that I have for you this morning. Let us pray as we come to God's Word. Lord, how we bless your name. You are indeed faithful, you are strong to save, and you are a good God. So, Lord, we pray that as we come to your Word, you would encourage our hearts, help us to understand the truth of what you want for us, as well as what you have done for us. And we pray this in Jesus' name, amen. Today we're going to close out the second major section of the Epistle to 1 Peter. Over the past few weeks we've been looking at the issue of proper Christian behavior in the midst of unjust suffering. So if you have your Bible, please turn with me to 1 Peter chapter 3. That's where we'll be once again today. So far, we've looked at the instructions for our response to government that is not treating its citizens in the best way, especially its Christian citizens, in the workplace. And then last week, we looked at the home and marriage. Remember that the overarching thought that motivates these instructions comes from 1 Peter 2 and verse 12. Peter writes, lives such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day that he visits us. And as we began chapter three last week, we saw that submission to the ordained authorities by God begins in the home. Peter was inspired by God to write, wives are to arrange themselves appropriately under the authority of their husbands. This is verse one. Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands. That is, arrange yourselves appropriately under the God-ordained leadership of your husband in the home. This is the Greek word hupotasso, as we've talked about. It's translated as submit here. Because even in the case of a non-Christian or a disobedient Christian spouse, the respectful behavior of a wife may influence her husband to find faith in Christ. This is the second part. of verse one, so that if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and the reverence of your lives. We further saw that Christian women are to be more concerned with inward character than outward appearance. This is verses three and four. Your beauty should come not from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty. of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight. Peter goes on to commend the wives of the Old Testament who were submissive to their husbands, verses five and six. For this was the way that the holy women in the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands like Sarah. who obeyed Abraham and called him her Lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear." And although Peter found it necessary to use six verses to make the point to wives and only one verse to husbands, we observed an additional four points of instruction in that single verse. First, husbands are to know God's instructions and his wife's needs. Verse 7, husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives. Now, we noted that considerate, though it's a legitimate translation, the literal Greek there says, lives according to knowledge. That is, both knowledge of God's design, plans, and purposes for marriage, and his wife's wants and needs, which is where the considerate comes from. Second, we saw that husbands are to value their wives as the precious gifts that they are. Treat them with respect as the weaker partner. Treat them with respect, as translated by the NIV, is probably not the best rendering, we said. Honor them, or even better, value them is closer to the original meaning. Third, husbands are not to see their wives as somehow inferior, even though we have been ordained by God to be the heads of our households. This is the third part of verse seven. Our wives are heirs with us of the gracious gift of life. We noted that husbands are not spiritually or mentally superior to our wives simply because God has ordained men to hold the positions of leadership in the home and church. Men and women alike are co-heirs of salvation and all the blessings that are yet to come in God's eternal kingdom. And finally, we saw that husbands are to obey these instructions lest we lose our spiritual power and our vitality. We value our wives, we treat them well, so that nothing will hinder our prayers, which is the key to spiritual power in our Christian lives. Our message title today is Instructions for All Christians. And as Peter has been inspired to deal with Christian behavior in response to specific cases, under mistreatment by governmental authorities, under mistreatment of employees, as well as in life in the home, To close this section, he is now inspired to broaden his focus once again to all believers and to deal both with responsibilities for living as a part of the Christian community as well as living in the hostile pagan world. So in verses eight to 12, Peter gives instructions for living in Christian community in the midst of hostile pagans. Peter gives instructions for living in community in the midst of hostile pagans. Let me read this section and we will go ahead and dig into breaking it apart. Verse 8, All of you be like minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good. They must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Chuck Swindoll reminds that Peter's purpose in this section of the letter is to describe with accuracy the strange life that we are to live as Christians in relation to the world. This list of Christian virtues he is about to enumerate certainly flies in the face of prevailing cultural norms, setting believers apart as God's holy people in an unholy world. But again and again, Peter ties this lifestyle of holiness to the life of hope. Consistent anticipation of the rewards that will come at the second appearing of the Lord Jesus. Holy living can only come as we embrace Christ, our hope in hurtful times. So in verse eight, Peter states that Christians are called to cultivate positive character traits. Christians are called to cultivate positive character traits. Five are given here, and in various translations, one to six words are used to convey the concepts that are involved. But in the original Greek, we actually have five individual words. And interestingly, all but one of them are used only here. in the New Testament. The fifth is only used in one other place, but the concepts that Peter uses are prevalent, both in the Old Testament and in the New. So verse eight, finally, all of you be like-minded, or we might say be harmonious. Be harmonious. The Greek word is homophron. and it means to be basically of the same mind. Now, this concept, though not the specific word, appears multiple times in Paul's letters. 