Peter has been talking about believers living in a world hostile to the faith. In 3:13, we read this question, “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?” You can imagine the looks that must have floated around the room when this was read. There must have been at least one person thinking, ‘Is this guy serious? Uh, I can name a few who not only can harm us but that have…starting with Emperor Nero!’
But Peter knows that they are ultimately protected by the Lord. He also understands that they are aliens living in a frightful world and someone may harm them. He says in the very next verse, “But even if you should suffer…”
He is trying to help us to have an ultimate perspective while we live in penultimate circumstances. He wants us to have an already outlook in a not yet situation. Why is that important? The answer is really simple. We are in the habit of focusing on the fearful things in our lives instead of the things that drive out fear.
So, Peter is anxious to give us a defense that will put our fears to rest. And the defense which he offers begins with a right stance; a place from which everything else flows. Notice what the text says, “… sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts…” Quite literally Peter is saying that Christ is to be set apart as Lord in our hearts.
But what does it mean to set Christ apart as Lord in our hearts and in our very lives? Quite simply, it means that Christ must be our ultimate authority. The believer must have an ultimate commitment to Christ. Christ is Lord. Do not be troubled; set Christ apart as Lord in your heart. Rest in Him, no matter the issue, and do not let anyone undermine that commitment. Resolutely cling to Christ as the authority of all in life. When you do you will be always ready to tell your opponent why you have the hope that you do. Take every thought captive in obedience to Christ and do not fear their intimidation or be troubled by them.
– Jeffrey Stivason