How To Experience The Blessings Of God
Introduction
The context of 1 Peter is literally how to experience the best blessings in the worst of time. In Chapter 2, Peter taught that living successfully as a Christian in a hostile world would require relating properly in the civil society (13-17) and the work place (18-25). Then, in Chapter 3, he added the family (1-7), and now the local church (8-9). Verses 8 and 9 give a summary of the qualities that we should express in our relationship with every person who comes into our lives. There are five admonitions in v.8 that, when heeded, present an ideal portrait of the church.
I. Personal Challenge To The Church 8
Peter tells us what we are to have.
A. The Same Mind 8a
"finally" - does not indicate the conclusion of the letter, but the conclusion of the exhortation to the various classes" all of you be of the same mind" - cannot be pressed to refer to minute details, but refers to a unity on the major and important points of Christian doctrine and practice that should be maintained among members of the Body of Christ. "live in harmony with one another" - harmonious fellowship of the church. Does Peter mean that all Christians have to think in the same manner? No, not quite. I realize that often there might be differences of opinion in peripheral matters, but this should not keep us from "being of the same mind. "I believe when we are governed by the mind of Christ, our differences do not divide but can rather enrich the church. Romans 12:16, "Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." "to be impartial" is the thought. Romans 2:11, "For there is no partiality with God."
"partiality" - to receive a face; that is, to give consideration to someone simply because of his position, wealth, influence, popularity, or appearance. Back to Romans 12:16, "Do not set your mind on high things" - to be haughty with self-seeking pride. "wise in your own opinion" - Christians are not to have conceit or feelings of superiority toward fellow-believers. Romans 15:5-6, "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Note that the consummate purpose of unity is not to please other believers but to glorify God
"one mind" - harmony, unity, akin, or together. It is a root of Acts 2:1. "One accord." God has called His children, sons and daughters, to live in harmony with Him and with one another. All of us have witnessed the harmony of our orchestra when all the instruments are in tune and all the musicians are following the lead of the conductor.
SPECIAL NOTE: When there is disharmony and disunity in the church, sin is present. Psalm 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Christians are to be of the same mind regarding spiritual attitudes and godly actions; disposition.
B. The Same Concern 8b
"having compassion for one another" - where we get our word "sympathy." Means "to be affected by something," to feel; to have feelings stirred up within one by some circumstance. To have fellow- feeling. Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." It takes as much grace sometimes to rejoice with another saint in whom God has blessed as it does to sympathize with someone who is in sadness. The brand of Christianity that fails to make us more tender and kind, more sympathetic and forbearing with others is not New Testament Christianity.
Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Sincere feelings "for" and "with" the needs of others. Compassion translates two words: suffer and together. Christians should suffer with one another and have compassion. Sunday School - Care Groups. Have you noticed the way Jesus usually helps people in need of compassion? He not only comes Himself, but He usually sends someone else.
EXAMPLE: Philippians 2:25 Epaphroditus (lovely-loving)
Look at 1 Corinthians 12:26a, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it..."
A call to mutual concern in the fellowship which maintains the unity.
C. The Same Family 8c
"love as brothers" - these ethics help portray the true gospel to the world, encourages others to believe in Christ, and brings glory to God. John 13:35, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. "Love is to serve as the distinguishing characteristic of discipleship. Wuest says the word "love" in 1 Peter 3:8 does not refer to the love that God produces in our hearts as one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is the human affection and fondness for one another as brother Christians. Same as in 1 Peter 1:22.1, Peter 1:22, "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart. "The love indicated here by Peter is the love of choice, the kind of love that can respond to a command.
"Fervently" means to stretch to the limit. It is the kind of love David and Jonathan had for each other. 1 Samuel 18:1, "Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. "William Barclay writes, "The simplest test of the reality of the Christianity of a man or a church is whether or not it makes them love their fellow- man."
D. The Same Heart 8d
"be tenderhearted" - word refers to a deep inner feeling, a clutching at the inside. The gospel writers used the verb 12 times to describe Jesus' response to suffering, grief, and heartache.
"Be pitiful," a tenderness of heart toward others (good-hearted). It depicts feelings that appear to come from our inner parts; a heart of compassion. Refers to a tenderizing influence upon the heart.
E. The Same Spirit 8e
"Be courteous" - humble-minded, having a modest opinion of one's self. Speaks of an attitude that one is not too good to serve.1 Peter 5:5, "clothe yourself with humility. "Two ways to develop humility:
1. Constantly Be Aware Of Your Utter Dependence On God
2. Constantly Be Aware That Of Yourself You Can Do Nothing
Remember, humility is the foundation for courtesy, for the humble person puts others ahead of himself.Philippians 2:3, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. "Illustrate: James Dobson's view of himself.
II. Personal Calling 9
A. Blasting 9a
As Christians, we can live on one of three levels:
1. Demonic Level
We return (repay) evil for good.
2. Dirt Level
We return good for good or evil for evil (human level).
3. Divine Level
We return good for evil Verse 9 is a reference to 1 Peter 2:21 (Jesus Christ)1 Peter 2:21, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps."
B. Blessing 9b
"blessing' - to speak well of; good word Ways To Bless:
1. Serving Him
2. Praying For Salvation
3. Praying For Spiritual Progress
4. Speaking Well Of Them
5. Desiring His Wellbeing
This whole passage in v.9 encompasses forgiveness. A person to whom God has given undeserved blessings instead of judgment should seek the blessing he will receive when giving a free gift of forgiveness to someone who has wronged him.
"not returning" - to pay back something that is owed you.
"evil for evil" - something that has been done to us
"reviling for reviling" - something that has been said about us.
Only when we forgive, can we follow through with a blessing. Peter reminds us next of the fact that when we bring blessings to others, we are blessed ourselves.
Verse 9 reminds us of our calling. We are called to be a blessing. If we say a good word, we have a potential of hearing a good word (well done).