Lesson 15

The First Epistle of Peter

World English Bible translation

Today's Scripture

3:13 Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good? 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled." 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: 3:16 having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.

Today's Lesson

Peter had spoken to several groups about their duties to one another. He had spoken to everyone about their duties to honor the king and all of his governors. He had written to servants to honor their masters and to wives and husbands to honor one another. He even wrote to the whole community that they must be compassionate with one another. In each of these admonitions Peter was attempting to build up their courage and their faith so that they might withstand the persecutions that they were beginning to suffer.

In Today's Scripture, Peter instructs them that if they must suffer, they should suffer for doing good. God has promised that all that suffer for doing good will be blessed. By following the example of Christ we should entrust ourselves to God who judges all men righteously. No suffering can come to us that God does not permit and God uses all that we encounter to instruct us and move us closer to Him.

Peter tells them that when they suffer, they should not fear. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled." When our faith rises above our fears we realize that the things that once caused us to fear are nothing compared to the holiness and the power of God. It is easy when we undergo trials to forget that the Creator of all things is with us and there is no need to fear. But one of the primary purposed for suffering and trials is to teach us to depend only on God. The sooner we learn this basic principle the sooner we can progress in our Christian walk.

Peter instructs them that instead of fear they should sanctify God in their hearts and be ready to give an answer to people when they see that there is hope in your hearts. When we learn to face fear with courage and faith the world will begin to take notice and they will wonder how we can face the trials that we do and still have faith. It is important that we be able to express in some way that the way that we can endure hardship is through the power of God in our lives.

When evildoers speak against us, other people will see our good works and see that God is reflected in our lives. Our faith will be a testament to how God sustains His people. In the end, even those who reviled us will be put to shame. We do not have to be concerned with retribution. God confirms that for those that do evil, evil will be visited on them in due course.

Do you have the faith not to fear? Can you trust God to be with you and to take away your fears in the time of trial? God is with His children. His eyes are on them and His ears hear their prayers. You need never be alone again.

Psalm / Past Lesson / Next Lesson / Lesson Archive / Home