YOUR BEST LIFE NOW

 

1 Peter 3:8-12

Many see your best life now as living and loving the good life, but they pursue this good life by chasing after objects of self-gratification.

 

Such as….

Money

Cars

Vacations

Expensive clothing

Fine food and restaurants

The best seats at sporting events/entertainment venues

Health and fitness

 

While others pursue self-gratification in Hedonistic living such as…. 

Promiscuous sex and sexuality

Alcohol consumption

recreational drugs

The law of attraction….which is the ability the power, the control, and forces to create whatever life you want. You have to speak it into existence. And sadly it’s not just the unsaved men or women seeking this, some are seeking this in the church as well. Hillsong, Elevation Church, Bethel, Jesus Culture, Joyce Meyers, Kenneth Copeland, T D Jakes, Saddleback Church, Joel Osteen and so on. And so-called Christian writers like… “The Shack” by William Young, a Universalist and false teacher. “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, a name it and claim false teacher. She claims in her book the law of attraction in various ways: ‘Nothing [good or bad] can come into your experience unless you summon it through persistent thoughts’” Unfortunately these so-called Christian groups and writers focus our hope self-ward and not Godward. It is all about self-empowerment, self-fulfillment, and getting whatever we want. But Jesus said? “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Matt 16:26 

And everything I have mentioned only give a temporal

rush of the so-called best life now.

 

What these people fail to understand is the law of attraction reveals our sinful hearts. Jer 17:9. And that attraction not only produces more sin and guilt, but ultimately, the wrath of God. However, God in His mercy sent His Son to receive this wrath as a Substitute for all who will repent of their selfishness and believe in Him. And we have been given everything we need for life and godliness through the gospel that saved to the uttermost parts. 1 Peter 1:3-5. The culture pursues the good life in all the wrong places and it can easily happen to God’s children if we are not careful.

 

Take Solomon for example, he had…. Land, palaces, chariots, horses, gold and silver, and too many beautiful women. Solomon was king of Israel who had great power and influence over the people. You could say Solomon was the poster child of the good life. “Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions, having a very great entourage and camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing hidden from Solomon that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the LORD, there was no more breath in her.” 2 Chron 9:3-4. She was overwhelmed, speechless, by the good life Solomon was living. But nearing the end of his earthly life Solomon said this, “So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.” Eccl 2:17

See, Solomon understood that the good life wasn’t found in great earthly accomplishments. “I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. (Wiersbe said it’s like trying to catch soap bubbles.) What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted. I said in my heart, "I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge." Eccl 1:12-16

 

And neither did Solomon find pleasure in them. “I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” Eccl 2:3-11

 

What Solomon realized is that he was and our society is seeking after this; and it is really more oppressive than good. “Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.” 

Eccl 4:1-3

 

What Peter reveals here is the summary of what has been previously said that the good life that receives blessing is the life that is…  Submissive to human institutions with exceptions that cause you to sin against God. Submissive to employers as good servants of Christ. Submissive to husbands to draw them to Christ. Submissive to Christ as godly husbands. Submissive to one another by demonstrating unity under the new birth. John MacArthur wrote, “Believers should love the life God has granted them and enjoy its goodness day to day, but many do not.” Peter understands and isn’t foolish to think, that believers are not exempt from serious and varied difficulties that can steal our joy. But we are to be content and with the life the Lord has given us day by day. And Peter sums this up here in the text of Scripture that is before us.

 

The Biblical Worldview Of The Good Life Is Having The Right Attitude. (v8)

 

Jesus said in His High Priestly prayer, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” John 17:20-23

 

The early church was a visible model of oneness and that model should be the same in today true church. Acts 2:42-47.Peter said we are to walk in “unity of mind” or “harmonious” this literally means “same think on the major points of doctrine.” Believers are to live in harmony together, maintaining a common commitment to the truth that produces an inward unity of heart. We are to only conduct ourselves this way. “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.” Phil 1:27-28

 

How do we walk in manner that is

worthy of the gospel of Christ?

 

“Be sympathetic” means sharing the same feelings. This means we are to sympathize with the pain of others, even those you do not know, and might disagree with on secondary issues. Your fellowship enters into one another’s feelings, and exhibits a regard for each other’s welfare. Why? Because you truly care. The Hebrew writer wrote, “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” Heb 13:1-3. Rejoicing when others rejoice, we are to weep when others weep. 

 

“Be kindhearted” this refers to one’s internal organs and could be translated “bowels” its deep down, not on the surface/shallow kind of kindness. This kindness comes from the deeps of your inner being, for the Lord Jesus Christ through the Spirit. This kindheartedness is closely linked to forgiveness; it emphasizes the actions taken to reach out to the hurting.

