1 Peter 3:11
The sermon emphasizes the importance of avoiding evil, actively doing good, and pursuing peace in all aspects of life.
John Gill emphasizes the importance of avoiding evil and actively doing good as outlined in 1 Peter 3:11. He encourages believers to abstain from all forms of evil, including revenge, and to engage in good works motivated by love and faith for the glory of God. Gill highlights the necessity of seeking and pursuing peace with everyone, including enemies, and fostering a peaceful community, particularly within the church. He notes the significance of adhering to both negative and affirmative precepts in living a righteous life. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to goodness and peace as central tenets of the Christian faith.
Text
Ver. 11. Let him eschew evil,.... Avoid all kinds of evil, hate it, abstain from the appearance of it, and have no fellowship with it; and particularly should avoid rendering evil for evil, or taking revenge on persons for doing him ill:
and do good; everything that is good, all good works, according to the will of God, in the exercise of faith, from a principle of love, and with a view to the glory of God; and without trusting to them, and depending upon them for life and salvation; and particularly do good for evil; do good to all men, acts of kindness and beneficence, even to enemies, and especially to them that are of the household of faith. The Jewish interpreters {w} on the psalm from whence these words are taken observe, that in the first of these clauses are contained all the negative precepts, whose number with them is three hundred, sixty, and five; and in the latter of them, all the affirmative precepts, which amount to two hundred and forty eight:
let him seek peace and ensue it: "or pursue it"; let him seek after it, in the world, and with all men, as much as possible, yea, with his very enemies; and live a peaceable and quiet life, in the kingdom, city, town, and neighbourhood where he is; and particularly in the church of God, and with the saints; which he should seek with all diligence and eagerness, and pursue with all rigour to the utmost of his power; and endeavour to cultivate all he can, and follow the things which make for it. The note of one of the Jewish commentators {x} on this passage is, "seek peace", in thine own place; "and pursue it", in another place.
{w} Aben Ezra & Kimchi in Psal. xxxiv. 14. {x} Jarchi.
Sermon Outline
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I
- {'A': 'Definition of evil and its manifestations', 'B': 'Importance of avoiding revenge', 'C': 'The role of personal integrity'}
- The Call to Eschew Evil
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II
- {'A': 'Understanding good works in faith', 'B': 'Acts of kindness towards all, including enemies', 'C': 'The motivation behind good deeds'}
- The Command to Do Good
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III
- {'A': 'Seeking peace with all men', 'B': 'The significance of peace within the church', 'C': 'Diligence in cultivating peace'}
- The Pursuit of Peace
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IV
- {'A': 'Overview of negative precepts', 'B': 'Overview of affirmative precepts', 'C': 'The relationship between the two'}
- The Balance of Negative and Affirmative Precepts
Key Quotes
“Let him eschew evil,.... Avoid all kinds of evil, hate it, abstain from the appearance of it.” — John Gill
“Let him seek peace and ensue it: 'or pursue it'; let him seek after it, in the world, and with all men.” — John Gill
“Do good to all men, acts of kindness and beneficence, even to enemies.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Reflect on personal actions and ensure they align with God's call to avoid evil.
- Commit to performing acts of kindness, even towards those who may not treat us well.
- Actively seek opportunities to cultivate peace within your community and church.