Congratulation to Ryan Frontz, Todd Hickox, and Todd Villemont for their Ordination to the Gospel Ministry. I had the honor and privilege to minister to and along side these three men. Below is video testimony I taped for their ordination service:
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Living with Assurance
Living with Assurance
2 Peter 3:1-18
Assurance is hard to come by. We hope the economy will get better, but there is no guarantee. We hope for good health, but sickness comes. We hope our relationships will be strong, but many time we struggle and hurt those we care about. Some of the things we hope for either don’t happen or don’t happen on our time schedule. When Jesus was talking to His disciples about the hard times they would experience when He would be betrayed, falsely convicted, and killed on a cross He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33) Jesus is our source of peace and hope. Peter was there when Jesus said those words. Now at the end of 2 Peter, he is writing as “reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking” and to remind them what the Word of God says (2 Peter 3:1-2). By searching and studying the Word of God, we can live with assurance that God is in control and hold the future in His hand.
Peter warns the reader that there will be “scoffers” in the last days. Scoffers are individuals who show contempt for the Word of God and the people of God. During the time of the writing of 2 Peter, these scoffers challenged the second coming of Jesus saying, “Where is this coming he promised?” (2 Peter 3:4) Peter is continuing to defend the faith and the Word of God and offers the answer to this question. He reminds the reader that God created the Heavens and Earth. He is in control of creation and sets the timeline of history by His pleasure and plan. Peter describes how this creation is being reserved for a day of judgment and will see the destruction of ungodly men.
These scoffers question God’s timing and the validity of the claim that Christ will come again. The way we experience time is different than the way God experiences time. Peter writes, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8) This verse is sometimes used to interpret the length of days of the creation account in Genesis. In the context of this passage, Peter is not explaining the length of creation, but how God is above time. We live in the confinement of time, but God does not.
Peter then writes, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Once Jesus comes again, the opportunity for people to repent of their sins and place their faith in Him will be over. For this reason, Peter writes about God’s patience with those who don’t know Him. Believers in Christ live to share the Gospel with a lost and dying world while looking forward to His coming.
Peter describes the “Day of the Lord.” New Testament writers used the term “Day of the Lord” to point to Christ’s final victory and the final judgment of sinners. (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary) Pastor Hank will be describing this day during his series through the book of Revelation.
Since this day of judgment is coming, Peter describes the kind of people we should be when he asks the question, “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?” (2 Peter 3:11)
Peter answers this question:
Believers ought:
- To live holy and godly lives. 2 Peter 3:11
- Look forward to the day of God. 2 Peter 3:12, 14
- Speed his coming by sharing the Gospel with all nations. 2 Peter 3:12
- Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. 2 Peter 3:14
- Be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men. 2 Peter 3:17
- Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
Peter’s love for the church is evident as he writes to “stimulate” the church to wholesome thinking and action. Relying on the Word of God leads to assurance that God is in control. His is neither early nor late. He is perfectly on time and His purposes and His people will endure whatever future holds.
Living with Troublemakers by Standing on the Truth
Living with Troublemakers by Standing on the Word of God
2 Peter 2: 1-22
Since the church began, there have been false teachers who would corrupt the church and the truth found in God’s Word. God’s Word is the standard by which one can confirm or reject the validity of spiritual teaching. Eternity for unbelievers and victorious living for believers hangs in the balance when truth is challenged by false teaching. The Apostle Peter wrote a strong rebuke to false teachers in 2 Peter chapter 2. He identifies the presence of false teachers, the content of their teaching, and describes the judgment that will come on them.
Peter starts this chapter by writing, “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you” (2 Peter 2:1) He lets the reader know that false teachers exist and that the reader should beware. These teachers “secretly introduce destructive heresies”, and many will follow them and their teaching. Peter is issuing this strong warning to protect the reader from being captivated by these false teachers. The twisted truth of these false teachers is like a disease to the body. When false teaching is discovered, every means necessary must be taken to eliminate it so the body can return to health.
Throughout 2 Peter 3, Peter describes the content of the false teaching of his day.
False Teachers:
- Deny the Sovereign Lord v. 1
- Bring the truth into disrepute v. 2
- Make up stories that exploit people v. 3
- Follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature v. 10
- Despise authority v. 10
- Slander celestial beings v. 10
- Blaspheme in matters they do not understand v. 12
- Carouse in broad daylight v. 13
- Have eyes full of adultery v. 14
- Seduce the unstable v. 14
- Are experts in greed v. 14
- Have left the straightway v. 15
- Appeal to lustful desires v. 18
- Promise freedom while they are enslaved by sin v. 19
This list from 2 Peter 1-20 demonstrates the condemning words that Peter used to describe these false teachers. Any teaching that is described by this list is false and should be rejected. The most powerful weapon against false teaching is the Word of God. It is central in determining truth and conduct.
