A Study of 1 Peter
Chapter 3: Lesson Two
Being of One Mind
INTRODUCTION.
A. In the last lesson, we gave consideration to 1 Peter 3:1-7. In that lesson we showed:
1. A wife is to willfully be in subjection to her husband.
2. A wife’s behavior is to be chaste.
3. A biblical example of a godly wife and her behavior.
4. A husband is to dwell with his wife with knowledge, giving honor unto her as unto the weaker vessel.
5. A husband is to dwell with his wife as heirs together of the grace of life.
6. A husband is to treat his wife in the ways commanded by the scriptures so that his prayers would not be hindered or cut off.
B. In this lesson, we will consider 1 Peter 3:8-22. We will show:
1. Christians are to be of one mind.
2. There may be times when Christians will have to suffer for righteousness’ sake.
3. The Just died for the unjust.
I. CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE OF ONE MIND.
A. What does it mean for Christians to be of one mind?
1. Being of one mind means that Christians are to be striving (working) together with one mind. (Philippians 1:27)
2. Being like minded or of one mind addresses the way Christians are to treat one another. (Philippians 2:1-5; 1 Peter 3:8)
a. Christians are to have compassion toward one another. (vs 8) - The term “compassion” is translated from the Greek word “sumpathes” {soom-path-ace’} which means “suffering or feeling the like with another, sympathetic.” (Thayers)
b. Christians are to have brotherly love for one another. (vs 8) - The phrase “love as brethren” is translated from the Greek word “philadelphos” {fil-ad’-el-fos} which means “1) loving brother or sister 2) in a broader sense, loving one like a brother, loving one’s fellow countrymen.” (Thayers)
c. Christians are to be pitiful or tenderhearted. (vs 8) - The term “pitiful” (tenderhearted) is translated from the Greek word “eusplagchnos” {yoo’-splangkh-nos} which means “compassionate, tenderhearted.” (Thayers)
d. Christians are to be courteous. (vs 8) - The term “courteous” is translated from the Greek word “philophron” {fil-of’-rone} which means “friendly, kind.” (Thayers)
3. Being of one mind requires that Christians not return evil for evil or railing (reviling) for railing. (1 Peter 3:9) Christ taught and set the example for Christians to follow. (Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 3:21-23)
4. Being of one mind calls upon Christians to show blessings to each other. By showing blessings to each other, Christians will inherit blessings. Consider the reasons for rendering blessings to one another.
a. Christians are called to render blessings to others. This is how Christians are to think and to behave. (vs 9)
b. If Christians refrain their tongues from evil and their lips from guile (deceit), they will love life and see good days. (vs 10)
c. Christians are to turn away from evil, do good, and seek and pursue peace. (vs 11)
d. The Lord is watching and His ears are open to the prayers of Christians. (vs 12)
e. The Lord’s face is against those who do evil. (vs 12)
B. If Christians are of one mind, then, if a brother mistreats another Christian by sinning against him, the retaliation for that deed will be blessings (good works) as opposed to rendering evil for evil.
C. NOTE: The rendering of blessings for evil is not intended to condone the evil behavior. Any sinful behavior is to be stood up to and challenged, using God’s word.
II. SUFFERING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE.
A. Those who follow God should not come to harm (vs 13; Proverbs 16:7)
1. If a person is following God, they will obey the laws of the land. (Romans 13:1-7) A person who is doing what is right should not have to fear. (Cf. Romans 13:3,4)
2. If a person obeys God’s law, he will not face harm come judgment day. (Revelations 20:11-15)
B. There are times, however, when a Christian may suffer for doing what is right. (vs 14)
1. Christians are to rejoice when they are persecuted. (Acts 5:41; Romans 5:3; James 1:2)
2. No matter how much persecution a Christian may face, he must always remember who to fear. (Matthew 10:28)
C. How are Christians to endure the sufferings? (1 Peter 3:15-16)
1. Christians are to sanctify the Lord God in their hearts. (vs 15a)
a. Sanctify - “hagiazo” {hag-ee-ad’-zo} which means, “1) to render or acknowledge . . . 2) to separate from proface things and dedicate to God 3) to purify.” (Thayers)
b. In the statement, “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts”, “sanctify” means to acknowledge the Lord God as being holy in your heart.
