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3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
1 Peter 4:3-4

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:1-2

Christ’s Suffering and Ours
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
1 Peter 3:18-22

Suffering for Right and Wrong
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:13-17

In our last study of 1 Peter 3, we last left with Peter providing a message for the wives to have a pure and respectful behavior and to be subject to their husbands.  This was done as an example for husbands. The husbands were instructed to love the wives as heirs to God’s grace. But now, Peter is focusing back on the Christian community on the Christian characteristics needed to walk in a broken world.  

We are also called to be Christian examples to those who have no knowledge of Jesus. These verses 8-12, Peter begins to not address each group individually but as a collective congregation. Peter is calling for everyone who will listen to be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate and humble.

Peter's emphasis is knowing that a Christian example is one that could impact and change the lives those who did not believe in Christ. There is no distinction then to whom we can reach through our Christian example.

Called to Blessing
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;
9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
10 For “He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Today we will be studying 1 Peter 3:1-7. In these verses, God continues to provide us instruction as being good Christian examples for others. These verses in Peter’s Epistle provide instruction for both wives and husbands for Godly living. While the verses from this study mention wives and husbands, they apply to us as well. And as we study this Word, the application of its context applies to each of us.