LIVING THE GOOD LIFE

Text: I Peter 3:8-12.

Purpose:  To show what the "good life" really is, and how it may be enjoyed while living on the earth.

Introduction

We are bombarded daily by formulas for "the good life." Here is the formula of a Spirit-guided apostle, borrowed from another Spirit-led man from a millennium earlier.

Body

I. Peter makes an appealing offer: this is how you may love life and see good days!

   A. Many such claims are made, and were in Peter's day.

        1. Commercials promise glamour, success, sex appeal -- through various products.

        2. Many seek the good life through money or financial success.

        3. Some look for it in the acquisition of power.

        4. Many expect to find it in unbridled pleasure.

        5. None of the above delivers what it promises.

   B. Here is "complete disclosure": Peter does not deceive us as to what he is really offering.

        1. "Love" life, i.e., with intelligence and purpose. Not simply "enjoy" living. Here is a life that will stand scrutiny and reflection in later years and will still be loved for its true merit.

        2. See "good" days, i.e., filled with profit and value, not mere fancy and foolishness. The world does not know the true meaning of either "love" or "good."

II. This biblical formula brings good credentials for our consideration.

   A. It is time-tested over 1,000 years.

        1. Peter quotes David in these verses, from Psalm 34:12-16a.

        2. This formula was true in David's day; it was still true in Peter's time.

        3. We may be sure it is true 2,000 years later.

   B. It is approved for Christians.

        1. Not everything in the Old Testament is approved for Christians (dancing, incense, animal sacrifices, orchestra in worship to God).

        2. All that was merely external, ceremonial, and ended with Christ to whom it pointed.

        3. All that was inherently valuable and spiritual in nature was eternal, and remains true today.

        4. We should not make the grave mistake of neglecting the Old Testament Scriptures.

             a. They comprise 2/3 of the Bible.

             b. They were written for "our" learning (Paul emphasizes the pronoun in Romans 15:4).

             c. Particularly the Psalms are rich for the Christian, for they reveal intimately the heart of the man who was "after God's heart."

   C. It is versatile: it fits all people the same.

       1. It worked for David, a shepherd and king.

       2. It worked for Peter, a fisherman and apostle.

       3. It will work for you, regardless of who you are, or where or when you might live.

III. Here is the formula for the good life (3:10,11).

   A. Abstain from evil speech.

        1. As part of a holy "conversation" or manner of life (2:12).

        2. When unfairly treated by those in authority (2:18, 21-23).

        3. When trying to win an unbelieving partner (3:1).

        4. To have a happy marriage pleasing in God's sight (3:7).

        5. Within the Christian fellowship in particular (3:9).

   B. Turn from evil and do good.

        1. Because God who called you is Himself holy (1:15, 16).

        2. Because you were chosen for this purpose (2:9, 10).

        3. To turn enemies' criticism into praise of God (2:12).

        4. To make your accusers ashamed (3:14-16).

   C. Seek peace and actively work for it.

        1. Live in peace with Christians (II Corinthians 13:11; Colossians 3:15; I Thessalonians 5:13; II Timothy 2:22).

        2. Live peaceably with all people, if possible (Romans 12:18).

Conclusion

Most problems in life come because someone did not abide by one or more parts of this "formula for the good life." God wants us to be happy, to enjoy life now, and His Word tells the secret for the truly good life. Let us put it into practice!

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