1 Peter 3:13-22; Psalm 4

1 Peter 3:13-22
We have seen that as Christians we should be gentle (like sheep) in our homes and in our churches. These verses teach us about our behavior in the world. Normally, we don't have to suffer for doing good, and this would be pretty hard to take. But v. 14 tells us that if this happens, God will reward us for it.

Our first priority is to worship Christ as the Lord of our lives. "And if someone asks about our Christian hope, always be ready to explain it." v. 15. We are not to be obnoxious or disrespectful or hateful in doing it, but this passage does tell us to be ready. People are watching us, and when trouble comes their way, they may ask for help or advice.

We are to keep our consciences clear and our behavior right so that if we are criticized, it will be false. "Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!" v. 17 Christ is our supreme example. He suffered for OUR sins, though He Himself never sinned. Then He was buried and rose again.

The meaning in the next verses, about Christ preaching to the spirits in prison and the reference to Noah is not completely clear. Commentators have come up with various explanations, and some just don't deal with it at all! And that's basically what I'm going to do (or not do)! :) We do know definitely that God communicates His plan of salvation and has done so throughout human history. We also know that Christ was victorious over death when he rose again. And we know that God is ready and willing to save anyone who will trust Him that Jesus was our substitute, that He died in our place, so that we could become His dear child. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

Psalm 4
It's always right to call on God, and we tend to do this most when we're in some kind of difficulty. He promises to have mercy on us and to hear our prayers. v. 4 reminds us not to let anger control us but to trust the Lord. Learning to trust God is really a life-long learning lesson. The more we trust Him, the more joy we experience and the less we worry! v. 8 is a great place in which to be, and it's the result of trusting God with every part of our lives. "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe."