1 Peter 3:8-12 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Is Your Foundation FLESH or SPIRIT?

One of our Evangelists this week reminded us that the fruit that your life produces shows everyone what type of tree you are. False prophets abound in this world, trying to deceive people into following the flesh and satan. The Christian, saved by submitting to the Lordship of Christ, is born into the Kingdom of God through the operation of the Spirit. Once saved by faith and through the operation of the Holy Spirit, we as believers follow a pathway of submission:

1 Peter 3:7 The husband, the leader in the marriage, submits honor and love to the wife.

1 Peter 3:1 The wife, of equal value to her husband, submits to hisgodly leadership.

1 Peter 2:25 Every Christian submits to the Leadership of the Word of God and the Spirit of God. We follow Christ, and help others follow Christ.

1 Peter 2:24 Our Lord Jesus submitted to the Will of the Father by going to the Cross, becoming the Lamb of God to take away our sins.

The difference between the world and the Kingdom of God is that the world submits to the flesh and feelings, but those in God’s Kingdom submit to the Word and Spirit of God.

The Christian Mind Submits To Spirit And Word

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind …

We all have opinions, feelings, desires, and they are all somewhat different. The Christian does not walk according to the feelings of the flesh, but we submit to the Word of God. You were saved by submitting to the Word of God. You heard that Christ is the Messiah, that He died for your sins, and you came to Him with open and empty hands. You received Him as He is, both Lord and Savior. You were born again.

Jesus said in John 3:6-7, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit… you MUST be BORN AGAIN”. When you hear the Gospel, and believe that Christ died for you, and rose again for you, and you BELIEVE this Gospel is FOR YOU, then God the Holy Spirit changes you. Jesus said in

John 6:63 (AP) It is the HOLY SPIRIT that gives life; the FLESH PROFITS NOTHING: The Words that I SPEAK UNTO YOU, these Words are SPIRIT, and these Words are LIFE ..

The entrance into the Christian way of life is to understand WHO Jesus ACTUALLY IS. One day Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do PEOPLE say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). The disciples began to list the different theories as to Who Jesus is. Some thought Jesus was John the Baptist. That couldn’t be true, for John had been imprisoned by Herod, and was beheaded for his faith (Matthew 14:10). Others thought Jesus to be Elijah, returning from Heaven. Yet others thought Jesus to be a great Prophet. Hearing all these statements, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do YOU think I am?”. Peter spoke up and said:

Matthew 16:16 (AP) YOU are THE Christ, THE Son of the Living God!

Jesus tells Peter:

Matthew 16:17-19 (ESV) “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter (petros), and on this rock (petra) I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The Catholics took these verses and said that Peter became the first Pope, that God gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. But that’s not true. Jesus said “You are petros, and on petra I will build My Church”. Had Jesus meant that He was building His Church on Peter, He would have used the same Greek word each time.

God did not give Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, but He gives ALL Christians the keys. What are the KEYS? The Spirit and the Word of God.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind

We are not told that just SOME are to be of ONE MIND, but ALL are to be of ONE MIND. We are not to be carnally or fleshly minded. The Apostle said:

Romans 8:6-9 (ESV) For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

When we are told to have “one mind”, that mind is to be “the MIND OF CHRIST” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

To have ONE MIND is to have singleness of purpose. The Bible says “the DOUBLE MINDED PERSON is UNSTABLE in all their ways” (James 1:8, AP). As one evangelist reminded us, our duty as Christians is to take others by the hand and help them follow Christ. We are to be single minded in doing what Jesus said.

I have heard Christians say, “I don’t like so and so, so I won’t go near them”. This is NOT the Christian way. Though Jesus hated what the Pharisees and Sadducees said and did, He was constantly addressing them, trying to draw them back to God. People are broken, and often do not see their brokenness. I can see another person’s sin so much easier than I can see my own. God’s will for this Church is expressed in:

Romans 15:5-6 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When we are obedient to God, and love those who do not love us, we have the promise that God will accompany us on the journey. The Scripture says:

2 Corinthians 13:11 … be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

The devil loves it when Christians oppose one another. We are Children of the Most High. It is beneath the place of a royal to despise another member of the royal family. We are to …

Philippians 1:27 (ESV) Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, … with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel,

It is a blessing to your Pastor when you work together in unity to advance the Gospel of Christ. The Apostle said:

Philippians 2:2 Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

And again,

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another….

The Fruit Of The Spirit Looks Like This

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Word Study: The word rendered “compassion” is the Greek sympathēs (pronounced soom-path-ace’), which means “to have a fellow-feeling with, to be sympathetic with”. Though this word is used only here in Scripture, it’s sentiment is echoed in:

1 Corinthians 12:24-26 … God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

The Body of Christ, the Church, is composed by God. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:18 (ESV), “God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose”. Just as the members of the human body has sympathy with the pain experienced by other members, so should the Body of Christ function when it is Spirit led.

We are God’s Team!

1 Peter 3:8 love as brethren,

Word Study: “love as brethren” is actually one word in the Greek, philadelphos. We are to treat one another like family.

We are God’s Family!

1 Peter 3:8 BE PITIFUL

Word Study: This is the Greek eusplagchnos, which means “to be tender hearted toward”. We are to give others the benefit of the doubt. We are told in:

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Being “tenderhearted” means to respond to a sleight or an offense with KINDNESSand FORGIVENESS. I was raised to respect others. If someone is talking, I let them finish talking before I put in my two cents worth. Not all people are raised like I was. I have been talking to someone when another person comes up and, ignoring me, starts a conversation with the person I’m talking to. I can feel my hackles rise up (that’s the hair on the back of my neck) – but I must not respond in an ugly way. The Spirit says to give that person the benefit of the doubt. Be kind and forgiving. I’ve put my hand out to shake another’s hand, only to be ignored. Be kind and forgiving. I’ve had people say ugly things to me, both to my face and behind my back. Be kind and forgiving – just as Christ gave us.

