1 Peter 3-4 ESV: Living for God in a Hostile World
In this passage, Peter continues to encourage believers to live for God despite facing persecution and hostility from the world.
Submission and Respect (3:1-6)
Wives and Husbands
3:1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
Peter addresses wives, urging them to submit to their husbands, even if their husbands are not believers. This submission is not because the wives are inferior, but because it is a way to win their husbands over to Christ through their respectful and pure conduct.
Slaves and Masters
3:18-22 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
Peter then addresses slaves, encouraging them to submit to their masters, even if they are treated unfairly. This submission is not because slaves are inferior, but because it is a way to demonstrate their faithfulness to God in the face of injustice.
Suffering for Righteousness' Sake (3:13-17)
3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
Peter reminds believers that they are blessed even when they suffer for doing what is right. They should not fear those who seek to harm them, but instead, trust in God's sovereignty.
Arm Yourselves for Suffering (4:1-6)
4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
Peter encourages believers to arm themselves with the mind of Christ, who suffered in the flesh. This mindset will help them to cease from sin and live for God.
Living for God in a Hostile World (4:7-11)
4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Peter reminds believers that the end of all things is near and encourages them to live in a way that is pleasing to God. They should be self-controlled, sober-minded, and loving towards one another. By doing so, they will demonstrate their love for God and one another, and cover a multitude of sins.
In conclusion, 1 Peter 3-4 ESV encourages believers to live for God despite facing persecution and hostility from the world. Believers are called to submit to authority, suffer for righteousness' sake, arm themselves with the mind of Christ, and live in a way that is pleasing to God.