1 Corinthians 1.10, he forms it as an appeal. I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. To the Romans, Paul expresses the idea almost as a prayer or a benediction. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind towards each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God. To the Philippians, he makes it a command. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I'll know that you stand firm in the one spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed. but that you will be saved, and that by God. In the following chapter, it becomes a plea based on Christian's common salvation experience. Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, Paul writes, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being in one spirit and of one mind. Chuck Swindoll correctly points out, like-mindedness implies oneness of heart, similarity of purpose, and agreement on major points of doctrine. But he also cautions, unity is not the same as uniformity, where everybody looks and acts exactly the same, nor is it the same as unanimity, when everybody agrees 100% on everything. Peter isn't calling us to sing together in unison, but in harmony. which means we all contribute our unique notes in a beautiful chorus that far surpasses any single note. Second character trait given for a healthy Christian community is that we are called to share in one another's feelings. Share in others' feelings. Most modern translations render this, be sympathetic. Because the original Greek word is actually where we get that English word. Sympathy. Supathase. It's suffering or feeling along with another. And if you recall the Old Testament story of Job, you know that in one day, God allowed Satan to destroy or carry off Job's possessions so that he lost oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, and many servants, and as the coup de gras, Job's children were all killed when Satan sent a mighty wind to collapse the building where they were feasting. And not long after then, at Satan's instigation, God also allowed Job to be afflicted with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. And Scripture says that in all this, Job did not sin by causing or charging God with wrongdoing. But when Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, the shortest guy in the Bible, Sorry. And so far the Nemethite heard about all the troubles that had come upon him. They set out from their homes and they met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. This is what true friends do. When misfortune or trouble falls, Though, too, if you do know the story, despite their good intentions, Job's friends didn't turn out to be very good comforters. They wrongly blamed him for some secret sin that were causing his misfortunes. But Paul was inspired to write to the Corinthians, God has put the body, meaning the church, together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body. but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." In the second letter to the same church, he points out that God sometimes allows us to suffer in order that we would be better able to come alongside those who suffer similarly. This is 2 Corinthians 1, beginning in verse 3. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, So also our comfort abounds through Christ. The third character trait that's listed here tells us that we are to have brotherly love for one another. Current version of the NIV says, love one another. The old NIV says, love as brothers. The net says, be affectionate. This is the Greek word philadelphos. And it means having the love of a brother or sister, or to be a friend, to be friendly to someone, to wish them well. It speaks of someone who is dear to you. It's the adjective form of the word Philadelphia, and it deals with affection and affinity. We've already seen Peter make this command in chapter one. Now you can love, you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of God's word. So see that you really do love each other intensely with all your hearts. Paul echoes these commands in his letters, 1 Thessalonians 4. Now about your love for one another, we do not need to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, do so more and more. To the Romans, he writes, be devoted to one another in love and honor one another above yourselves. The Believer's Bible Commentary quotes an unknown author, God does not ask, God does not ask us whom we would like to be our brethren. This is settled for us, but we're bidden to love them anyway. Irrespective of our natural predilections and tastes, you say that's impossible. But remember that true love does not necessarily originate in the emotions, but in the will. It consists not in feeling, but in doing. Not in sentiment, but in actions. Not in soft words, but in noble and unselfish acts. And so we differentiate between the two primary forms of love that are mentioned in the Bible most often. Philadelphia or philadelphos, this brotherly love suggests proper feelings while agape love focused more on actions, determined actions to bless in spite of our feelings. The fourth character trait that makes for an excellent Christian community is being good-hearted, being good-hearted. It's translated, be compassionate. The New American Standard says, kind-hearted, while the King James reads, renders it as be pitiful. Okay, that's... Kind of goes a little weird. You're supposed to be... I'm supposed to be pitiful? Well, full of pity, if you look at it that way, would be the best one. But the word in Greek is actually eus... euspagnos. And it's a compound word of ewe, meaning good or well, and spagnos means bowled. Literally having good bowels. And that literal translation points out why literal translations aren't always the best. Most of the time they are, but because language