The clear source of suffering is an enemy we can’t see and yet who’s on the prowl for those unprepared. So be prepared! Stand firm in your faith, knowing you’re not alone in the struggle, and the struggle is only a temporary state before an eternal glory.
To those in authority over others, the goal is humility. To those under the authority of others, the goal is also . . . humility. God honors humility, but humbles the proud. We can choose to receive God’s grace by resisting that natural impulse of pride.
Peter argues that suffering is part of God’s plan for every believer; the variable remains how we will suffer. The best way to suffer is to rejoice in the knowledge that trials are normal, but temporary, and rejoicing at what’s eternal will cause extraordinary rejoicing in eternity. The best way to suffer as a Christian is to suffer unjustly, entrusting yourself to God—for in so doing “for the name of Christ, you are blessed.”
What if the end was near? I mean, really. What should each person focus on? This passage reveals the answer: prayer, love, hospitality, and service. All these he should do for one main reason: “the end of all things is at hand.”
As those who know the futility of a life of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, and drinking parties, we should arm ourselves with the fact that those things caused the death of Jesus Christ. That knowledge should spur us to live the rest of our days for the wonderful will of God and no longer for the enfeebling lusts of men.
If Christ is set apart as absolute Lord of our hearts, then we should be ready at any moment to give a reason for the hope of heaven. And once that reason is given, our good conscience and behavior—regardless of our suffering—should match the message we share. Christ exemplified this behavior of readiness amidst unjust suffering—even going so far as to proclaim, after His death, a message of victory to the damned.
Peace in the home stems from excellent behavior in the home. A practical command is given to every husband: know and honor your wife. Then an integral command is given to both spouses: return insults with a blessing—not retaliation.
Just as all believers are to submit to proper authority—even when it’s unjust—so that principle extends to the home. Peter offers practical advice to wives of unbelieving husbands, as to how excellent behavior can also be a tool through which God works on a husband’s heart.Peter also gives comfort to the weary woman who struggles with a husband who doesn’t love her.
Though citizens of a nation, in truth we are aliens and strangers in the world. And while living in the world, our behavior should reflect obedience to both governmental and vocational authority. This excellent behavior– even when treated unjustly– silences the unbelievers and pleases Christ who also unjustly suffered in this world.
The secret to avoiding futility comes when we live for what lasts. Only through God’s Word will anyone grow in respect to salvation, and only through love displayed will that salvation be shared with others.
Only two things last forever–God’s Word and God’s people.