1Peter 2

Humility in the Face of False Accusations.

Our example is to keep on committing ourselves and circumstances to God.

Jesus surrendered His cause to God.

1Peter 2:23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously;

Hebrews 12:3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.

“To avoid evil tempers, and the uneasiness and danger of avenging ourselves, it is a great advantage in all such cases to be able to refer our cause to God, and to be assured that the Judge of all the earth will do right”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Considering the obvious application of not returning harsh words for those received, I would think we all have something to work on! Even if we do not verbalize our remarks, the thoughts we have which are odious towards others make us guilty.

Jesus was accused, although He was innocent, by those in authority in the face of many present. Think of the public humiliation and shame thrown at Him, yet He did not return insults or even answer harshly. He did not seek revenge but instead prayed for their forgiveness. He committed all things to God knowing that God would exact justice.

It is impossible for man to attain a position of perfect holiness. So even in that rare instance of wrong accusation, reproach for something is probably deserved. Our fight must be to remain as holy as possible, following the example set before us so that any accusation brought against us has no merit. The concern we should concentrate on is to seek to prove our genuine faith in humility before our gracious and forgiving God.

How should you respond when you meet with false accusations, harsh words, and unfair treatment?

Keeping some truths before us will help in our response –

We are worthy only because of Christ – being reminded of this helps to pull down the inflated picture we have of ourselves,

Our value and confidence rest in His claim on us – not because of any claim we might have,

Our hope is in God’s righteousness and perfect judgment – He alone sees all things exactly as they are and He alone is worthy to bless or condemn,

We are to be an example of His holiness in all our behavior – regardless of the circumstance or even perceived atrocities against us. We need to remember love is unconditional; We are called to forgive without limitations.

It is entirely God’s right to use His children as He wills for His glory. Our humble submission to His will proves our genuine love for Him. When we are wronged, responding rightly gives glory to God. This is not an excuse for individuals to mistreat others, but it is an opportunity for God’s children to grow in holiness.

Psalm 37:5-8 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret, [it leads] only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.

Jesus entrusted Himself to God, “who although He commands His people to manifest a Christian spirit towards all, will nevertheless condemn and punish those who oppress or injure them”, Family Bible Notes.

Read Matthew 25:40-46.

Judgement is God’s call alone – He is the only One who is completely righteous and sees all things as they truly are. When I consider what my submissiveness should look like, my mind goes to a familiar snapshot of what it should not look like. Picture someone who must have the ‘last word’. In the following verse, read how Scripture teaches against this.

Titus 2:9-10 [Urge] bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

The phrase ‘not argumentative’ means not answering back, not disputing, not contradicting, not speaking against. And look at the purpose of this instruction – so that the doctrine of our Savior in all things might be adorned.

Think! What type of behavior attracts others towards the beauty of God’s truths?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary notes, “Leave your case in His hands, not desiring to make Him executioner of your revenge, but rather praying for enemies. God’s righteous judgment gives tranquility and consolation to the oppressed”.

Ephesians 6:7-8 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Notice the words, ‘but kept entrusting Himself’. Our example is to keep on committing ourselves and circumstances to God. This is to be a continuous practice, not a ‘one and done’ deal.

I love what is shared in Spurgeon’s Devotional Commentary, “What an example! May the Holy Spirit enable us to imitate it. He was the paragon of patience, the mirror of endurance. He was absolutely perfect, and yet was infinitely a sufferer, but he never complained, or resented wrong. Master of Patience, teach thy disciples”.

Perhaps you pray these same words I pray –

“O Lord, keep my thoughts holy, my actions helpful, and my words encouraging, and when necessary, keep my ears deaf and my mouth silent”. I want to think of those things that are right, good, and true. I want to always be mindful of serving others rather than self in my actions and conversation. I do not need to hear or know every detail of circumstances and I absolutely do not need to share what I think at every instance.

1Peter 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

Jesus offered Himself up to carry the burden of our sin so that we who were dead in our transgressions would be made righteous through Him. Only by His suffering are we healed.

Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being [fell] upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.

We can either focus on the difficult circumstances we may face, or we can remember the incredible gift we have received from Jesus. Because of Him, we are no longer under the power and control of sin. Because of Him we are purposed to righteousness. Remember who Peter was writing to – those who were being treated unfairly and persecuted. The truth they now followed was different than what they had seen practiced. The high priests in the Jewish culture had regularly offered sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people. These sacrifices needed to be repeated again and again. The Gentiles had not even been considered as God’s people.

