Christ is Lord
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” – 1 Peter 3:14-16 (NIV, emphasis added)
“…setting apart Christ as Lord in the heart is not merely a private reality but will be evident to all when believers suffer for their faith. The inner and outer life are inseparable, for what happens within will inevitably be displayed to all, especially when one suffers.” – Thomas R. Schreiner
“Thus the sense of fear or reverence for the Lord rather than fear of men is reinforced…To reverence Christ as Lord means really to believe that Christ, not one’s humans opponents, is truly in control of events.” – Wayne Gurdem (emphasis original)
Without a firm grasp on the Lordship of Jesus, and its firm grasp on us, our followership of Jesus will endure unneeded difficulty and doubt. That is why Peter puts this work front and center for the exiles to whom he writes. Set apart or sanctify Jesus as Lord is the instruction. The setting apart does not make Jesus Lord universally, He is Lord in that sense whether one reveres Him as so or not (1 Peter 3:15, Philippians 2:9-11). The setting apart does however change my frame of reference. No longer need I fear suffering for the sake of Christ. All such suffering comes amidst the watchful care of the Lord of all. I also have no need to be troubled that my apologetics game is not strong enough for others to come to know the life and salvation I’ve found in Jesus. His Lordship is over my witness. He will do the work of winning sinners hearts. As an evangelist from the UK drilled into my brain, “We preach Christ, God opens blind eyes.” Christ’s Lordship as my frame of reference is the best way to keep me from doubt and unneeded heartache. He’s my Lord and there is so much now that I need not carry or attempt to control. This doesn’t mean we live flippantly with a carefree “whatever happens, happens” approach to life. It does mean that each day, as we endeavor live well under the Lordship of Jesus, we can trust in His Sovereignty as the key determining reality. So, I can live by the Holy Spirit’s empowering to the best of my ability and entrust the results to the Lordship of Jesus. I can also handle hardship, heartache, and disappointment much better knowing I serve the One who is in charge. Jesus is Lord. The more you and I line ourselves up with that reality and live from it, the more God honoring and blessed our lives will become.