1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
Our Verse of the Day comes from a passage that focuses on suffering for doing good. The Apostle Peter provides his insight as one who suffered for his faith in Christ Jesus; and he explains that even Jesus was made to suffered for righteousness. So believers of all generations share this common experience with the Lord Jesus Himself. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Cf. John 16:33) So, let’s look at our verse in its context:
1 Peter 3:13-18 (NIV)
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” (Cf. Isaiah 8:12) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
I think we can all agree that suffering for the name of Christ is and will be a given for believers … especially as we move closer to the Day of the Lord. And Peter gives us our application: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect….” Though unbelievers will speak maliciously against our good behavior in Christ, the Lord will be our vindication. So wait patiently for the Lord. Take heart because He has overcome the world. And I pray we will remember and trust that Jesus has already prayed for us. As He prayed to the Father, Jesus petitioned, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” (Cf. John 17:15) As the Apostle John affirmed: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (Cf. 1 John 5:4-5)
So I pray this morning that we will be steadfast in our faith! “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Cf. Ephesians 6:13)
So Now You Know 