Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9

One message I think the Church misses from the Bible is unity. In today’s Christianity, we have so many different denominations and sects of Christianity, we look ridiculous to the unsaved world. The reality is, this is not Biblical. Look at what the Apostle Peter states here “Be you all of One Mind” Peter didn’t say “split into thousands of different denominations because we disagree on secondary issues”Be of One Mind” other translations say “have unity of mind”, like-minded” 

Now I understand there can be time for splits over salvational issues, however let’s be honest, the majority of division in the Church is about secondary , non-salvation issues. These Christians have a different worship style then these Christians, so we just won’t associate with each other. This is not Biblical, frankly I think its a sin. If someone is a brother or sister in Christ, you should love them just as your own community

As the Apostle Peter continues “having compassion for one another, love as brothers and sisters, be tenderhearted, be courteous” Imagine if Christians actually read their Bibles and followed these instructions? Many times in my experience, its seems are greatest enemies are “other Christians”. All you have to do is go on social media and you will see Christian vs Christian on a daily basis, it’s bring great dishonor to our Lord

As the Apostle Peter teaches us here “don’t return evil for evil, but on the contrary blessing” Do we remember Jesus teaching “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) Peter is applying that same teaching, don’t return evil for evil, return a blessing. This is a hard teaching for us all to grasp, but this is what we were called to do as disciples of Christ. Imagine if the Church treated each other with these same standards!

Knowing that you were called to this, to inherit a blessing, you might say I’m not loving my neighbor or turning the other cheek, what is the point? Well the Apostle Peter states you were called to live like this so you may inherit the blessing of God. As a Christian, this is your calling, be all of One Mind, the One Body of Christ in Jesus name Amen!

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3:1-4

The Apostle Peter then continues with the theme of obedience and submission as a Christian. We see this in the submission to Christ as Lord, and the submission and obedience to the Church, and also in the family and marriage, submission and obedience is a central part of the Christian life. This is obviously not well received by the world, as the world wants to be in disobedience to authority and worship themselves

Secondly the Apostle Peter gives a glimpse into what is true beauty. The world is obsessed with their looks, their clothes, their beauty is based upon their outward appearance. However God sees beauty from within, true beauty comes from a kind heart and soul, not from your selfie on your social media account. A meek and quiet spirit is more honorable to God than a loud obnoxious woman. Again this is alien to the world , because the world is groomed to be in opposition to God

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 1 Peter 3:5-7

The Apostle Peter gives Sarah as an example to live by, Sarah even referred to Abraham as “lord”. What a concept, a husband and wife showing each other mutual respect, Peter then gives the husbands instructions to “give honor to your wife” Marriage is about mutual love and respect for one another, however there is order and structure to the family, just as there is order and structure to the Church

In todays culture, the Apostle Peter would be canceled, and maybe some of his teachings prick your heart also, but just remember this, Peter is under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, his teachings have value from God. Before you go and dismiss him and the other Apostles, carefully consider what he is trying to say and how this can be applied in our lives

I want to end with this quote by Peter here “As Being Heirs together of the grace of life” Peter is not preaching a male chauvinist doctrine, he’s teaching the blueprint giving to him by God, that we can live in Gods Kingdom together as Heirs of Jesus Christ, Amen! 

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 2:21-25

If there is any question, who the prophecy of Isaiah 53 is about, the Apostle Peter , under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, makes it very clear that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the suffering servant in Isaiah. Those who claim the Messiah would never die for the sins of the world, don’t understand God’s salvation plan for humanity and they also don’t understand their state of depravity.

And as we reflect on the cross, and all the suffering that Christ endured for us, only because he loves us, the Apostle Peter makes a profound statement “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps” So much for prosperity gospel, so much for Christian nationalism, no you are going to suffer for Christ because Christ suffered for you!