Peter also describes the judgment that awaits false teachers. He writes, “Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” (2 Peter 2) Peter begins by giving Biblical examples of God’s judgment for false teaching and apostasy (2 Peter 2: 4-9) This passage describes how God judged the angels who sinned and rebelled against Him (2 Peter 2:4), the ancient world with the flood in Noah’s day (2 Peter 2: 5) and the city of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2: 6-9). Peter also demonstrates how God is able to save the godly from these judgments when he writes, “if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.” (2 Peter 2:9) God protects the godly, those who live according to His Word, while He judges the false, ungodly teacher.
Anyone who would endeavor to teach the Word of God and to lead people spiritually should pay close attention to 2 Peter 2. Consider the commitments a teacher of truth must make:
- The Bible is God’s gift to the world and the source of truth
- The Bible was written by men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit
- The Bible is the inerrant Word of God
- The Bible is the infallible Word of God
- The Bible describes how one can know God and live for Him.
- The Bible has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. (Baptist Faith and Message)
- The Bible is the source of Christian truth and teaching
A teacher who makes these commitments about the Word of God need not fear the judgment of false teachers. A teacher who stays close to the Word of God can confidently proclaim and teach truths found there in. Paul wrote these words to Timothy, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2: 1-2)
Living with Truth
Living with Truth
2 Peter 1
Ever since the birth of the Church it has been under attack. Never in the history of the world has an institution been attacked more and yet survived and sometimes thrived. Even in our American culture Christianity and the Church are attacked with false prophets and twisted versions of truth. Where does a believer in Jesus Christ turn for answers for life and the church? God has given us the Word of God as our standard and source of truth. Many of the same battles we fight today for truth were present in the early church and addressed by the Apostles.
2 Peter is a letter to the early church written by the Apostle Peter. In this letter, Peter describes some twisted versions of Christian truth that were being taught and straightens things out. It is important to have a proper understanding of Christian truth because it is out of our beliefs that we live our lives.
Peter begin this second letter by identifying himself and the recipients by writing: “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours.” (2 Peter 1:1) This letter was written to the church, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The church today can learn a great deal from 2 Peter.
Peter then describes how a believer can have confidence in their calling and election. In verse 3 Peter encourages the reader when he writes, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” As believers in Jesus Christ we lack nothing that we need to live lives that honor God. We even participate in the “divine nature and escape the corruption in this world.” (2 Peter 1:4)
Peter then encourages the reader to make every effort to add to their faith virtues that demonstrate that they belong to Christ:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, mutual affection;
and to mutual affection, love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)
A person that has these virtues present in their life can claim the promise in verse 8 that says, “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This promise encourages believers to continue to grow in their faith and to live a life that honors God which lead to a productive effective faith.
Taking a personal inventory using this character traits can help identify areas of your life where there is growth and areas that need to be changed.
The second part of chapter 1 describes the source of prophecy that is found in the Scripture. Peter summarizes this passage in verses 20-21, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never has its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” This creates the foundation for refuting the false teachers that are addressed in chapter 2.
The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. It was the source of truth for the early church and it is our source of truth today. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3) “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the mourning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)
Living in Humility
Living in Humility
1 Peter 5:1-7
As Peter finishes his letter of encouragement to the church, he encourages the leaders and young leaders to clothe themselves with humility. Peter describes his qualification to lead, the proper motivation for leadership, the reward of leadership, and an essential quality of leaders.
Before addressing the leaders of the church, Peter reminds them that he is a “fellow elder” who was a witness of Christ’s suffering and will share in the reward when Christ is revealed. Peter is reminding his readers of his qualifications to lead leaders. After establishing his leadership credentials, Peter describes the proper motivation for Christian leadership:
- Christian Leaders must serve willingly by God’s leading, not out of man-made obligation. (1 Peter 5:2)
- Christian Leaders must serve eagerly, not for monetary gain. (1 Peter 5:2)
- Christian Leaders must serve by example, not attempting to manipulate others’ behavior. (1 Peter 5:3)
- Christian Leaders who lead this way will receive an eternal reward (1 Peter 5:4)
Peter then tells the leaders to “clothe themselves with humility.” To clothe oneself is a deliberate act to put on clothing. Our daily routine involves putting on the clothing we will wear today, and there are choices that we must make. Should you wear warm or cold weather clothes? Does our day require more formal attire or casual? Will you need a change of clothes at some point during the day. These are all willful decisions about your clothing for any given day. In the same way, Peter tells his reader that they must “clothe themselves with humility.” They must deliberately put off pride and put on humility.
