1Peter, #3 How Christian Affects Your Life & Relationships 1Peter 2:13 - 3:12

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  Let’s review what we’ve already learned: >1Peter was written to Christians in a changing political/religious world. >It was written largely to warn of and strengthen saints for impending persecution.

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  Specifically, we’ve seen that: >Peter is urging these scattered aliens to live exemplary lives of holiness and right conduct regardless of the circumstance.  What we’ll see now is that the lifestyle of holiness will change every facet of their lives…. >as Citizens, as Servants, & as Spouses

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  Or put another way, their lives >in Society >in the Workplace &>in the Home must now be dominated by their dedication to do the right thing because it is the right thing!

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  Otherwise, whatever they suffer by way of persecution will: be deserved, destroy their faith, fail to properly influence others, and cost them not only their lives, but their souls as well!

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  Therefore, living righteously in persecution will change their relationship to the Government. 1Peter 2:13-16 >vv Submission is required to all forms of government. -It is God’s requirement- not our choice. -Such is ordained by Him, Rom.13:1-4 >v.15 The purpose is at least partially evangelistic. cf. 3:17

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  So, >v.16 -Act as free men -Don’t abuse your freedom & -Use it for God’s purposes.  What does this mean in practical terms? >v.17 -Honor all men, -Love the brotherhood, -Fear God (rather than the government) -Honor the king.

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  Living righteously in persecution will also change their relationship in the Workplace. 1Peter 2:18-20 >v.18 Submission is required…. -with respect -to the unreasonable as well >v.19 Suffering unjustly finds favor with God. He doesn’t desire it, but >v.20 Prefers it over suffering justly!

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  Why are these things so???? 1Peter 2:21-25 >v.21 It is your purpose because it was Christ’s purpose. >v.22 He suffered sinlessly, we don’t. >v.23 He overcame the temptation to return evil for evil by trusting God! >v.24 He did so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. >v.25 If we would Sheep of His Fold, we must follow the steps of the Shepherd!

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  Living righteously in persecution will also change their relationship in the Home…. 1Peter 3:1-6 For the Wives: >v.1 Submission to disobedient husbands without a word, can influence them for good. >v.2 The proper behavior is required. >vv.3-4 Proper adornment is required inside and out! >vv.5-6 “Yes” it will too work! It did before!

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  Living righteously in persecution will also change their relationship in the Home…. 1Peter 3:7 For the Husbands: >live with them >in an understanding way (as weaker & as a woman) >grant (apportion or assign) her honor >otherwise, your relationship with God suffers!

1Peter, #3- How Christianity Affects Life & Relationships  The Summation: 1Peter 3:8-12 >v.8 Harmony, sympathy, kindness, and humility is required in each of these relationships to be pleasing to God. >v.9 Otherwise, you’re no better/different than anyone else, cf. Matt.5:  The Key to Victorious, Happy Living? vv.10-12