Read 1 Peter 3:8-12
Discover
1. What are we told to do in these verses?
2. What are we told to not do?
3. What is God’s role in all of this?
Respond
After laying out three practical areas of submission – government, workplace, and marriage – Peter shares principles that apply collectively to Christians. Unity, sympathy, love, tenderheartedness, humility, goodness, peace – all of these are things we’re called to model. Evil, retaliation, insults, lies – all of these are things we’re called to turn away from. This type of submission is impossible on our own, but it’s possible through the power of God’s Spirit.
In a world that harbors resentment and glorifies retaliation and lies, we’re called to be people whose identity is grounded in something much more durable and eternal. Our trust is in Jesus and what He has secured for us.
As you read these verses, what stands out as something that you need to do or let go of? What would it look like to live in total submission to God? Spend a few minutes meditating on the words of this passage. Thank God for securing your identity and future, and ask Him to reveal a next step you need to take. Share with a trusted friend for encouragement and accountability.
Want to go deeper? In a journal or the margin of your Bible, list out: (1) all the things we’re called to, and (2) all the things we’re called to let go of in today’s verses. Do an honest assessment of where you’re at with each one, making notes where applicable. Wherever you see a gap, surrender it to God in prayer and write down a step you can take today to start walking in submission to Him.