2. A Christian must be sure of what he believes. A Christian should always be ready to give an answer for his hope and belief. This answer is to be given in meekness (gentleness of spirit) and fear (reverence). (vs 15b)
3. By being able to give a defense, with a good conscience, for one's hope and for one's Godly life, a Christian will put to shame those who revile his godly behavior. (vs 16)
4. Remember: It is better to suffer for doing good than to suffer for doing evil. (vs 17)
III. THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST.
A. Consider the greatest example of one who suffered for righteousness sake: Jesus Christ. Christ suffered so that He might bring his followers to God. (vs 18) NOTE: The subject of Christ suffering for sins is continued in chapter 4:1.
B. The unjust for whom Christ died would have included those who heard the message of Noah.
1. “By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.”
a. This verse is not saying that Christ went and preached to those already in prison or torment.
(1) In the account of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was in torment because he had rejected the word of the Lord as taught by Moses. Lazarus, apparently, had not rejected the word of the Lord. (Luke 16:19-31)
(2) The word “prison” which is used in I Peter 3:19 is translated from the Greek word “phulake” {foo-lak-ay’} which means “1) guard, watch 1a) a watching, keeping watch ... 1c) of the place where captives are kept, a prison.” (Thayer)
(3) Rather than the term “prison” referring to Paradise, one of the two divisions of “sheol”(the realm of the dead), it would seem more fitting for the “prison” to refer to “tartaroo” or torment; torment being the abode of the wicked dead prior to judgment.
(4) When Christ died, He did not go to “tartaroo” or torment, but rather, He went to Paradise. (Luke 23:43)
b. The preaching that was done to those who lived during the days of Noah, was done by the Spirit through Noah.
(1) “. . . but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached. . .” (1 Peter 3:18-19)
(2) Jesus was quickened by the same Spirit who, through Noah, preached to those who lived during the days of Noah.
c. Those who had rejected Noah’s message ended up in “prison” or torment; just like the rich man. (vs 19-20; Luke 16:19-31)
d. NOTE: Some believe that the prison referred to in 3:19 is referring to the 120 years of waiting while Noah built the ark, having nothing to do with tartaroo or torment. They believe that the “prison” was referring to their state of guilt of sin while the ark was being prepared.
C. Because of the suffering of Christ, the unjust living today are saved by baptism. (1 Peter 3:21)
1. During the days of Noah, eight souls were saved by water. Noah and his family obeyed God by building the ark. Water was used to keep the ark afloat. As a result of this, eight souls were saved through the use of water.
2. In the same manner (like figure, antitype) baptism now saves.
3. There is nothing special in the water of baptism; just as there was nothing special about the waters that flooded the earth.
4. Water saves a person when they obey God's commands. Just as Noah and his family was saved because they obeyed God, people today are also saved when they obey God's command to be baptized.
D. Salvation for the unjust through obeying the command to be baptized (Mark 16:16) was made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21)
1. Jesus Christ is in heaven at the right hand of God. (vs 22)
2. All angels, authorities, and powers are subject to Christ. (vs 22)
CONCLUSION.
A. As Christians, we are to be of one mind. If we all possess the same ultimate goal of serving the Lord, then we will be of one mind.
B. One definite advantage to being of one mind will be being able to properly deal with situations wherein a brother might do another brother wrong.
C. Why should we all be of one mind? Because Jesus Christ, the Just, died so that all of us, the unjust, might be made justified. If we allow other things to interfere with our remembering the price that Christ paid, then we will cease being of one mind.
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1 Peter 3 : Lesson 2 -- October 19, 2003 -- File # 718
by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK