The Good Example of Sarah

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1 Peter 3:5-6

5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

The holy women like Sarah did adorn themselves with a gentle and quiet spirit; and thus, being holy she was submissive to her husband Abraham and also to God. All wives who do the same as Sarah will become her children (spiritually). And though some may be fearful of a non-believing husband, they need not be; for they are doing what is right in the eyes of God and He will guard their souls. Evil men may kill the body but not the soul.

Inner Beauty

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1 Peter 3:3-4

3 Your adornment must not be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

The wife’s external adornment must reflect her humble submissiveness (v. 5). And I think she can be both beautiful and submissive. But Peter emphasizes here that inner beauty is more important than outer beauty. Inner beauty will not fade away as a flower. In fact, if one is growing in the Lord it will increase in beauty, in contrast to the outward beauty of the body that will decrease with age. What is this inner beauty? Peter describes it as a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious to God.

The Capture of Maduro by American Forces

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On January 2, in the middle of the night, American military forces captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and they will be brought to justice. This was a great success for the American military and for Venezuela in stopping this criminal.

But we also now see a clear indication of many Americans who are “Democratic Socialists” (Communists). We see it so clearly by their signs and marches calling for Maduro’s freedom. This is what America has come to—wanting criminals to go free, and wanting drugs in our country.

Please, let us rejoice now in seeing Venezuela free from this bad guy. Pray for the Venezuelan people to now have their country back and free.

The Great Value of Wives Submission

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1 Peter 3:1-2

1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.

In this first verse, Peter returns to the subject of submission, which he began in 1 Peter 2:12, where he instructed his readers to keep their behavior excellent (in submission to God) among the Gentiles. Then in verse 13 they were to submit to every human institution; then in verse 18, servants were to be submissive to their masters.

Here Peter returns to this subject in regard to the family. Wives are to be submissive to their husbands. And the reason is so that any husband who is a non-believer may be won over by the good behavior (submissive behavior) of his wife. Apparently, God has put it in the heart of a man (even a non-believer) to think well of a chaste and respectful wife. Unfortunately, there are a few non-believers who are so evil that they will never be won over. If that is the case, there will be constant suffering for the believing wife, and she must continually cling to God for strength, and always requesting the prayers of church members.

Our Shepherd and Guardian

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1 Peter 2:25

25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Peter may have been thinking of Isaiah 53:6, referring to our unregenerate condition, as sheep without a shepherd, unguided and unprotected from evil. But when we gave our heart to Him we repented of our sinful ways and started following Him as our Shepherd and Guardian. As our Shepherd He watches over us, guides us, and leads us in the paths of righteousness (Ps. 23). As our Guardian He is our good protector from evil, keeping our soul protected forever.

He Bore Our Sins

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1 Peter 2:24

24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

This is the mystery of the new life. Believing in Him we enter the miracle of the process of the new life. Since He died to pay for our sins, we in turn also died with Him and are freed from our sins. And because He was raised from the dead, having paid for our sins, we also, in Him, are raised with our sins paid for. Being cleansed of sin we live in righteousness.

Now putting it another way, we could say that through the wounds that He suffered on the cross, we are healed. We are spiritually healed from any ailment do to sin now, and we will be physically healed at our glorification (Rev. 21:4).

How Jesus Suffered

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1 Peter 2:23

23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;

Jesus was abused with hateful language (especially at His trial and during His crucifixion). But He did not say anything back. Mathew records (in Matt. 27:12-14): “And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?’ 14 And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed.”

The reason why he remained silent is because He knew it was His time to suffer, and He also knew that only His Father could deliver Him. So, He entrusted Himself (handed Himself over) to God whom He knew would judge Him righteously. His Father would let Him be crucified to pay for our sins, but in the end He would be resurrected and returned to heaven.

Called to Suffer as Christ Did

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1 Peter 2:21-22

21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;

We are called to salvation, and in that calling we are also called to suffer as Christ did. Hence, we have His example to follow. And He did suffer unjustly, since He committed no sin or was ever deceitful. He was a perfect man. And if we try to be as He was, we will suffer as He did, inflicted from the hands of sinful men, from Satan and his demons, from the sinful world, and from our own sinful flesh.

Enduring Unfair Treatment

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1 Peter 2:19-20

19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

God is pleased with you when you endure unfair treatment—because you are keeping a good conscience toward God. But if you are treated harshly because of some sin, we must know that our harsh treatment is fair and is what we had coming.

Servant to be Submissive to their Masters

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1 Peter 2:18

18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.

I think this verse really belongs with the previous verse; when we are submissive to our masters (anyone who is in charge of us) we are serving God. For God has put our superiors over us. Even if they are harsh and unreasonable, they are put there for His purpose—for a good purpose (Rom. 8:28).It is never God’s will for those in charge of us to be harsh or mean; however, He will work their evil out for His, and our good, according to His sovereign will.