Live Above Reproach

1 Peter 3

​Peter told the believers that the best weapon against slander, gossip or lies, was a godly life that nobody could criticize—a life lived above reproach.

H. A. Ironside said, “If what they say about you is true, mend your ways. If it isn’t true, forget it, and go on and serve the Lord.”

In 1 Peter 2:25, Peter, as Jesus did, compared believers to sheep, Sheep have their many issues, but they are gentle animals. Here in 1 Peter 3, he calls Christians to practice this gentleness in several areas of life—in the home, in the church, and in the world.

"Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. 7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:1–7 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe writes, “Christian wives with unsaved husbands should seek to win them to the Lord with true spiritual beauty and not with artificial glamour or nagging. External glamour may fade, but a meek and quiet spirit is incorruptible. Husbands should live as though their wives were priceless porcelain vases and treat them with gentle love.”

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8–12 (ESV)

Imagine having to remind Christians to show one another love, honor, respect, gentleness and courtesy! But as James 4 shows, not every local assembly is a place of peace or these qualities desired of Jesus.

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:14-16 (ESV)

God is not looking for spectators but players who live for their King with righteousness and then give testimony about Him with gentleness and respect.

“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:17–21 (ESV)

Deliverance does not come through water baptism, but by testifying of entering the ark of safety, which is the basis of spiritual baptism. It is symbolic of the death burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ who died for the sin of all humanity and raised to give hope and eternal life to all who will believe His is God and receive Him as our Sovereign Lord.

In these final verses of the potion of Peter’s letter, we see that anybody can suffer for doing wrong, but Christians must learn to suffer for doing what is right. Of course, Jesus is the example for us to follow. We witness not by making noise and fighting back, but by showing meekness, gentleness and even fear. A gentle witness can make a big difference in a violent world.

Do others see you as meek and gentle or brazen and reactionary? Do other see you dead to this life; but alive in Christ Jesus by His death burial and resurrection? Are you Glorify Jesus with your life—word and action?
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Know today that you possess hope in Jesus Christ and His resurrection and know that as you become a blessing to others with a gentle spirit, you set yourself up to be blessed.

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