“Prove Eager For Good”

1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter and intended for believing Jews and Gentiles of North Asia Minor. About this time was the Great Fire of Rome (64 A. D.), which Nero persecuted Christians for and the official persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Domitian (81-96 A.D.) Having witnessed the suffering and death of Jesus, Peter saw Christ as the model and means to endure the persecutions Christians were facing. Because of Christ’s resurrection and victory over death, faith in this knowledge can empower a Believer to live a life “holy and blameless” as a redeemed sinner.1 Peter was written to encourage Believers to remain steadfast in their faith and live as a testimony of Christ, in spite of trials and sufferings, because of their assurance of salvation and glory that awaits them with Christ.
“The Roman Catholic Cardinal Robert Bellarmine (1570) understood the passage to mean that the Spirit of Christ went to release the souls of Old Testament believers who repented before the Flood. Instead of hell, these believers were kept in Limbo, which was a place between heaven and hell. Rome, Italy, (CNA) – St. Robert Bellarmine, whose feast is celebrated Sept. 17 on the General Roman Calendar, was a Jesuit and a cardinal who used his incredible intellect to defend Catholic teaching, largely through responses to the Church’s opponents in the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation.” All who believe in Jesus Christ we can research history’ Getting back to Peter: They will find true enjoyment in life as they turn away from insincere speech and hurtful actions, and concentrate instead on doing good and promoting peace. They will also find that such a life is assured of God’s constant help. Peter addresses all believers, commanding Christians to be unified and to refuse to seek revenge when wronged. Peter quotes from both David and Isaiah to show that God’s people have always been called to reject evil and to do good. This is true even when we are suffering. Suffering for Christ is only temporary, but the suffering for evil is eternal! That is, we are continually under God’s notice and his care; God continually watches for us and watches over us, and we are under his constant protection. God never sleeps. “Psalm 134:1-3: A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.” A reason of the hope that is in me, Jesus Christ is the reason, His perfect love, His teachings, His sacrifice on the cross. To know Jesus Christ is to know how deeply loved I am, to truly live. He didn’t just die to get me into heaven, he died to get a little bit of heaven into me and you. Set the Lord upon the throne of your heart, to make Him the Lord and Ruler of your life. In Hebrews 13:5–6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hope is a source of energy. It helps us to see something better up ahead and to put one foot in front of the other to move forward. When we feel hopeful for the future, we wake up in the morning ready to embrace the day. We are more prepared to work hard, to strive, to be willing to tackle and overcome the obstacles that we face. Suffering for evil is what will happen if we are not willing to stand up for Jesus. Amen!

1 Peter Chapter 3:13-18
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 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.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that there is nothing in earth or heaven, visible or invisible, that can separate us from Your love and for all those that are in Christ Jesus. I believe that I may be eager to live as You have instructed and to earnestly seek after that which is good. I thank You and praise You that I have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and my desire is to be fully sanctified unto Him. Also to offer my body as a living sacrifice – holy and acceptable unto God. Guide my heart and guide my speech. Give me wisdom to be able to give an answer for the hope that is in me. Also to give a defense for my trust in Jesus Christ and the blessed hope that I have in Him. I thank You and praise You for Your will and gentleness. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.