and ideas, idioms, change over the centuries, The original concept, frankly, of this certainly is lost to modern readers, and we mentioned the word conversation last week in the King James. Doesn't mean talking to one another, it means your manner of life. So in biblical times, the seed of the more intense emotions such as anger and love was considered to be the bowels or the gut. Hebrews in that day viewed the gut as the source of tenderer affections, especially kindness, benevolence, compassion, and so on. In our modern day, though, we assign those emotions to the heart, tender mercies, affections, and so on. So we might say that Eusphanglos speaks of a heart in which mercy resides. Figuratively, then, someone who is euspanglos, is compassionate, is tenderhearted. And the only other time that this word is used is by Paul in instructing the Ephesians. Be kind and compassionate, euspanglos, to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Believer's Bible Commentary writes that God calls us to have a heart that is sensitive to the needs and the feelings of others, a heart that refuses to turn cold, callous, or cynical in spite of abuse. Warren Wiersbe wisely warned some 35 years ago, these days though, we're deluged with so much bad news that is easy for us to get insulated and unfeeling. We need to cultivate compassion and actively show others that we are concerned for them. And if that was true 35 years ago, how much more today? Final character trait Peter's inspired to command here could variously be rendered as kindness, courtesy, or humility. Kindness, courtesy, or humility. NIV says be humble. The King James opts for be courteous. The Greek is philophrone. It's a compound meaning friendly of mind. The idea also includes a lack of pride in oneself and the elevation of others. As it says in the book of Proverbs, a person's pride will bring him low. but a humble spirit will obtain honor. Paul writes to the Romans, by the grace given to me, I say to every one of you, do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with the faith that God has distributed to each of you. For just as each one of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Just a few later, verses later, he adds, so live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Again, the Believer's Bible commentary suggests that courtesy means humbly thinking of others and doing the gracious thing. Courtesy serves others before self. It jumps at the opportunity to serve and assist. It expresses prompt appreciation for kindnesses received. It's never coarse, vulgar, or rude. Now, Peter is now inspired to move from these five excellent character traits that will make for a healthy and happy Christian community to the larger context of the pagan world as we move into verse nine. But we should point out that before we move on, these five characteristics also will help a Christian stand out positively to the world. watching world as well. In verse nine, though, the focus appears to shift to behavior in the pagan world that is often hostile to Christians. And again, though, we may also suggest that these instructions will help us avoid conflict in the church as well. So Peter writes that Christians are called to reject revenge and avoid responding in kind. Christians are called to reject revenge and are to reject responding in kind. Verse nine, do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. It's not an easy command to display. It's not natural for us as human beings, even saved human beings. Our example, though, is the Lord Jesus himself, as we saw at the end of chapter two in this letter. It's a passage that we looked at just two weeks ago. which we said was unjust suffering, you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth. And 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. He is our example in all of this. Paul instructs the Romans, do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. This is entrusting yourself to him who judges justly. For it's written, it is mine to avenge. I will repay, says the Lord. Paul declares to the Corinthians, when we are cursed, we bless. When we are persecuted, we endure it. And when we are slandered, we answer kindly. This is the call for Christians. Worsby suggests that people can live on one of three possible levels. We can return evil for good, which is satanic. We can return good for good and evil for evil, which is the human level. That's what most people normally do. Or we can return good for evil, which is the divine level, the level of life to which Christians are called. Indeed, Peter is inspired to declare that Christians are called to be a blessing. We are called to be a blessing. second half of verse nine. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. This instruction clearly flows from Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount where he said, you've heard it said, Eye for an eye and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, we'll hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You've heard it said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you so that you may be children of your father in heaven. He causes his son to rise on the evil and the good and he sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. And if you love those who love you what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect. Now when Jesus says this, he is actually, we wanna be sure that we understand, we're talking about personal level, okay? The government is in place. to pay back evildoers, all right? So when people commit crimes or do wrongs, the government is perfectly entitled to an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. We're talking about the personal level here that Jesus is talking about. We are not, as Christians, to respond, I'm going to get even with you. Again, Paul writing in the Romans commanded, bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. This blessing comes from the Greek word eulogio. It speaks of praising someone, of praying for them, or asking God's blessing on them, as well as potentially doing good to and for them. We actually get our English word eulogy from this Greek word. A few verses later