1Peter 2:10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

In contrast, Jesus offered Himself as the One perfect sacrifice for all mankind, the only complete fulfillment of the debt owed. Even in difficulties, these converts were reminded to follow Jesus’ example and patiently endure just as He did for them. The same is true for us today.

Is your focus on the problems which permeate our world or on the greater purpose of salvation through the Gospel?

Look up Romans 6:1-23.

Colossians 1:21-22 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, [engaged] in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--

John 5:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

1Peter 2:25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

We were once straying like sheep; we are now under the care of the Shepherd. To go astray means to roam from safety or truth, to be deceived, to err, to be seduced or delusional. We were weak and under the guise of the deception of sin. In this position we had no hope but to stray from Truth. Following the tradition of laws and the idols of men offers no hope for the future. This message was one that needed to be heard then and now. The Apostle Peter offered a reminder and encouragement with his words of belonging to the Shepherd and Guardian of souls.

Remember who we are without Jesus – straying sheep. We walk away from safety and Truth. We are easily deceived and seduced by the world.

Ezekiel 34:6 "My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill, and My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth; and there was no one to search or seek [for them.]"

Because of Christ, we have been rescued and returned to His care. The reference of Christ as the Guardian of your soul, places His children directly under His care and charge. This is Whom you can place your complete hope and trust.

“It follows that the welfare of the soul may be committed to him with confidence. It is the object of his special guardianship, and he will not be unfaithful to the trust reposed in him. There is nothing more safe than the human soul is when it is committed in faith to the keeping of the Son of God”, Albert Barnes’ NT Notes.

John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Read God’s promise to the nation of Israel – Ezekiel 34:11-15

This is the Gospel of God’s grace.

We are saved from –

Danger to Protection,

Death to Life,

Wandering to Purpose, and

Despair to Hope.

2Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

To say I am convinced in the above verse means ‘I am able, by the evidence and authority of God before me, to depend on with certainty and confidence’ that Jesus is my Example, my Defender, and my Protector.

How do we respond to 1 Peter 2:21-25?

With a heart of gratitude, commitment, and faithfulness
Seeking to live righteously causing no offense towards others, patiently and quietly enduring unfair treatment
Looking to our eternal future
Placing complete and constant trust in the One who knows all things, has endured all things, and will one day cause all things and persons to bow at the feet of His throne.

Philippians2:9 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Revelation 5:13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, [be] blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

“But now ye are, by divine grace, recovered and turned again to him who bears the important and tender character of the great Shepherd and Bishop of your souls, who has graciously received you under his pastoral care, and will maintain that inspection over you which shall be your continued security from returning to those fatal wanderings; and the sense of this may cheer and comfort you under any oppression or injuries to which you may be exposed”, Philip Doddridge.

Philippians 2:5-8 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, [and] being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Because of God’s love, because of His grace and mercy, we are saved, we are cared for, we are protected, and we are kept.

All For Him

We do not need to seek persecution for our faith, but if and when it presents itself, we are to respond properly. This is a repetition of the precepts we have been studying for several weeks.

1Peter 2:20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer [for it] you patiently endure it, this [finds] favor with God.

Peter continues to expand on the necessary behaviors for a believer. Beginning in verse 1 of this chapter, the apostle started with a contrast of actions which should be laid aside and those which should be desired. He reminded the church of their relationship with Jesus and the example they had to follow. He encouraged their focus to be on their future security in Christ. They were God’s chosen people, called by grace because of His mercy. Therefore, since their citizenship was in heaven, they were to act in a way which was worthy of that call. Their lives were to be a witness of God’s mercy and grace. Their submission to authority was required; their humility was to be representative of Christ’s example. Why? Because in following Jesus, who was perfect and yet demanded nothing, a believer brings glory to God. Out of a heart of gratitude for eternal salvation, we can choose to live according to the knowledge and understanding given in the Word – even if we suffer unjustly on this earth.

In verse 20, we have a further explanation of enduring for Christ’s sake. There is a stark contrast in the reasons noted for suffering. First, there is the suffering we bring upon ourselves for wrong choices, then there is receiving harsh treatment when it is entirely undeserved. You can imagine the latter is more difficult than the former.

