Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 WEB

The third chapter of Peter’s first epistle begins with an appeal to Christlike behavior. Also, Peter addresses the inevitability of some Christians suffering in the good service of God’’s holy kingdom. Peter encourages his readers to endure suffering with the love, patience, and grace demonstrated by our Lord and Savior. When we repent from sin and accept Christ as our Savior, we share in his death and resurrection, In other words made alive in the Spirit, we die to sin in the flesh.  

Peter gives instruction for Christlike behavior for wives made alive in the Spirit. In 1 Peter 3:3-4 we read, “Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. WEB” Likewise, Peter instructs men to honor their wives.

Gentle and Humble

Jesus Christ said in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. WEB” Jesus teaches us to suffer insults and injuries without returning them. Jesus commands us to love even our enemies. As we follow the teaching of Christ, although we endure the insults and injuries of a fallen world in the flesh, we experience the promised peace of Jesus Christ.  

Dead to the flesh and alive in the Spirit, the repentant sinner accepts the grace of God and righteousness of Christ in forgiveness of sins. On the cross, God placed the unrighteousness of our sin on our Savior. Upon his death, the penalty for the sins of mankind was paid. Sharing in the resurrection of Christ, the faithful turn from the sins of the flesh to the spiritual things of God.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Called of Jesus Christ