SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.
OBSERVATION | We continue our study of the zeal to do the good and holy will of God (vs. 13) even when it brings hardship and suffering. In our verses now, we have a conditional promise of blessing.
This is conditional, because it is a blessing that only belongs to those who do righteousness and suffer because of it. In other words, this blessedness here is uniquely restricted to those who are willing to be obedient to the Word of God regardless of the opposition they face. That is a great encouragement in our lawless day when the church itself is full of compromise, that is offended by a biblical and zealous obedience.
What then does it mean to be blessed? The original Greek word here for “blessed” written by the pen of Peter is makarioi (μακάριοι). This is an adjective and a noun, a word that modifies and identifies it’s subject. The noun here is “you.” That is, God is directly applying the word “blessed” to you, if the condition is met. If you are “suffering for the sake of righteousness.”
Then, what does it mean to be “blessed?” In our day “blessed” seems to be a very Christian word. It was not so when it was originally penned by Peter. In his day, “blessed” was a word used by false religions too and even Greek poets. “Blessed” carried the idea of being happy, and having good fortune. Yet, it means more than this, as the source is spiritual and something higher than an earthly delight. We can then define the biblical idea of being “blessed” as a happiness and favorable circumstances that are rooted in the Lord and the eternal benefits that comes from Him.
In this way, if you do what is right in the sight of God, but suffer here on the earth, you have a happiness and you have a favorable circumstance in the reality that is beyond that suffering. How is that? Because you know that God is pleased with your actions, no matter what the world and it’s wordlings do to you. Consider the Words of our Lord on this matter.
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10–12
We can see here how we can be “blessed” or how we can “rejoice and be glad” when we are wronged for doing good. How? By knowing we have a “great reward” that is not earthly, but is eternal and heavenly! How? By knowing we are like the prophets of old. Seeing the way prophets suffered for living out the will of God, ought to change our expectations, from expecting unicorns and rainbows when we do good, to courage and bravery to live righteously in the face of all suffering.
APPLICATION | Do you know the blessing of suffering for doing what is right? Are you happy to return good for evil because you know of the eternal reward you have? (1 Peter 3:9) What areas of your life have you compromised on “what is right” in order to avoid the displeasures of people’s opinions and judgements? Repent and renew your mind (Romans 12:2) to think of the pleasures of being blessed by Almighty God and knowing that His opinion of your deeds is of a greater matter than all others. Rest in the forgiveness of His grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and live for His pleasure and glory.
PRAYER | Father, forgive me for any fear of man that has taken hold of my thoughts and heart. Use your Word to change my mind to a bold determination to do what is right according to your Word in the face of verbal slander, physical abuse or even death. Ground me in You Word so that I will know the way I am to think, speak and act. So that I might bring You alone the greatest glory I can, no matter what comes. Amen
ADDITIONAL VERSES TO CONSIDER:
Galatians 1:10 10For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a slave of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:9–10 9Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