Humility is a personal quality in which an individual shows dependence on God and respect for others. Each person has a choice to make. Will they rely on themselves or will they rely on God? Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The idea of humility is a foreign idea in popular American culture where being an independent individual is valued. The idea that you can be whatever you want to be based on your hard work and effort is a common life theme for many. A humble person is one who understands that for them to be all that God planned them to be, they must submit themselves to God and follow His Son, Jesus. Peter writes, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
With leadership and life comes struggle and anxiety. Peter encourages the reader to, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) This is a great example of a person with the quality of humility present in their life. When anxiety comes, they give it to God, thereby showing their dependence on Him rather than relying on their own strength. Humble leaders with the right motivation for ministry are a powerful tool in the hand of God for His Kingdom.
Living in Faith
Living in Faith
1 Peter 4:12-19
All believers will endure suffering. The type of suffering Peter is describing in 1 Peter 4:12-19 is suffering for the cause of Christ. He helps the reader understand how to respond to suffering that comes into a believers life because they belong to Jesus.
Peter instructs the reader to expect painful trials and understand that trials are a part of the Christian’s life. When we can anticipate something, we can be ready when it comes and not be surprised. Our culture is turning more and more hostile towards Christians. As we see this developing in our society we can take measures to confront this hostility and ready ourselves for what is coming.
As these trials come, Peter tells us to rejoice. This seems counter intuitive on the surface. How can we rejoice when we experience trials for the sake of Christ. Peter mentions 4 reasons:
- We identify with the sufferings of Christ. (1 Peter 4:12)
- We will be rewarded when He returns. (1 Peter 4:13)
- The Spirit of Glory and of God rests on us. (1 Peter 4:14)
- These trials give us an opportunity to place our faith in God and commit ourselves to our Faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:19)
In this passage Peter also encourages us to identify the cause of the trial we are under. He writes, “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.” 1 Peter 4:15) These sufferings give you the opportunity to examine your life:
- Why am I suffering? (1 Peter 4:15) Ask yourself if you are the cause of the trial.
- Am I ashamed of Christ or do I look for opportunities to praise Him? (1 Peter 4:16)
- Do I look for opportunities to introduce people to Jesus? (1 Peter 4:17-18)
How strong is someone’s faith if it is never tested? God will use the trials of this life to strengthen us for His glory and our good.
Living in Community for God
Living in Community for God
1 Peter 4:1-11
The older I get, the more interested I am in making sure that I am living my life to the fullest for God. When I was young, it seemed that time went by slowly and I was always waiting for what was next. Now that I am older, times seems to fly by and I am constantly wondering where the time went. In the passage before us, Peter describes four attitudes a believer should have to make the most of the time they have. As you read about these attitudes, ask yourself if you have these attitudes present in your life and what adjustments you may need to make to live your life to the fullest for God.
Righteous Attitude Toward Sin 1 Peter 4:1-3
Peter encourages the reader to have a righteous attitude toward sin. “Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because He who has suffered in His body is done with sin.” (1 Peter 4:1) Remembering what Christ did in His own body to pay for the penalty of our sins helps us combat the sin that is present in our own lives. The person who remembers Christ’s great sacrifice on the cross does not live to satisfy the evil desires of the flesh, but lives to fulfill the will of God. Peter reminds us that we spent too much time living as “pagans” before we received Christ. He lists the prevailing sins of the day to make a contrast between the “pagan” lifestyle and the believer’s lifestyle. Nothing will sabotage the time that we have to live for God more than sin. In light of what Christ did for us on the cross, why would we want to return to a sin-filled life?
Understanding Attitude Toward the Lost 1 Peter 4:4-6
I was twenty when I received the gift of eternal life that Jesus offers those who will trust Him. The change in my life was dramatic and noticed by my family and friends. Many of them did not understand why my life style changed so dramatically and why I was so passionate about the things of God. Peter describes the need for a understanding attitude toward the lost. He writes, “They think it is strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, that they heap abuse on you.” (1 Peter 4:4) They too will be judged for the way they live their lives and what they do with Jesus Christ. The truth is they don’t understand because they don’t believe. Having an understanding attitude will not only help you stand up to their abuse, but you will have opportunities to be a light for Christ in a very dark world. Take every opportunity to minister to those who do not know Jesus. Time is too short to miss these divine appointments.