Consider how challenging it is to be quiet and remain humble when you are accused falsely. This has probably happened to everyone at one time or another. Often, our first reaction is to make an argument for ourselves, to justify our behavior and to explain our position. Think of the accusations thrown at Jesus. He absolutely deserved no evil word or thought against Him – He was and is our perfect God. Yet, what was His response? A heart of humility which still considered the salvation even of those who had crucified Him. He asked His Father’s forgiveness for their sake. Jesus was entirely innocent, 100% perfect, yet was willing to suffer unjust and cruel punishment out of obedience to His Father.

Matthew 26:67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him,

Mark 14:65 And some began to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, "Prophesy!" And the officers received Him with slaps [in the face.]

Christ did not argue the Gospel, He presented it to all who would hear. Our charge is not to defend Christ nor the church nor even ourselves, but to give an answer for what we believe in order to make disciples. God does not need us to prove His righteousness; He has called us to be holy as an example of His holiness. In John 14:15 Jesus says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments”. Our representation of who Christ is and all He has said and done, should give glory to Him.

Be willing to ask yourself this question: Does my representation of Jesus give Him honor?

Back up to 1 Peter 2:15, “For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men”. At times, this involves suffering. Our natural temptation is to justify ourselves. We readily explain why we are right, and we challenge those who treat us unfairly. In our country, we loudly proclaim our rights, we expect our freedoms, in fact, we demand to be treated fairly according to our own definition of what is fair. This is the opposite of patiently enduring under harsh treatment. According to one commentary, it is probable that the individuals who had converted to Christianity at the time of this letter, were suffering at the hands of their masters because they no longer joined them in idol worship. They were being mistreated because they had been called to follow Jesus.

Unfortunately, it may be in our future to be mistreated because we do not adhere to popular thinking on areas of abortion and what constitutes a marriage. How will you handle harsh treatment? Will you endure it with patience?

1Corinthians 4:11-12 To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;

Look at the question in 1 Peter 2:20 again, “What kind of merit is there when you are punished for your sin, and you quietly accept it?” The answer is none! We all sin. Sometimes we make deliberate choices to sin. Say you are in a hurry and decide that since the road is clear that you can hedge on a stop sign – ‘the rolling stop’. If there is an officer nearby you will be pulled over and receive a ticket; or if there are cameras and your picture is taken, you will receive a notice by mail. You’ve been caught and hopefully you willingly accept the penalty even though the amount of your ticket may put a significant dent in your budget. In this case, the punishment is deserved. You will get little to no sympathy for your error.

In the gospel of Luke we find a similar principle to the one contained in 1 Peter 2:20. Luke 6:32, "And if you love those who love you, what credit is [that] to you? For even sinners love those who love them”. There is behavior that is simply expected out of basic kindness for one another. Think of a child saying, ‘Mommy, I shared my cookie with so and so because they shared their cookie with me’, contrasted with, ‘Mommy, I shared my cookie with so and so even though they had nothing to give me’. Which takes greater effort?

Accepting consequences for bad choices, showing kindness to those who treat you well, being polite to those who are polite in return, are reasonably easy behaviors. Turn these scenarios around and this is when we need to buffet our flesh – being shamed for the right choices, showing kindness to those who treat you harshly, being polite to someone who mocks or is rude. Our response in the flesh is to prove ourselves, to share harsh words and fight.

When Peter addressed the Christians who had been dispersed, they were a minority, and many had left their Jewish faith of upholding the law. This alone caused separation and suffering. Imagine leaving an entire culture and its practices. These Christians then found themselves in fellowship with other Christians who had formerly been disdained because of their heathenism and idolatry practices. You can imagine the motley crew they were! From a worldly perspective, this group of ‘new’ Christians was an upset to those around them, and as a result they were treated unfairly, and even persecuted, because of their faith, because they were doing what was right in God’s sight. They were a threat to tradition and what had been widely accepted.

How difficult is it to keep silent and allow others to treat you unfairly when it is undeserved?

It is understood and accepted that when we err, miss the mark, sin, or offend, we should be willing to suffer the consequences. If I steal something from a store, get caught and must pay a fine I am getting what I deserve. However, the Bible tells us that if we suffer for doing right, specifically in the case of representing our faith, we should be patient and endure that also.

Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when [men] cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Why would we choose to endure difficulty with a quiet spirit? – Because it finds favor with God. It is not the punishment or ill-treatment that gives God glory, it is my response in seeking to follow His instruction and example. The verses in Matthew 5 are not a call to make oneself a martyr. We do not need to seek persecution for our faith, but if and when it presents itself, we are to respond properly. This is a repetition of the precepts we have been studying for several weeks.

1Peter 2:18-19 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this [finds] favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.

Our obedience and submission gives God glory. Consider again how difficult it is to bear up under unjust treatment. Under these circumstances, who are you caused to trust? Who becomes your strength and purpose? What happens to your focus? Often, these opportunities cause our reliance upon God to deepen. Our dependence on Him proves our faith. When we go to God with hearts of humility, understanding our need, and seeking comfort in Him, He is glorified.

Further along in 1 Peter, chapters 3 and 4, we are given instruction to recognize the blessedness of suffering for Christ.

1Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,

1Peter 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

When our position and decisions are based on the truths in God’s word, we can be at peace. We can rest in the knowledge that before God we are innocent. Our goal is to bring glory to Him with our lives, to be a witness of His righteousness, to encourage those around us who know Him, and to draw those who don’t know Him to His redeeming love.

Therefore –

We are to humbly admit when we have wronged and quietly take the punishment; and we are to humbly submit when we are wrongly accused because it finds favor with God.

“For after all, what glory {is it}, or what can you possibly value yourselves upon, if, when ye have committed an offence, and are buffeted and corrected for it, ye endure {it}? How can you indeed do otherwise? or if you could, how shameful were it in such a case to rise against the hand of your injured masters? But if, when you have done good, and yet suffer through their tyranny and perverseness, ye endure {it} meekly and patiently, this {is} acceptable and graceful before God; his eye, which always judges of the true beauty of characters aright, is even delighted with such a spectacle, though exhibited in the lowest rank of human life”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

Is the time God has given you on this earth better spent in argument or acceptance? In defense of yourself or in defending the hope you have in Christ?

Are you displaying Christ’s example in your responses?

Notice, where your acceptance is to be found. The words in 1 Peter 2:20 say, “this finds favor with God”. We are not to look for thanks and praise from those around us. When we do bear unjust persecution with a quiet spirit, we should thank God for the grace which enables us to do so (cf. Spurgeon Devotional Commentary). None of this is for our kudos or glory. Our responses should be borne out of gratitude for God’s love and faithfulness towards us. If we become discouraged or disheartened because others do not notice our steadfast commitment even through difficulty, then we must check our heart motivation. God sees all things; we are ultimately serving Him.

Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Thy name give glory because of Thy lovingkindness, because of Thy truth.

Romans 12:1-2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Aliens

As a professed child of God, you have a pattern to follow, a purpose to fulfill.

Aliens are Real!

Picture a room full of people, each given a task to take the pencil and paper in front of them and draw an alien. There is to be no talking, no collaboration; the assignment is to be taken seriously. As you look around the room, you see a mixture of expressions, those who are concentrating, and those who look amused. Are aliens real, or are they imagined?

The Bible tells us aliens are real. It also tells us they are not of this world. They ‘look’ different, and they act different from citizens of earth. This is the premise for 1Peter Chapter 2. I encourage you to read 1Peter 2 from the beginning, then continue on with this study of verses 21-23.

1Peter 2:21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,

Verse 21 continues to give a reason for the ‘out of this world’ behaviors Peter is assigning to believers. We are to love one another, we are to fear God, we are to submit to authority even when it is unreasonable, and we are to be patient when wronged, because it is acceptable to God that we follow His example.

Christians have a purpose. We have been called to imitate Christ, to follow in His footsteps. We are set apart, not belonging to the world, yet in the world. Therefore, our actions will be different.

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Matthew 10:38 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

1John 2:6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

We are to seek to follow Christ precisely. Picture taking a walk at the beach in the wet sand, leaving footprints behind, with someone following your exact steps. School age children often play ‘follow-the-leader’ in which everyone behind the leader seeks to copy the behavior of the one leading. This is the conveyance of ‘follow Me’.

1John 3:16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Jesus patiently endured under undeserved suffering. People speak of having a profession. They associate with a chosen profession and with that association comes certain expectations and responsibilities to fulfill. As a professed child of God, you have a pattern to follow, a purpose to fulfill. Christ not only suffered as an example to follow after, He suffered for us or for the sake of us. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says this “imposes an everlasting obligation on us to please Him”.