We are all broken!

1 Peter 3:8 be courteous

Word Study: This is the Greek compound philophrōn, which means “friendly minded”. Do not assume the worst of others, but be friendly and open to them as people. Do not be friendly minded toward sin. Many in modern Christian music seek to blend Christianity with that which God has forbidden in order to be “seeker sensitive”. For instance, the Christian artist known as Lecrae was selling t-shirts on his website that said “I can quote Cardi B and Corinthians”. Cardi B is a rap artist that uses blasphemous language in her songs, and many times sings sexually explicit or racist lyrics. Lecrae states “I’m righteous and ratchet”, a catch phrase that means you can speak righteously or unrighteously. I guess they get that from a “ratchet” as a tool can turn “right” or “left”. Beloved, the Bible says:

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Christians do not “ratchet”. We serve a Living God Who is righteous and hates sin. He hates sin so much His Son had to die to cover our sins. As someone once said:

“You Christians will stand before God as if you are Christ, because Christ stood before God as if He were YOU! He paid for our sins.”

We are friendly-minded toward people – but NOT toward their broken ways. We are loving toward those in sin – but NOT toward their sin.

Christians Do Not Fight Fire With Fire

1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Social Media has done more to ruin the cause of Christ than anything else in human history. People who profess to be Christian get on Social Media and post some of the most horrid items, thinking that they are somehow leading people to Christ.

Beloved, we as Christians do not get down in the mud
and wrestle with the unbeliever.

We as Christians do not enter the mental health facility
with the idea of arguing with its patients.

Often believers quote these Scriptures out of context:

Leviticus 24:19-20 (ESV) If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him. (also see Deuteronomy 19:21)

This Law was given to a specific people – Israel – during a specific time – when a Judge pronounced sentence. This was not meant to be the Christian way of life. Our Lord Jesus said:

Matthew 5:38-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We are not to avenge ourselves, but to do as Christ commanded. As He hung on the Cross of Calvary in undeserved and unimaginable pain, our Lord cried out:

Luke 23:34 (ESV) … “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

We are to allow our God to take care of vengeance. The Father has promised, “Vengeance is MINE, I will repay, says the LORD” (Romans 12:19). God will balance the scales in the end of days, and you who are saved will be more than satisfied with the results. Do not allow the sons of Adam to pull you down to their level. No soul has ever been won to Christ in an evil for evil battle.

You Bring A Blessing Or A Cursing On Yourself Based On The Fruit You Allow In Your Life

1 Peter 3:9-12 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and {pursue} it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

The Christian is called to bring LIGHT to this earth, not darkness. “You are the LIGHT of the world” (Matthew 5:14). “Let your LIGHT shine before people, so they can SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS” (Matthew 5:16). Jesus said, “Be careful that the LIGHT that is in you is not darkness” (Luke 11:35). Jesus said, “I came into this world as LIGHT, that whoever believes on me WILL NOT ABIDE IN DARKNESS” (John 12:46).

If you “love life, and {want to} see good days”, then the Lord tells you to control your tongue. Do not let your tongue speak evil things. Do not let hypocrisy come from your lips. We are to:

1 Peter 3:11 … eschew evil, and do good

Word Study: That Old English word “eschew” is the Greek ekklinō, which means “to go out of the way to avoid”. If evil is in your path, “take the long way home”. Shun it. Refuse to entertain it. Celebrate the goodness of God, and shine for Him – even if the world doesn’t understand.

Illustrate: On Saturday (Sept. 9, 2023), 19-year-old Coco Gauff won the U.S. Open women’s tennis single finals, becoming the youngest American to claim the title since Serena Williams won in 1999 at the age of 17. Coco went off to the side after her victory, knelt, and praised God in a moment of silent prayer. She would later tell ESPN, “God [puts] you through tribulations and trials and that makes this moment even sweeter than I could have imagined”.

We who are Christ’s do not just go out of our way to avoid evil, but we “DO GOOD”. What “GOOD” have you done for the Lord this week? Social media doesn’t count. Social media takes no effort. Kneeling and praying to God on the sidelines after a victory takes courage, especially in our day in America. What you post on X (Twitter), Facebook or Linked-In takes no courage. You can ‘block’ whoever doesn’t agree with you, or ‘unfriend’ them, or make the post private. What “GOOD” have you done for the Lord this week in the marketplace, in Church, in your business, in your family or school? We are told to “SEEK PEACE and PURSUE it”. This does not mean to compromise what God has said is true. What this means is,

We are to live our lives so as to lead others to Christ (Ephesians 2:14).

We end with these words:

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

Do you feel that your prayers are largely unanswered? Do you feel that you are praying and praying, but God is not hearing? Then check your life. Are you walking with Christ? Are you living your life in accordance with the Word of God and the Spirit of God? Or are you imitating the lost? What you do as a believer will effect whether God blesses you or not.

May God touch your hearts, leading you to follow Him. Regardless as to where He leads. Jesus has promised that the gates of hell cannot defeat His Church. Let us follow Him into glory. If we believe, let us follow the lead of His Spirit and His Word – not the flesh. Amen and Amen.

I believe there is one salvation

One doorway that leads to life

One redemption, one confession

I believe in the name of Jesus Christ!

I believe in the crucifixion

By His blood I have been set free

I believe in the resurrection

Hallelujah, His life is death’s defeat

All praise to God the Father, all praise to Christ the Son

All praise to the Holy Spirit, our God has overcomе

The King who was and is and evermore will be

In Jesus’ mighty name, I believe!

(Phil Wickham)