in Romans, Paul is inspired to quote Proverbs 25, 21 to 22, giving a slightly different perspective on why one might want to do this. On the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he's thirsty, give him something to drink. And in doing this, this will heap burning coals on his head. I've always loved that verse. It seems like an odd reason to bless someone, but if you're looking for a way to get even, Biblically, Christians are called to bless rather than curse. And in so doing, Peter is inspired to say that we will inherit a blessing as a result. Some commentators take this to mean that Peter is speaking of eternal rewards that we will receive when we get to God's heaven, while others see a temporal blessing in this life for obedience. Possibly, or probably, it's actually both. Wayne Grudemhaber points out, in the larger context of First Peter, such blessings do not include freedom from opposition or suffering. The blessings of the New Testament age generally are more spiritual, psychological, and interpersonal, and less the material or physical that are emphasized in the Old Testament. So, how are we as Christians able to have this totally radical response to evil and insults? Well, I would suggest to you that Philippians 4 is a good place to start. Rejoice in the Lord always. I'll say it again, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all because the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And he declares a few verses later, I'm not saying this because I'm in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need. I know what it is to have plenty. I've learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Peter's inspired an extra quote from Psalm 34, read it this morning, to continue his point regarding this counter-cultural way that Christians are to behave in the world. We're called to keep a tight rein on our tongues, okay? Christians are called to keep a tight rein on our tongues. Look at verse 10. For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. This truth is a recurrent theme in both the Old Testament and the New. In Proverbs, we find it written, Proverbs 21, And the psalmist asked, Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, and who speaks truth from their heart, whose tongue utters no slander and does no wrong to a neighbor. He casts no slur on others. The most thorough discussion of this topic, the place of the tongue, is in James. And he writes in the third chapter of that epistle, we all stumble in many ways. Anyone who's never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise then. The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body and sets the whole course of one's life on fire. And it itself is set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind. but no human being can tame the tongue. It's a restless evil full of deadly poison. And with the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praising and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? We can't do it humanly. It's only in the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to tame our tongues. There's a marvelous little prayer that's contained in Psalm 141. Be a good one to post on your refrigerator or on the bathroom mirror to remind you to ask God daily if this is a problem for you or maybe even if you're not sure that it is. Set a guard over my mouth, Lord. Keep watch over the door of my lips. What a great prayer to pray every single day before you start things off. Set a guard over my mouth, Lord. Keep watch over the door of my lips that I might not say something stupid, that I might not say something that offends, that I might not say something that dishonors the name of Christ. We're called to speak the truth in love, in love. Both of those are so important. The word translated here, deceit, doesn't just speak of lying, but also particularly of speech that is deceptive or clever or cunning in order to get one's way, to trick somebody into doing something that they would otherwise be unwilling to do. Wiersbe points out the fact that David through Peter is not encouraging us to love life in the sense of loving the world and its pleasures, but rather, as an opportunity to serve the Lord. He writes, we can decide to endure life and make it a burden, to escape life as though we were running from a battle, or to enjoy life because we know that God is in control and by faith make the most of every situation. Next, Peter quotes verse 11 of Psalm 34. where it says Christians must flee from evil and pursue peace. Christians must flee from evil and pursue peace. They must turn from evil and do good. They must seek peace and pursue it. Again, Paul's inspired words to the Romans in chapter 12 of that letter, echo this command. It's quoted from Psalm 34, hate what is evil, cling to what is good. And a few verses later, he reiterates, do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. And to Timothy, he wrote, flee the evil desires of youth, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Again, Jesus said in his sermon on the mount, blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Chuck Swindoll in his commentary writes of Christians who've grown old but not grown up. Though they may have been believers for multiple decades, they still behave as though they're three-year-olds. He writes, Christians should not jump to their feet when wrong, dig in their heels when challenged, nor clench their fists when crossed. Whether it's over minor doctrinal differences or the color of the new carpet, Christians often fail to pursue peace and instead promote controversy and sometimes even open conflict. That sort of behavior should not be. We also have to point out though, as a number of commentators do here, we can't pursue peace at any cost. James wrote, the wisdom that comes first from heaven is first of all pure, then peace loving. Consider it submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. Notice though in that verse, pure comes first. There are things that are worth quarreling over. When righteousness and the essentials of the gospel are at stake, we can't just link arms with anyone who says, well, why can't we just all get along? Doctrine