The Christian Under Human Government (10) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

It is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:17

The Christian Under Human Government (10)
The apostle Paul had been put on trial in Rome, where he was kept as a criminal in a dungeon. In his great need, he realized that the Lord is always in control: He was at his side, provided for him, and even rescued him from the attacks of the enemy. Paul kept trusting Him for continued help until the end . Possibly a year earlier, Peter had been held in one of Nero's prisons when tremendous persecutions raged in several parts of the Roman Empire. The Jews were a special target, mainly the believers among them (1 Pet. 1:1; 4:12; 5:8-10).

The Lord led Peter to write and encourage them (1:15-25), saying that they should continue following Christ as their Model and Leader (2:20-25). The key for doing so is to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts (3:15). This means giving Him His rightful place in our hearts, the center of our lives. With this divine control, He guides us in what we think, do, and say.

Accused by opponents or even by the government, Christians need to make sure that they have a good conscience, and that their actions confirm that they walk with the Lord, even if this means suffering—allowed by God (vv. 16-17). Peter then reintroduces our Lord Jesus Christ, to help us fix our eyes and hearts on Him when we suffer, even while doing good. In baptism, we have identified through faith with our Lord, who was rejected by this world. Raised from among the dead, He now sits at God's right hand, glorified. As we live in a world that still rejects Him, we are to represent Him. To do so we need a good conscience as we identify with Him, even though others may reject Him. Innocent, yet crucified under the Roman government, He is now our great Leader! What a Savior!

Alfred E. Bouter