UNITY (1 Peter 3:8-12)

 

What does it look like? What does it feel like?

1 Peter 1:3 “born again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”

A new people of God, a new covenant, a new temple, a new kingdom of priests

1 Peter 2:11-3:7 specific areas of instruction

1 Peter 3:8-12 summary thus far

3:8 “Finally, all of you, have:

Unity (harmony) of mind (Rom 12:4, Acts 4:32, John 17:21)

Sympathy (Luke 15:17-20)

Brotherly love (John 13:35)

A tender heart (Eph 4:32)

A humble mind” (Phil 2:5-11) supernatural (1:3)

These are:

evidence of a changed life (Rom 6:4)

commanded by God, and difficult!

Practical instructions (1 Peter 3:9-12, from Psalm 34)

Refuse to retaliate (3:9)

Repent – turn away from evil – STOP DOING IT (3:11)

Seek peace, and seek it hard (3:11)

Stop talking evil, and speaking deceit (3:10)

As you do, be assured of God’s help, presence & attention as you do so (3:12), and you will be blessed (3:9-10a)