does matter. I'll refer you to the latest issue of our IFCA magazine. I think we've got some out on the railing out there. It's The Voice. There's a number of excellent articles on the dangers of what is known as the ecumenical movement, an attempt to bring conservative believers alongside others who are liberal and maybe not even Christian at all. That's why Paul was inspired to write to his protege Timothy how false teaching can stir up trouble in the church. If anyone teaches otherwise, he writes, and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and the godly teaching, they're conceited and they understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between people of a corrupt mind who've been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. We don't seek peace with such people. We have to confront them. So ultimately, Paul's words to the Romans should be our guide. If it is possible As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Sometimes it's not possible, but that should be our goal. That should be our attitude. We're to pursue peace whenever it is prudent, whenever it is proper. Quotation continues telling us that God watches over and listens to the pleas of Christians. Verse 12, for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. This verse speaks of the providential care of the Lord for those who are his own. He watches over you and I as believers. And this word for prayer here speaks specifically of seeking, of asking, of entreating because we have a need. God hears Christians please for aid and for assistance. It says in Proverbs, the Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. And James writes, therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. And I need to point out, though, that we should not somehow assume that it is our righteousness that gains us this ability to be heard by God. Rather, it is the prayer of faith made by those who know that they have no righteousness of their own to claim before God. He hears those who recognize that the only righteousness we have is that of Christ, the righteousness that has been credited to us when we trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Paul wrote to the Philippians, whatever gains were gains to me, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What's more, I consider everything loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For whose sake I've lost all things and I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from following the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. And so I want to know Christ. Yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow attaining to the resurrection of the dead. Worsby suggests, since Peter quoted from Psalm 34, it's profitable to read the entire psalm, because it describes what God means by good days. They're not necessarily days free from problems. For the psalmist wrote about fears in verse four, troubles in verse six and 17, afflictions in verse 19, and even a broken heart in verse 18. A good day for the believer who loves life is not one in which he or she is pampered and sheltered, but one in which we experience God's help and blessing because of life's problems and trials. This is a day in which he magnifies the Lord, experiences answers to prayer, tastes the goodness of God, and senses that the Lord is truly near. Finally, the quotation in this section closes with the warning that God's face is hardened against evildoers. God's face is hardened against evildoers. Second half of verse 12. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil. The prophet Isaiah was inspired to write, your iniquities have separated you from your God. Your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear your prayers. You know, the only prayer that God will hear from a non-believer is the prayer of repentance and faith in Jesus. If you don't know Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you have no access in prayer to heaven. None whatsoever. He, you're separated from Him. He will not hear your prayers unless you're saying, Lord, I recognize my sin and I repent and I want Jesus to be my Savior and my Lord. That prayer He will hear from anyone. Few chapters later in Isaiah it says, all of us have become like one who is unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. We all shrivel up like a leaf and the wind sweeps our sins away. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you for you have hidden your face from us and you have given us over to our sins. The final quotation from Psalm 34 actually leaves out the end of the 34 16 leaves out the end of the verse. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The phrase speaks of the final end time judgment of God on the wicked, as does Revelation chapter six. Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the lamb, for the great day of his wrath has come, and who can withstand it? The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil to blot out their name from the earth. Wayne Grudem wisely reminds, this passage in 1 Peter 3 cannot be taken as evidence for salvation by good works, yet it does present a bold affirmation of the relationship between righteous living and God's present blessing in this life. As such, it provides a needed corrective to careless, half-hearted Christians living in any age and a powerful motivation to the kind of holy living which Peter says all Christians have been called to as a result of their faith. Holy living is the result of faith in Christ. It is not the reason for our salvation. But if you do love the Lord, if you place your faith and trust in him, I believe that scripture is clear, there ought to be some results. Let's pray. Lord, how we bless you, how we thank you for your many kindnesses to us. You call us, Lord, to a radically counterculture life, and we pray that you would enable us, through your Holy Spirit, to not only accomplish that, but desire to accomplish that. Help us, Lord, as your people, to live in a way that we would stand out amongst those who are lost and dying, that we might receive opportunity to share the love of Christ, to be a blessing and not a curse to them. We pray this in your excellence.