  

“Be humble in spirit” this refers to “humble-kindness” Humility is the all-encompassing virtue of the Christian life. “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” 

Matt 18:1-4. Selfishness should never be a part of the believer’s life. As we walk in unity under the truth of the Word of God; we are to treat the body in the same way. It begins with humility that acts sympathetically and kindhearted towards one another in this broke and fallen world system.

 

The Biblical Worldview Of The Good Life Is Having The Right Response. (v9)

“not returning evil for evil”

 

If you are doing this! You need to stop immediately; and if you haven’t done this, don’t start now. See what Peter is saying here is this “A godly approach to life will incorporate a right action and attitude when mistreated, by not returning evil for evil”. Proverbs 20:22, 24 says “Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you……A man's steps are from the LORD….?” “Evil” this denotes the inherent quality of badness. It’s when you are mistreated by a person of wicked disposition; the believer is never to retaliate. What Peter expresses in this portion of Scripture is what he heard himself when Jesus preached, the greatest message ever preached. “You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matt 5:38-45

 

Again Christ is the correct example to how we respond to those who mistreat you and I. (1 Peter 2:21-23). We are never to return insult for insult….”Insult” means “an abusive railing against, cursing or speaking evil.” This is engaging in vengeance, which is an unacceptable response by a child of God, who is saved by His grace. Instead Peter says something completely opposite! We are to “bless” them. (v9b) “Bless” is the word from which the English word “eulogy” derives from. This word means to speak “praises or speak well of others.”

 

How can we bless others?

We Can Bless Them By Loving Them Unconditionally. “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Col 3:12-15

 

We Can Bless Them By Praying For The Salvation Of The Unbeliever. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2:1-4

 

We Can Bless Them By Expressing Thankfulness For Them. “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.” 2 Cor 1:11-12

 

We Can Bless Them By Forgiving Those Who Mistreat Or Persecute You. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Gen 50:20-21

 

Remember when Peter asked Jesus about how much we are forgive one another? Jesus said, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matt 18:22. The meaning is that we are not to limit our forgiveness to any fixed number of times.

 

The Biblical Worldview Of The Good Life Is Having The Right Standard. (v10-v12)

 

What is the believers standard? One Theologian wrote “Since God is the Author, the Bible is authoritative. It is absolute in its authority for human though and behavior.

All believers must be concerned about where they find their standard of good life in this fallen world system. Is it in you? Is it me? NO our standard comes from this “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17. The word “for” at the beginning of verse (v10) connects (v8-v9) to Peter quoting Psalm 34:12-14. The Believer must stop his lips from speaking deceit and be absolutely committed to speaking truth.

 

The opposite of this is ….lying, deception, and hypocrisy to name a few. And what Peter says here isn’t a matter of what comes out on the outside, but what comes from the heart. ”You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matt 12:34-37

We are to “turn away from evil” this is a strong rejection from what is sinful. Specifically sinful treatment of others, even those who persecute you. And if we turn away from evil we are to do the opposite. “Do good” which is the opposite of doing whatever feels good for self. What is good? The one who desires life, to love and see good days. “Life” is referring to living to the fullest, not merely living as opposed to dying. This life we live, we are to “love” which is the strongest word to describe our affections and desires. Which is according to Peter, “Let him seek peace and purse it.”

“Peace” denotes a constant condition of serenity that produces a true biblical joy and happiness found in the Scriptures. We are to be known for what? Peacekeepers, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Rom 12:17-21

 

Like Paul, and like Peter, he says we are to be “seeking peace” this means we hunt for it aggressively, even hunt to find peace with our accusers and those who persecute us. We strive to for harmony and peace with others as much as possible without compromising Biblical truth, the standard to which we live. Remember what Jesus said on the Sermon on the Mount? Peter did. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matt 5:9-16

 

Remember the eyes of the Lord are toward to righteous, those who are saved by His grace as he intently watches over them. (v12) And the Lord face is against those who do evil. To display His anger and displeasure. (v12) Understand a person won’t be able to feel compassion, affection, and sympathy if he or she is proud and contentious. To properly spiritually grow, we must grow together, hens the fact that the church is essential.

Without a doubt the process of spiritual growth

is a long and often painful one.

 

But it’s the path that the Lord has placed us on, which we are to walk, for His glory and the gospel confession. Sinner, and sinner, who are saved by grace walking united under God, and His Word, as an example of grace towards a fallen and broken world system. What Peter reveals here will lead to the kind of Christian life that exemplifies Christ.

 

A biblical fellowship “have unity of mind” (v8)

forgiving nature “not returning evil for evil” (v9)

A life of purity “let him turn away from evil” (v11)

A peaceful disposition “He must seek peace and pursue it.” (v11)

 

Whether it was during the time of the early church to today, we will always have to deal with contentious people who are unwaveringly against the Biblical worldview. But even in the midst of all this, we can live life as a people who bless others, because we have been blessed beyond measure in Christ. And still have a great life now as we wait for the greater life that is to come. Despite what we face for His glory and the gospel that saves.