1Corinthians 6:20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Do you emulate kindness and forgiveness and a willingness to sacrifice self in order to serve others? Warning!!! This behavior may expose your true identity as an alien!

1Peter 3:8-9 To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 2:21 reads “leaving you an example”. In the Greek translation this literally means a written copy from masters to their students. We have the testimony of Jesus’ life written in His word so that we might closely follow Him. There is an exhortation for us, a requirement –

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

“And I would particularly urge this meek and patient temper upon you; for to this you were called, when you were brought into the profession of the Christian faith; because Christ himself, pure and spotless as he was, suffered not only buffetings and stripes, but deep and mortal wounds, for you, leaving you an example and copy, that you might with certainty trace, and with constancy and diligence follow, his footsteps, and by observing them as his, be charmed to an imitation, even where it was most difficult and painful”, Philip Doddridge.

William Burkitt New Testament notes, “You must bear the cross, before you wear the crown”.

We are encouraged to imitate Christ’s example of holiness in obedience and patience.

Ephesians 5:2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

1Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

1Peter 2:22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;

Perfection – this is Christ. Although He was man, still He was God, perfect in all His ways. Accused of sin, He was put to death and suffered for sin, all the while with no murmuring of sin in thought, word, or deed.

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

2Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as [we are, yet] without sin.

We suffer because of sin in the world and sin in our lives. Even though we may be ill-treated for a moment, we still deserve whatever suffering we incur because of sin. “We should so live, as the Savior did, as not to deserve to be punished, and thus only shall we entirely follow His example. It is as much our duty to live so as not to deserve the reproaches of others, as it is to bear them with patience when we are called to suffer them”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Hebrews 7:25-26 Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

Jesus is holy. Not merely blameless in actions but pure in heart, completely and perfectly holy. No other could have offered to pay the penalty for our sin. Only through Christ are we forgiven and cleansed from sin. What is our response to this undeserved gift? We are to be humble, seeking righteousness in all circumstances. This is our act of service; this is our example to follow. Christ was perfect in all things yet suffered willingly and humbly. Should not we who are sinful be willing to suffer whatever befalls us, whether deserved or undeserved at the moment, with a quiet and grateful spirit? Obviously, we cannot arrive at perfection, however we ought to seek to follow Christ as closely as possible.

As a people group, we have claimed rights to so many things. In the U.S., we have been given rights through our government in our constitution. It is an incredible blessing to live with the freedoms we proclaim. But let us not lose sight of our purpose in seeking to preserve our freedom. Our purpose in Christ is to proclaim His Gospel, to glorify His name. Jesus willingly gave up His rights in obedience to His Father, for our redemption. Are you standing for Christ or for yourself when you proclaim your ‘rights’? Do aliens have ‘rights’?

Jesus did not die for our rights –

He died so that our righteousness may be found in Him.

He died for our sin so that we might die unto sin.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.

Luke 23:38-41 Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." And one of the criminals who were hanged [there] was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? "And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."

“Christ was most shamefully reviled, having the dirt of a thousand scandals, slanders, reproaches, and blasphemies, cast upon him, yet he reviled not again not giving them one ill word for all. And when he suffered all manner of injuries and indignities at once, being buffeted, spit upon, crowned with thorns, and crucified, though he had power sufficient to look them into nothing, to frown them into hell, yet he threatened them not with the least revenge, but prayed for his murderers, and committed his cause to a just and righteous God: He threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”, William Burkitt New Testament.

1Peter 2:23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously;

Jesus surrendered His cause to God.

Hebrews 12:3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.

Jesus was accused, although He was innocent, by those in authority, in the face of many present. Think of the humiliation and shame thrown at Him yet He did not return insults or even answer harshly. He did not seek revenge but instead prayed for their forgiveness. He committed all things to God knowing that God would exact justice.

It is impossible for man to attain a position of perfect holiness. So even in that rare instance of wrong accusation, reproach for something is probably deserved. Our fight must be to remain as holy as possible, following the example set before us so that any accusation brought before us has no merit. But still, the only need we have to prove ourselves is in humility before our gracious and forgiving God. Our Leader has called us to follow Him. Your real home is not on earth.

