Living the Good LIfe (Chad Phelps)

In his own personal devotions Chad studied through 1 Peter during the 2012 winter semester. 1 Peter 3:8-12 was particularly impactful. 

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
(1 Peter 3:8-12)

Keep in mind that 1 Peter was written right after the Christians are blamed for burning Rome. This is a very dark time for Christianity. Chad sought to answer two questions as he jotted down some thoughts from this passage. 

• How do you live a life honoring to God and a life that God will bless?
• How do you achieve a full life of contentment in the Lord? 

Here are the requirements Chad found in this passage:

1.  LIVE WITH AN ATTITUDE OF HUMILITY AND LOVE (v. 8)
Humility - thinking of others before yourself
Love - sacrificing what is precious to you for the benefit of another
Unity of Mind - mind is set on the same goal
Brotherly Love - kindred spirit
Tender - being affectionate or compassionate

2.  RESPOND TO WRONG TREATMENT WITH BLESSING (v. 9)
Evil - when someone treats you the wrong way
Reviling - when someone says wrong things about you
We must respond like this because Christ responded like this. When we respond this way God blesses us.

3.  KEEP YOUR SPEECH FREE FROM EVIL SPEAKING AND DECIET (v. 10)
Psalm 141:3 instructs us to set a watch over our mouths. This was a near and dear topic to Peter's heart because he knows what it is like to stick your foot in your mouth. His instructions then are to protect your mouth by protecting your heart. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Prov. 4:23).

4.  RUN FROM SIN AND RUN TO GOD
It is not enough to just take bad habits out of your life. You have to replace them with good habits. It is not enough to not want to sin, you have to run to Christ and desire God.

5. SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT
Matthew 5:9 tells us that the peacemakers are blessed by God. Righteousness is always the basis for peace. Truth unites while error divides.