Bible Study - May 1st
"A Clear Conscience"
1 Peter 3:13-22 (New International Version)
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also–not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand–with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
Notes: A former colleague used to say "If you are going to be liar you better have a good memory!" He knew what he was talking about because he spent an inordinate amount of time trying to cover up for his shortcomings by finding fault with anyone and everyone in order to draw attention away from himself and his own inadequacies. He also said "Liars figure and figures lie!" Eventually it all caught up with him and he moved on to another job where he could start all over again.
In the Biblical book of Proverbs it says: "Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel." (Proverbs 20:17)
Of course we often are tempted to lie or decieve out of a desire to preserve our own reputation or to avoid be punished or blamed. In other words we seek to avoid suffering. But, in the end the suffering comes back to us when we are found out. Better to tell the truth in the beginning.
The early Christians believed that by seeking God's favor they might obtain a better life. But they found that just by being a Christian did not mean that one would avoid all suffering and trouble in life. In fact, sometimes Christians were ridiculed and persecuted for just being "good."
This seems unfair and it is perhaps. And yet, Peter writes his letter to affirm that even in the face of suffering or trouble, the Christian is still blessed because he possesses the truth. This truth is what will save us and protect us in all things. Above all, when we seek the good we are made strong and are able to withstand criticism and suffering for we do so with a "good conscience."
Consider your own conscience. What is it? Where does it come from? Do you always follow it? Are you ever tempted to do otherwise? Why? Why is it better to sleep on a good conscience than and bad one? Why is forgiveness so important when we have erred or someone has caused us harm? Why is our baptism an appeal to God for a "good conscience?"
1 Peter 3:13-22 (New International Version)
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also–not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand–with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
Notes: A former colleague used to say "If you are going to be liar you better have a good memory!" He knew what he was talking about because he spent an inordinate amount of time trying to cover up for his shortcomings by finding fault with anyone and everyone in order to draw attention away from himself and his own inadequacies. He also said "Liars figure and figures lie!" Eventually it all caught up with him and he moved on to another job where he could start all over again.
In the Biblical book of Proverbs it says: "Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel." (Proverbs 20:17)
Of course we often are tempted to lie or decieve out of a desire to preserve our own reputation or to avoid be punished or blamed. In other words we seek to avoid suffering. But, in the end the suffering comes back to us when we are found out. Better to tell the truth in the beginning.
The early Christians believed that by seeking God's favor they might obtain a better life. But they found that just by being a Christian did not mean that one would avoid all suffering and trouble in life. In fact, sometimes Christians were ridiculed and persecuted for just being "good."
This seems unfair and it is perhaps. And yet, Peter writes his letter to affirm that even in the face of suffering or trouble, the Christian is still blessed because he possesses the truth. This truth is what will save us and protect us in all things. Above all, when we seek the good we are made strong and are able to withstand criticism and suffering for we do so with a "good conscience."
Consider your own conscience. What is it? Where does it come from? Do you always follow it? Are you ever tempted to do otherwise? Why? Why is it better to sleep on a good conscience than and bad one? Why is forgiveness so important when we have erred or someone has caused us harm? Why is our baptism an appeal to God for a "good conscience?"
posted by Anonymous at 1:46 PM
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