This idea that we are going to escape any suffering or persecution in Christ is not Biblical. In fact Jesus taught completely the opposite , Christ said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, they must deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) or Jesus taught “Anyone who endures to the end , shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13) This idea that you are going to “live your best life now” is not only not Biblical, its blasphemy to be honest. You woulds have to deny all the teachings of Christ and the Apostles to come to that conclusion

Now before we end this devotional, I want you to reread the words of Peter here , over and over. Understand the suffering Christ endured for your soul, understand Christ only did this because he loves you and wants to set you free from the wrath to come. If you understand this, why wouldn’t you be willing to give your life to Jesus Christ? This world has nothing to offer that is greater than the love of Jesus Christ

Who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree (cross), that we, being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness. Christ paid the penalty for your sins, for my sins, can you grasp a God who would do this? Can you grasp the love your Creator has for his rebellious creation? That we may be declared righteous before our Heavenly Father, only because of the precious blood of Jesus Christ and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit

What would Jesus do? Christ is our example, learn from him by his word, live for him by your actions, be obedient to him because Christ is your Lord and God, Amen!

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17

As we continue with this theme about being in a “New Exodus” in Christ, this brings up alot of questions for practical reasons. How do we live as Christians in a evil nation? What is the role and responsibility of a Christian in a worldly nation? This topic is actually talked about alot in the Bible!

Jesus spoke on this topic saying “Render to Caesar what is Ceasors, and Render to God what is Gods” (Matthew 22) Jesus is simply instructing us to pay our taxes that are owed to the government and pay the tithe that we owe to God. Just because we are Christians, and are set apart from the world, doesn’t mean we live in rebellion to the world. We as Christians need to represent Christ to the world, we are not going to disobey all laws or refuse to pay what we owe to the government, we are to be good citizens. 

Now of course the question comes up, what if the Law of the land disagrees with the Law of God. Well as the Apostle Peter once said “We obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29) As the Apostle Paul said “We strive to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18) As Christians were not looking for trouble, were not looking to riot and burn cities down, however we also are not going to conform to the evil ways of the world, there is a fine line we must walk as Christians

Going back to what the Apostle Peter is saying “Submit yourself to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake” Why do we submit to the government?  Because we submit to The Lord first, how we live our lives represents Christ. So how do we submit to authorities? The basics that all citizens would do, we pay our taxes, we follow simple laws, we love our neighbors! 

The Apostle Peter makes a great statement here “Live as Free people, but don’t use your freedom as excuse to do evil” We are free in Christ, we are set apart and we are citizens of Gods Kingdom (Philippians 3:20) However this doesn’t mean we disregard all laws placed by a nation or government. Within reason, we try to be good citizens and maintain law and order, again if something is immoral we won’t comply, but for most basic laws , we will comply to keep the peace

Why do you think the world has be so threatened by Christians since the beginning? Because we are under the rule of a different King, the Lord of Lords, the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and every knee only bows to his name and no other, Amen!

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12

When we read about the Exodus in the Old Testament, many Christians probably wonder “What does that have to do with me today”? One thing is we can learn from the Israelites about the Exodus, because as Christians in the world today, you are in a New Exodus. Notice how the Apostle Peter addresses the Church, “You as strangers and pilgrims” Some English translations say “as Foreigners and Exiles”

So what does the Apostle Peter mean by this? Well because as a Born Again Christian, you are set apart from the world in Christ. We are not like the world or even comfortable in this world. Many Christians today you can’t tell them apart from the world, and that’s a clear sign of the fruit they are producing, good or bad (Matthew 7) 

So going back to the Exodus story, just as the Israelites lived in Egypt and among the rule of Egypt, they were not part of Egypt, they didn’t identify or conform to the ways of Egypt, they were clearly set apart as Children of God. The Church needs to be clearly identified as apart from the world. As we are called pilgrims in this world, as we  continue to way for our Exodus into our Promised Land, the New Heavens and Earth (Revelation 21, Isaiah 65) This world today is not the promised land, this is our mission field as the Church

What happens when you become friends with the world? As the Apostle Peter says “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” As Jesus said “What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul?” (Mark 8:36) When you align yourself with the world, you open your flesh upon to the temptations and pleasures of this world, which war against your soul. 

