peter brings this up is to draw an analogy to his readers concerning the present time. For the gospel is the ark of salvation, though few believe it. In Noah's time only 8 people were saved. Upon being asked, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" Jesus said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." Luke 13:23,24

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Christ died for Sins

1Peter 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit

It was God's will for Christ to suffer. "It was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering" Is 53:10 Jesus said, "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? `Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" John 12:27-28a Christ dying for sins is central to the gospel message. "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" 1Cor 15:3,4 And "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1John 2:2

The resurrection of Christ from the dead provides us with forensic evidence validating his testimony as the Son of God, and giving us hope of our resurrection. For "if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." Rom 8:11

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Many ask, "Why does God allow good people to suffer?" Isn't it unjust for those who do good to suffer for it? Isn't it better for people to suffer for the bad things they do rather than the good? But while it is acknowledged that God is just, Peter is speaking from the perspective of grace rather than the perspective of justice. Both are valid perspectives. But if we take God's plan and purposes in mind, now especially is a time for grace to reign. Justice will come, but let us walk in grace. In leading others to Christ we need to graciously tolerate a degree of abuse and sacrifice our rights if we are to walk in the same Spirit that Jesus walked in on the road to the cross.

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Keep a clear conscience with regards to how you react to hostility. Innocent victims always end up winning in the long term. While evil men are put to shame. (Works as well both inside and outside the Christian community)

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However, many Christians have simply resorted to "flag waving" techniques to generate questions. Rather than behaving in a Christlike manner, they will just behave wierd or even obnoxious in order to generate questions or interest. And then there are some among the healthy and wealthy Christians boasting in their riches who give false testimony proposing that if you become a Christian you'll be healthy and wealthy. But if its worldly health and wealth that one seeks, the world has a better offer. Christ died poor at the age of 33. And many of his devout followers suffered similar fates. Rather, let the rich be generous. And then perhaps they can win a hearing legitimately.

Furthermore our answers should not be pompous, arrogant and condescending, but rather as a fellow sinner who has received undeserved grace - as one begger showing another where to get a drink of water. Humility is the most essential of character qualities. Without it we cannot help the lost to develop saving faith. In fact without it, Christian love is nullified.

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Verse 12 is a transition into next section in which Peter will elaborate on the concept of responding properly to persecution. His point here is to reckon that God is watchful and aware and empathetic for his children. A common effect that those who are persecuted experience is a sense of abandonment. When Jesus was on the cross he empathized with people in such situations in quoting the first verse of Psalm 22, "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?" And we read such things in David's Psalms and in the book of Job. Peter's words are an encouraging reminder that though the world hates us, God doesn't.

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React with Love

1Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

You can generally tell a person's level of humility by how they respond to criticism, whether such criticism is justified or not. Responding to insults with insults or evil with evil is the knee-jerk reaction of the flesh. But a thoughtful sympathetic person would react firstly by considering why the person thinks or feels that way. May it be due to a prejudice the person had developed based on prior indoctrination or negative experiences they had? Or is it an overreaction to something of legitimate concern? In any case the idea is to respond with the person's best interest in mind. Afterall there are consequences involving eternal torment for those who do evil, so if nothing else, that should more than satisfy one's desire for revenge. In fact shouldn't that fact evoke a sense of compassion? "Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men." 2Cor 5:11 And there is good reason to fear for their future. ." Jesus said, "Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Mt 10:28

There is a blessing to reacting to unjustified hostility with grace. Realize that with the compensation Christ gained by suffering unjustly he paid for the sins of the world. God's judicial nature demands that unjustified suffering be compensated for, and it will.

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Get Along

1Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

"Living in harmony" here is literally "being of the same mind". Living in harmony is largely a function of practicing humility. Humility is prerequisite to being sympathetic and compassionate as such requires one to see things from someone else's perspective. Even concerning arguments, if one side has demonstrated that they have seriously considered the other person's point of view, though disagree with it, that goes a long way to settling differences. Compassion also invokes good works. Those without compassion are often at a loss as to what good works to do. Such people require some kind of personal incentive to do good. But a compassionate person does good from the heart. Note the example of the good Samaritan of Luke 10:30-37 "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion." Like Jesus "when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." Mt 9:36 Compassion also invokes forgiveness, "Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt." Mt 18:27 Developing compassion may require we go through similar experiences. Even of Jesus it was said, "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Heb 2:18 Thus living in harmony is not simply agreeing to a doctrinal statement. It involves an attitude of love and humility.

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