Why God Repeats Himself
Welcome again, my faithful readers. This has been a long journey, and as we have seen, the Bible often repeats its messages. Because of that, I sometimes return to points I have already made. This is not accidental. It is providence. God knows we need to hear certain truths again and again so that we may adapt them, stand firm in them, and live them faithfully.
Today, we read 1 Peter chapters 3 through 5.
The Heart of Peter’s Message
I want to focus on two verses found right in the middle of this section, because they frame everything Peter is saying:
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ 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.”
— 1 Peter 3:14–15 (NIV)
These verses speak of the world we are living in.
Fear Then and Fear Now
We live in a culture of fear. Creating continuous, multi-channel, persistent news means we experience a constant barrage of threatening information. Being informed is a good thing, but fear should not be your master.
In Peter’s day, Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor were under constant and escalating persecution (1 Peter 1:1; 3:13–17). This letter was likely written around the time Rome burned and Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the disaster. The Romans already distrusted Christians because of their exclusive allegiance to Christ, and this only fueled the hostility.(1)
Peter understood what it meant to live under pressure.
Submission Without Fear
At the end of 1 Peter 2, Peter uses the example of slaves, and at the start of chapter 3 he addresses wives (1 Peter 2:18–25; 3:1–7). His point is not to elevate one group over another, but to show that all believers are called to faithful submission to God, regardless of their social position.
We should not worry about whether we fit in with society. We should not care if people misunderstand us or even persecute us for submitting to the Lord. What matters is obedience to Christ.
We should direct our fear toward God, not toward people.
What It Means to Revere Christ as Lord
I appreciate the way John Piper once answered a question on his Desiring God podcast. He said, “Don’t let men be your dread; let God be your dread.” (2)
That sounds strange to our ears. We long for a benevolent, affectionate, and generous God, and that’s exactly what He is. But Piper’s point is this: we should fear disappointing God more than we fear displeasing our spouses, our employers, or the surrounding culture.
People can kill the body, but the body will die one day regardless (Matthew 10:28). However, people spend eternity with God. That is why Peter tells us to revere Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:15). To revere Him means to set Him apart as holy — as the ultimate authority over every area of life. (3)
Nothing can happen to us without God’s permission. Satan is indeed prowling like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), but as we saw in the book of Job, even Satan’s attacks are limited by God’s sovereign will (Job 1–2).
Fear Loses Its Power
Because of this, we do not need to live in fear — even when horrible things happen. God remains in control.
The world also notices when believers are not overwhelmed by headlines. When others scatter in fear, we stand firm. Losing a job cannot separate us from God’s provision (Matthew 6:25–34). Illness can only result in healing or entrance into paradise (Philippians 1:21). There is no dangerous outcome for the believer.
This is how we become silent witnesses. Peter tells wives that their conduct can win others “without a word” (1 Peter 3:1). The same principle applies to all of us. When we remain resolute and unshaken, our lives themselves become an answer.
Ready to Answer with Gentleness
Sometimes that quiet witness leads others to ask how we can remain calm in troubled times. That is why Peter says we must always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have — but with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Our battle is not against other people. Scripture reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). You will never win a soul for Christ by force. The battle belongs to the Lord.
Casting Our Cares on Him
Peter reminds us that God invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him, “because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). His care is unwavering because it flows from His character.
Remember this when you face turmoil. If you are God’s child, He has not forgotten you. Like a parent running back into a storm to rescue their children, God does not allow suffering without purpose. If it glorifies Him, even suffering becomes something we can endure with joy (1 Peter 4:12–19). (4)
Resting in God’s Control
Think about the worries that keep you awake at night. Pray and ask God to take that anxiety from you. Ask yourself whether you believe He is still in control. Sometimes anxiety is a sign that we have taken control back from Him.
When we relinquish that control again, rest follows. Because we trust in the One who watches over us again, our sleep becomes sweeter.
Tomorrow, we will read 2 Peter.
Footnotes
- Karen H. Jobes, 1 Peter, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), esp. introduction and commentary on 1 Peter 3–4.
- John Piper, Ask Pastor John, “Don’t Let Men Be Your Dread,” Desiring God Ministries, accessed [date].
- BibleProject, “1 Peter Overview,” video and study notes, https://bibleproject.com.
- Karen H. Jobes, 1 Peter, commentary on 1 Peter 4:12–19.