1 Peter 3:8-12
VCC October 4, 1998
Releasing the Blessing
Releasing or hindering the blessing
Peter is writing to a group that has been persecuted, lied about, mistreated, falsely accused, hauled in front of magistrates, ridiculed for being a Christian, very aware they did not fit in this world system.
Chapters 2,3 Peter has just encouraged them to respond with supernatural grace in civil life, work situations, and in the home.
He knew that bitterness could easily spring up and defile their spirits and choke out the blessing and favor of God.
Finishes up with 3:7, where he let it be known that if a husband does not have a proper relationship with his wife, there will be a hinderance in answers coming to his prayers!
3:8-12, serves as a summary of what Peter has been building up to all the letter...how to release the blessing of God in your life.
Peter had learned some keys to releasing the blessing and power of God.
Jesus had said that he would give Peter the keys to the kingdom. (Matthew 16:19)
Acts 2--Power of God fell and 3000 saved and baptised on the day of Pentecost.
Many say, it took a number of days for the human spirit to settle down and just wait, the Mary stands up and says, “you know,even though he was my son, there were times I did not believe. Peter stands up and says, “Of all failures, I am the worst.” James, “Remember whaten we were all in the garden and forsook him.” ONe by one they got up to confess their faults until finally they were reduced with nothing. The rusult was “one accord.” THe only time we can ever be in one accord is when we are reduced to nothing.
Acts 3 -- Peter and John going to pray and Peter says, in the name of Jesus rise up and walk to a man crippled and he is healed--5000 saved!
Jesus died to release tremendous blessing
Ac 3:26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
Blessing begins when we turn from our wicked ways to the Lord.
Blessing is only associated with God. apart from God we are under judgment. As we come to him in repentance from relying on ourself and trusting in our own ways, we come to the Rock, he puts His Holy Spirit inside of us and we become Living Stones
Ga 3:14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Many don’t get the blessing God desires to give us.
Many don’t come to God in humility and repentance from trusting in self.
Picture of Redemption in the Exodus
Exodus 15:17, Sang of God bringing them into inheritance...only two made it.
Numbers 32:18,19 -- Warriors of the next generation...said we will not return home till every Israelite has received his inheritance.
Hebrews 11:23ff
Moses’ parents made a choice ... to cower under the oppression of enemy or by faith release blessing
11:24-28, Moses made a choice... to be mistreated with the people of God rather than enmoy the pleasures of sin for a short time... Christ was greater value.
We all make choices -- release the blessing of God or hinder the blessing of God
The little choices we make each day do this!
Hebrews 12:14-17, Everyone wants blessing, but some compromise it away
Esau’s choice caused him to lose what God wanted to give him and give it to another.
Saul lost what God wanted to give him and gave it to David.
12:15, the roots of bitterness can choke out the blessing of God.
12:16, instead of selling out to God, we can sell out for temporary satisfaction.
Peter gives us a vital key to God’s blessing and receiving our inheritance.
These verses in 3:8-12 have to do with Unity and relationships
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life for evermore. (Psalms 133:1-3, NIV).
Union with God is one thing and begins to cause His blessings to flow, but union with brethren is a completely different thing.
When we come into unity with blessings flow automatically.
Keys seen in Psalm 37
those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. (Psalms 37:9, NIV).
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. (Psalms 37:11, NIV).
The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever(Ps 37:18).
those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. (Ps37:22,).
Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land for ever. (Ps 37:27).
the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it for ever. (Ps 37:29).
Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it. (Ps 37:34).
1 Peter 2:4,5
We come to the living Stone, become living stones and are built into a spiritual house...that is where the real blessing flows, where the power of God is released and powers of darkness are broken.
Anyone can be spiritual alone, without others to challenge, correct, etc. But very little real progress in the kingdom of God will happen as a result.