Expectant Attitude Toward Christ’s Return 1 Peter 4:7
Since time is short, we should have an expectant attitude toward Christ’s return. Peter writes, “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray.” (1 Peter 4:7) The early church expected for Christ to return during their lifetime. Every day that passes is an opportunity for us to minister to those around us. When Christ comes back, it will be too late. The truth is that we will all see Jesus one day. We don’t know when, but we know it is closer today than it was yesterday. The quality of our lives today will determine our reward on the day we see Jesus face to face.
Servant’s Attitude Towards Others 1 Peter 4:8-11
The final attitude Peter encourages the reader to have that is described in this passage is a servant’s attitude toward others. He encourages love, hospitality, and the proper use of our gifts. Rick Warren, the pastor of Saddleback Church in California, describes the unique ministry S.H.A.P.E. that God has given each one of us.
- S – Spiritual Gifts
- H – Heart
- A – Abilities
- P – Personality
- E – Experience
The unique blending of these five areas of our lives equip us for a the unique ministry God has for each one of us. Peter goes on to emphasize that our gifts should be used for the glory of God, not ourselves. This will ensure that God receives His proper glory. Peter ends this passage with a fitting doxology, “To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.“
Pray the Pledge
Pray the Pledge
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,
Thank God for our country and the blessing of being a citizen of the greatest nation the world has ever known.
and to the Republic for which it stands,
Pray for the political process as we elect those who will represent us.
one Nation under God,
Pray that our nation would return to God. 2 Chronicles 7:14
indivisible,
Pray for unity for our nation as the political debate continues.
with liberty and
Thank God for the religious liberty that we have and ask Him to preserve that liberty.
justice for all.
Pray for justice for all Americans including the unborn, elderly and defenseless.
Living Without Fear
Living Without Fear
1 Peter 3:13-22
When a commitment is made to teach through the Bible verse by verse, there are going to be times when the teacher arrives at a passage that is difficult and defies simple explanation. 1 Peter 3:13-22 is one of the most difficult passages in the New Testament to interpret and teach. We may not be able to solve every problem presented by this passage, but we can find a source of hope in difficult times, which is Peter’s theme for this letter.
Peter starts this passage with a question, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” (1 Peter 3:13) This verse immediately follows the direct quote of Psalm 34:12-16. If a person seeks to love life and see good days as Psalm 34 describes, who will harm them? It is unlike that an individual who lives a righteous life will be persecuted for doing good. Peter encourages the reader that if suffering does result from a righteous life, they will be blessed. Peter was there when Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount and said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
With the possibility of suffering for doing good, Peter calls the reader to not fear or be frightened. Two forms of protection are given to defeat fear. The first is to “set apart Christ as Lord,” in your heart. In the Bible, the heart represents the spiritual center of man. When the center of one’s life is rightly focused on God, he is able to defeat fear and live victoriously for Christ. Christ is Lord of our lives. He is in control, and by his grace He will not allow us to face any situation that He will not provide us the strength we need to find hope.
The second solution for fear is preparation to defend the hope we have as believers in Christ. (1 Peter 15) In order to defend the hope we have, it is necessary to understand the depth of Christ’s love for us and what that means to us on a personal and practical level. When a believer is firmly grounded in the Word of God, has experienced the grace of God through Christ, and can explain this hope to those who would ask, they are well on the way to defeating fear and being confident believers who can find hope in every situation. Peter encourages the reader to give this reason with gentleness and respect, and with a clear conscience.
Jesus is the supreme example of suffering for doing good that brings God glory and salvation to man. Peter writes, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18 This is the good news about Jesus in one verse. It is by Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection from the dead that we can have eternal life.
As Peter is describing the death and resurrection of Christ, he describes an event where Jesus “preaches to spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.” These verses about this preaching event are difficult and should not take the focus off the hope a believer can have in Christ. It is helpful to answer three questions about this event: 1) To whom was Jesus preaching? 2) When did this event take place? and 3) What was the content of the message?
First, the passage describes the recipient of the message as “spirits.” This is a term reserved to spiritual being like angels or demons. This term would not be used to describe the spirit of man. Peter uses the word “spirits” to describe angels or demons and “souls” to describe man. This message was preached to spiritual beings in prison; fallen angels who were connected to the sin in Noah’s day.
