SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:13 And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?

OBSERVATION | In the last section of our study of 1 Peter we learned about how the true believer is commanded not to return “evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but giving a blessing instead.” (1 Pt 3:9-12) The thought of doing good to those who do us evil continues as Peters letter moves forward. However, the idea is now expanded to anytime God’s people do good and the letter addresses suffering that may accompany doing good.

We first have the question of “who,” then a condition of “if,” followed by a list of six divine encouragements. We will begin our study with the condition first, then the question before the encouragements.

First, the question is “if you prove zealous for what is good?” (LSB) More literally translated “if you have been making yourself a zealous good doer.” The question is set in the sense of a “if you” condition. Meaning, there are two contrasting paths set before “you.” (Notice how God speaks directly to “you” in these verses.) Either you are one who is on the path in question, or you are not. So that the doctrine that follows after this only applies to you if you are on the path. What path? If you are one who has “been making yourself a zealous good doer.”

Now let’s study, “Have been making yourself…” This translation comes from the original Greek word genēsthe (γένησθε) translated “prove” in the LSB. The root meaning is “to be” or “become.” Here however, it is written in a tense that occurs in the past, so we translate it “have been” or “are becoming.” Further, this is written in what is called the middle voice, which is spoken in regard to self. So, that while the root of this word means “to become,” in the middle voice it is translated “to make myself become.” Combining the past tense and middle gives us “have been making yourself…”

In conclusion, the condition of what is being said is applied to you, if you “have been making yourself…” what? “Zealous for what is good.” (LSB) Zeal is a wonderful modifier used here! The root of the original word for zeal (zeō ζέω) means “to boil” or to “be hot.” Keep this in mind as you read what Jesus said to the church in Revelation 3:15-16.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

To be “lukewarm” is to be wishy washy, complacent, passive, riding the fence, compromising and justifying our living with so-called gray areas. Jesus will spit out those who take such an approach to their “deeds.” He’d rather people be cold or hot. Cold being the opposite of hot, and hot being the root of the word for zeal. So that cold would be the opposite of zeal.

Now see Revelation 3:19 “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent.” There is our word “zeal.” The Savior calls for the saved to repent and be zealous, that is to be on fire in contrast to on ice. Hot with a zeal for doing good or as Titus 2:14 says “zealous for good works.”

In other words, the study that follows is direct at you only if you “have been making yourself a zealous good doer.” (1 Pt 3:13) This is the work of sanctification. Beware of the many lawless teachers of our day who nullify such a pursuit of holiness and such a passion for God’s glory through righteous living. They will nullify this biblical sanctification by applying the doctrine of justification to it. (That is, they nullify biblical sanctification by replacing it with the teachings of justification). Sadly, scripture warns that they do this to the damnation of themselves and their followers (See Jude, 2 Peter 2).

APPLICATION | Have you been “making yourself a zealous good doer?” If not, why not? Do you oppose the idea of actively pursuing what is righteous, holy and good? Do you appose the idea of doing God’s will? Are you apathetic to godliness? Or do you actively and passionately pursue living in God’s will throughout your days for the glory of God? Those who are truly saved by grace through faith, are created in Christ Jesus for good works. (Eph 2:8-10) Today, begin to review what you do in the light of God’s holy Word. It is sufficient to show you the way for all of your life and godliness. (2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pt 1:3) Repent of all apathy. Repent of a careless heart toward the holy life God calls you to live.

PRAYER | Father, thank you that by Your grace You sent Your Son to take my place and pay for my sin on the cross. Thank you too that Jesus did not stay dead, but conquered the grave and now can offer me new life through His death and resurrection. Give a me the zeal of gratitude and love, to seek to do what is right according your Word with a holy and a passionate fire. That my life may become more and more a life lived only for You and for Your glory. Amen.