OHBC Bible Study: 1 Peter 3:8-17

How do you know that you are growing as a Christian? How can you avoid “growing old as a Christian” without “growing up in Christ”? These questions are not meant to judge but to evaluate one’s journey toward spiritual maturity. God wants all His children to grow strong, wise, and steady in his or her faith.

Beginning with 1 Peter 3:8, Peter pauses to summarize his discussion points concerning what epitomizes Christian maturity. These virtues of spiritual maturity are a yardstick to one’s spiritual growth in Christ Jesus. In only five verses (vv. 8-12), Peter summarizes his comments with eight marks of spiritual maturity. Mature, holy living can only come as we embrace Christ as our hope in an unpredictable world.

In 1 Peter 3:13-17, Peter clarifies the virtues and characteristics of spiritual maturity. The first five virtues of a mature Christian relate to how we think (unity of mind and humble mind) and how we express ourselves (with sympathy, brotherly love, and compassion). The last four characteristics relate to what we do and say—outward actions that affect others. These virtues and characteristics benefit the Christian life before an unbelieving world. Peter does not give believers an illusion that the world’s response will be positive. Why? Because those who only seek the satisfaction of worldly pleasures will often choose conflict instead of peace, pride instead of humility, sin instead of holiness, or evil instead of good. Others will wonder what motivates those committed to Christ to choose holiness and hope as sojourners through this world.

Bible Study Outline:

I. A Checklist of Spiritual Maturity (1 Peter 3:8-12)

A. Peter begins this checklist of spiritual maturity with the phrase “Finally” (KJV, ESV, and NLT) or “To sum up” (NASB). The Greek word is telos, which means “the end” or “the conclusion.” Peter does not conclude the letter, but he sums up the purpose of his previous teachings.

B. The preceding context instructs believers to live as “sojourners and exiles” in pursuing godly living (2:11-12). This pursuit is played out in society, the workplace, and the home (2:13—3:7).

C. First, Peter offers five virtues of a Mature Christian (1 Peter 3:8)

1. Unity of Mind
2. Sympathetic 
3. Brotherly Love
4. A Tender Heart
5. A Humble Mind

D. Second, Peter offers four characteristics of a Mature Christian (1 Peter 3:9-12)

1. A Forgiving Spirit (v. 9)
2. A Tamed Tongue (vv. 9-10)
3. A Pure Life (v. 11)
4. A Peaceful Temperament (v. 12)

II. A Proper Response of Spiritual Maturity (1 Peter 3:13-17)

A. Peter begins by asking his readers to consider an important question: “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” (v. 13). In verses 8-12, Peter has already described what it looks like to be “zealous for what is good.“Likewise” (v. 7) indicates a similar attitude of love, honor, and respect on the husband’s part. Just as Christian wives have specific responsibilities in marriage, Christian husbands have equally essential roles in marriage.

B. Peter also discusses that we may have to “suffer for the sake of righteousness” for doing good (v. 14), but there is a proper and godly way to respond to unfair treatment (vv. 13-17).

C. Third, Peter offers five responses of Mature Christians (1 Peter 3:13-17).

1. Consider Yourself Blessed (v. 14a)
2. Avoid Fear and Worry (v. 14b)
3. Acknowledge Christ as Lord (v. 15a)
4. Be Ready to Give a Defense (v. 15b)
5. Keep a Good Conscience (vv. 16-17)

Conclusion:

As Peter concludes this section, he echoes a principle stated in 1 Peter 2:20. Although Christians may encounter persecution, suffering, or unfair treatment, we must remember that God’s plan and purpose work things out for our good and His glory. Our testimony before an unbelieving world is an opportunity to let the light of Christ shine through us.