Secondly, when did this event take place? There are two main ideas about the timing of this message to fallen angels. This proclamation took place either during the three days between His death and resurrection or during His ascension. Whichever time it was has the same effect. Jesus made a proclamation to the fallen angels after His death on the cross.
Finally, what was the content of Jesus’ message? Peter does not tell us the content of Jesus message to these imprisoned spirits. We do know that it was not a message of redemption, since angels cannot be saved (Hebrews 2:16). Since this message is linked to the resurrection, we know it was a message of victory over Satan. One can imagine the resurrected Lord strongly proclaiming His victory to these imprisoned spirits in a loud victorious battle cry.
To summarize this difficult passage: After Christ died on the cross and was resurrected, He made a victorious proclamation to fallen angels. (Jude 6)
In the remainder of this passage, Peter uses the symbol of baptism to bring hope to the reader by reminding them of their salvation. Baptism is a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the same way, the flood pictures death, burial, and resurrection. The waters buried the earth and lifted the ark to safety. The ark is a symbol of the salvation that God provided for Noah and his family. They were saved from the flood by placing their faith in God as He provided a way of salvation from the rising waters. Sinners, in the same way, are saved by faith in God as they trust Christ, God’s provision for the penalty of sin.
It is important to emphasize that baptism does not save anyone. It is a faith relationship with Jesus, that baptism represents, that saves. The symbol should not be confused or substituted for what it symbolizes.
Clear Application for Today
- Teaching verse by verse through the Word of God is both challenging and rewarding.
- As we live for God, we should not look for suffering, but when it comes, we should trust God with the details of our lives.
- In our hearts, we should set apart Christ as Lord.
- We should be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have.
- We should marvel at what Christ did for us on the cross.
- Baptism is an important symbol of our salvation relationship with Christ.
- Jesus is at the right hand of the Father with all of creation in submission to Him. We are His prize possessions!
Living at Home
Living at Home
1 Peter 3:1-12
God has instituted a precious relationship between a husband and his wife that is under attack in our culture. Attempts to redefine marriage and the practice of cohabitation before marriage are examples of this attack. This attack can be overcome by turning to the Word of God for truth. The marriage relationship is the focus of 1 Peter 3:1-9.
Peter continues his theme of submission to authority that he started in 1 Peter 2:12. He has stated that believers should be submissive to governmental leaders and employers using Christ as our supreme example. Now he focuses his attention on those closest to us, our mates. Married couples have a choice to make: Live life conforming to the trends and patterns of this world or honor God and follow His pattern for marriage.
Peter starts by addressing wives and encourages them to be submissive to their husbands. In our society, this idea is becoming more and more foreign to our way of thinking. A wife demonstrates her faith in God by submitting to their husbands. She also is a mighty instrument of ministry to her family when she lives a life of “purity and reverence.” Peter indicates that the husband who is lost can be won to Christ by the godly life of his wife. There is great power in living a righteous, Christ-centered life.
In this passage of scripture, Peter also identifies the source of a woman’s beauty. He contrasts a woman who seeks beauty in outward adornments, braided hair, gold jewelry, and fine clothes with a woman who seeks “inner” beauty that comes from a gentle and quiet spirit. A woman of “inner” beauty is of great worth to God. Peter does not condemn paying attention to dress and fashion, but does communicate that is not ultimately the source of true beauty that God honors.
In verse 8, Peter challenges husbands to be considerate to their wives, respect them, and provide protection for them as the weaker partner. This again is counter cultural and foreign to our current way of thinking. God has instituted an order to the marriage relationship. Men are to be the spiritual head of the household and provide for and protect their wives. Husbands and wives are equally important to God with different roles within the family. Peter indicates that both husbands and wives are heirs of the gracious gift of life that Jesus offers.
A man’s relationship with God is influenced by the quality of his relationship with his wife. Peter says, ” . . . . so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (1 Peter 3:7) This passage shows that a man’s prayers are hindered if his relationship with wife is unhealthy, which shows the importance of our marriage relationship. Read Ephesians 5:22-33 for more scripture on the theme of submission in the marital relationship.
Finally in 1 Peter 3:8-9, Peter addresses all believers to:
- live in harmony with one another,
- be sympathetic,
- love as brothers
- be compassionate and humble,
- not repay evil with evil, and
- not return insult with insult, but with blessing
This type of life leads to blessings.
Peter finishes this thought by quoting Psalm 34: 12-16 that focuses on the way we can “love life and see good days.”