Now with all this said, this doesn’t mean we all become monks and live in a cave, as Jesus said “My prayer is not to take them out of the world, but you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15) As the Church we have work to do, the Great Commision needs to be filled (Matthew 28:19) we are the salt and light (Matthew 5) We are called to live in this world in Christ but not be part of this world. This can be a difficult rope walk to take, but this is why we need the Church to support one another, and be led by the Holy Spirit in all things

We can be an example for the unsaved in this dark world, as Peter says here “May your good works, which they behold, glorify God” When the world looks at us they should be able to see we are Christians by our works, by our love, by being set apart in Jesus name Amen!

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Nowadays when we hear “The Chosen” we think about the new streaming series that is supposed to be based on The Bible, however the fact is even before that show existed, you are The Chosen! Every Christian who has become Born Again in Christ was chosen by Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4)

This is a very difficult concept for our human minds to comprehend, at least for mine. That our salvation was already chosen before we even existed, now I’m not looking to start an argument over soteriology, however if we believe the Bible is the Word of God, then we must believe what it says! However you want to incorporate will into this equation, the reality is we were chosen by God before the foundation of the world

The Apostle Peter starts here by saying “You are a chosen generation” or chosen race, nation, or family, you were selected by God Almighty. Not only were you Chosen, but you are also expected to be a royal priesthood and holy nation. That is very high expectations from our Lord, wouldn’t you say? So while being Chosen may make some feel arrogant, this comes with very high expectations of our Lord and God

So what are we to do as the Chosen? Peter goes on to say “That you are to proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of the darkness” How did you ever become saved? You were chosen, you were called out by the Father and led to Christ to be baptized by the Holy Spirit. And your new calling is to give glory, to serve, and to share the gospel of your Lord and God

We all had a past at one time, but as the Apostle Peter says “But are Now the people of God” Whatever you were before, when you become Born Again, you are now a Child of God, you are part of God’s Kingdom and Nation of people, you have been chosen, you have been elected. Which now have obtained mercy because you are the Chosen family of God in Jesus name Amen!

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 1 Peter 2:4-7

Notice when the Bible makes reference to Christ and to Gods people, he references them as stones, that means they are permanent and unmovable. The question today for you “Is Jesus your Cornerstone of your life”? Now you might not understand what I mean, so let me clarify with the scriptures that are provided today in our reading

The Apostle Peter is quoting the Old Testament when he makes the statement “Behold, I (God) lay in Zion a Chief Cornerstone” (Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22) the stone which the builders (Israel) rejected is the chief cornerstone (Christ). Jesus is the foundation of our faith, everything is built upon Him and laid on him, that’s why Christ is called The Rock. The Messiah who Israel rejected, is the only One who can bring salvation for our souls!

As Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-27, those who built their house upon the sand will not be able to withstand the storms of life, however those who built their house upon the rock (Jesus Christ) will stand forever . We need to build our life and faith upon Jesus Christ, the chief Cornerstone, all other options are sinking sand. No matter how strong your faith is, there will come a time when the storms of life come, if you are not built upon the rock, the foundation of your house will crumble!

Not only is our Lord the Cornerstone, but we as Children of God are called Living Stones. When we put genuine faith in Christ, our foundation is solid. We think back to the pandemic a few years ago, the faith of many believers was shaken, many Church buildings were shut down temporarily, many were afraid of getting sick and dying. What happened? There were many Christians who have not truly built their faith on the Rock , Jesus Christ. However there were many Living Stones, who kept pressing on, because they knew Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone. Whatever was going to happen, we would not be forsaken!

The Apostle Peter says we are a “Holy Priesthood” in Christ. Just like the Levitical priest line in the Mosaic Covenant, their lives were to service the Temple and God, this is our calling in Christ , to serve and worship God always! Whatever we do, we do it all for the glory of God!

So back to the original question, is your life built upon the Rock Jesus Christ? Does the life you live reflect this profession of faith? Build your life upon the Chief Cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and you will never be forsaken by the storms of life, Amen!