The Christian life looks different from the way secular people live. This often leads to conflict, suffering, and accusations against the faith. One common accusation is that of hypocrisy, which is “feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not” (Merriam-Webster dictionary). Being humble about God’s grace in your life and being real about how much transformation is still needed personally will protect against this accusation.

Life under the cross looks different and leads to transformation.

In today’s text, Peter can write with integrity to encourage two things he initially resisted before he had been transformed. It was not hypocrisy.

1. Peter initially resisted the need for Christ to go to the cross. In Matthew 16:21-23, Jesus had to rebuke Peter for resisting Jesus’ very purpose for coming. Later in 1 Pet 3:18, he celebrates the cross and all that it accomplished for us.
2. Peter also resisted his own suffering as a follower of Jesus. In Matthew 26:69-75, Peter denied Jesus three times because he was afraid of suffering, despite having boasted earlier that he would even be willing to die. Later, in 1 Peter 3:13-14, Peter tells us not to worry about suffering for doing what is right. He even calls it a blessing. Peter personally had spoken boldly to the religious leaders (Acts 4:13) and rejoiced when he suffered because he counted it a privilege (Acts 5:41). He had been transformed by God’s grace.

Peter tells believers to be unified in this new life under the cross (v. 8) and to be ready to make a defense for our reason to have hope (v.15).  

Taking It Home: “What is God currently doing in your life right now?” When you are asked about your faith, give a personal testimony of God’s goodness to you.