Counterintuitive Living (Sermon Blog)
Series Recap: In this third message of the Simon Says series, Pastor Steve walked through key lessons from 1 Peter 3–4, where Peter calls followers of Jesus to live in a way that often feels upside down compared to the culture around us. Following Jesus, he reminded us, is often counterintuitive—it means choosing humility over pride, peace over revenge, and love over offense.
Marriage: Wedlock or Deadlock
Peter begins by addressing husbands and wives, reminding them that marriage works best when both live out godly character.
For Wives
Peter encourages wives to win over unbelieving husbands not through arguments, but through gentle and godly character (1 Peter 3:1–4).
True beauty comes from within — a quiet, steady spirit that reflects God’s heart.
Outward beauty fades, but inner character endures.
A godly woman’s life can draw others to Christ more powerfully than her words.
Pastor Steve reminded us that this message is not about control or inequality, but about the influence of a Christ-like heart. He even paused to apologize on behalf of men who have mistreated or devalued women, emphasizing that God’s Word affirms their worth, dignity, and beauty.
For Husbands
Peter then instructs husbands to honor their wives as equal partners in God’s gift of life (1 Peter 3:7).
Treat her with understanding and respect.
Recognize her as a co-heir of God’s grace.
Remember: if you mistreat your wife, even your prayers may be hindered!
In a culture that confuses gender and devalues marriage, Peter’s teaching calls both men and women back to God’s design—mutual honor, sacrificial love, and spiritual unity.
The Right Attitude: Imitating Jesus
Peter shifts from marriage to relationships within the church and the world. His message: live with humility and compassion, even when it’s hard.
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other, love each other as brothers and sisters, be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” — 1 Peter 3:8
Pastor Steve noted that Jesus modeled this attitude perfectly. Despite rejection and persecution, He remained humble, loving, and forgiving.
To live like Jesus means to:
Be unified, not competitive.
Respond to insults with kindness.
Bless those who hurt you, rather than retaliate.
It’s completely counterintuitive—but it’s the way of Christ. Choosing humility over hostility leads to peace, not bitterness.
Watch Your Words and Pursue Peace
Peter also teaches that joy in life comes through right living and right speaking:
“Keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it.” — 1 Peter 3:10–11
Pastor Steve highlighted three practical steps from these verses:
Guard your tongue. Words can wound or heal—choose truth and encouragement.
Turn from sin. Even “small” sins like gossip and resentment can erode joy.
Be a peacemaker. Work to restore relationships, not just keep the peace.
Living this way may not come naturally, but it brings freedom and lasting happiness.
Be Ready to Suffer for Doing Good
Following Jesus often means standing against the current of culture. Peter reminded believers that suffering for their faith is part of the journey.
“Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourself with the same attitude he had.” — 1 Peter 4:1
Peter’s audience faced persecution under Nero—many lost homes, jobs, and even their lives. Pastor Steve encouraged us to remember that while most of us won’t face that level of persecution, our faith will still cost us something.
We might lose:
Approval from friends or family.
Comfort or convenience.
Cultural acceptance.
But what we gain is far greater—God’s presence, peace, and the joy of living for something eternal.
Love Deeply
Peter closes this section with a simple but powerful call:
“Continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8
This kind of love isn’t shallow or selective—it’s sacrificial, patient, and forgiving.
It means letting go of offenses.
It means making room for people’s faults.
It means practicing hospitality—opening your home and your heart to others.
Pastor Steve shared how he and his wife began inviting people without family to their home for Thanksgiving years ago—and how that act of kindness became a lasting blessing.
Love that acts—love that does—is the kind of love Peter describes. It’s the love that changes hearts, homes, and communities.
Living Counterintuitive
Peter’s letter calls us to a life that doesn’t always make sense to the world:
Honor your spouse.
Choose humility over retaliation.
Pursue truth and peace.
Stand firm even when it costs you.
Love deeply and forgive freely.
This is counterintuitive living—the kind of faith that reflects Jesus to a watching world.
This Sunday, Pastor Steve will continue our series, Simon Says, with Part 4.
Join us at Pacific Life Church as we keep learning from Peter’s letters how to live with courage, conviction, and Christlike love in today’s world.