How should you respond when you meet with false accusations, harsh words, and unfair treatment?

Keeping some truths before us will help in our response –

We are worthy only because of Christ,

Our value and confidence rest in His claim on us,

Our hope is in God’s righteousness and perfect judgment,

We are to be an example of His holiness in all our behavior.

We are to remember our citizenship is in Heaven. We are aliens.

It is entirely God’s right to use His children as He wills for His glory. Our humble submission to His will proves our genuine love for Him.

Psalm 37:5-8 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret, [it leads] only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.

Is It About Me or About My Savior?

In all things we are to glorify God. In all relationships we are to glorify God,
looking to Jesus’ example of humility and righteousness.

1Peter 2:18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.

What do you read in the above verse?

Peter now moves to the duty of servants to their masters. The words in this verse are straight forward, meaning when you read them, they say what they mean. You may have heard this often-used phrase, ‘If the plain literal words make good sense, seek no other sense’. Sometimes a problem arises because we do not like the plain literal sense of the message we are given. Think how often you have told your child to do something and the answer you get is ‘but what about …’. Most of us are guilty of this same response to direction. We think of a way out or a way around or simply a way to change the instruction we do not like.

In our culture today, we would not necessarily describe relationships using the terms servant and master. The word servant in this verse refers mainly to household servants or domestic servants which lived in the same house. This was common at that time and the command would apply whether they were hired or whether they were owned as slaves. In our culture and practices today, we could apply this command to anyone in a paid position or under the service of one in authority. This could even be a worker you have hired to do a specific job. For instance, we have in the past had someone who was paid to work on the yard or help with something inside our home. The expectation was that this person would receive a certain amount of money for a specific amount of work. Fulfilling our request did not matter if the worker agreed with our plan. It is quite possible they had a better way of doing something – what mattered was they did what was expected. Think of this example – when you were a student, specific goals were set for you to accomplish. It did not matter if you liked or even agreed with the course material; it did not matter if you felt you already knew the information or had a better way of accomplishing the same task, if you wanted to pass the class you adhered to the direction given by your professor.

Under most circumstances, when we find ourselves under the obligation to act in obedience, it will be toward those who are good and gentle, and reasonable and kind. For instance, I was blessed to develop a friendship with a woman who helped in our home when my mother-in-law lived with us. Our families became involved with one another, and she eventually accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior in my kitchen!

Yet, what do we do when we are asked to submit to those who are unreasonable? Well, as long as we are not asked to sin, then it is not important whether we think something is unnecessary or a waste of time, or foolish. If my employer requests that I draw a red line exactly down the center of each piece of paper that filters across my desk, then however ridiculous I think it might be, I can choose to do it because they are in charge. I might think their request is unreasonable and they are crazy, however their position requires my respect and submission. Not only might I get fired if I don’t submit, but I will also loose the opportunity to build relationships with the hope of sharing Christ.

The question that pops in my mind is, “Am I willing to deny myself for my Savior”? Read the words of Paul in Philippians 2:5-8, Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, [and] being made in the like ness of men, and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. If anyone ever had the right to stand His ground, it was Jesus! But He chose not to do so in order to please His Father and redeem your soul. His example is what we are to follow.

It is difficult to choose to give up what we deem our ‘rights’. We do not like others pressing in upon our space or crowding our ‘freedoms’. We are quick to draw lines in the sand. Our feelings get hurt or we concentrate on the ‘unfairness’ of a situation. Consider what happens when a child comes home from school and is hurt because someone was ‘mean’ to them. Do they stop going to school, or quit? Of course not! Hopefully, they are encouraged to be kind and carry on in spite of those who aren’t nice. Our thinking can focus on ourselves and an attitude of “you can only go so far until I will become insistent on my views’. However we need to be certain our views and where we choose to be immovable is according to the truth and example we have in God’s word. If I choose to take a stand for my own convenience or my opinion or because it fits what I think, without proof for my action from Truth, then I am serving myself under the pretense of serving God. I cannot form my opinion and then find the scriptures that will support my thinking; rather, I must go to the scriptures and ask God to give me understanding of His word. Then with that understanding of His truth, I am led what to think. We need to be careful! Words can sound compelling, and we are easily led by what sounds righteous rather than what is truth and fact in scripture. Are the decisions you make based on the word or on feelings.

In any relationship we find ourselves, we must remember we are Christians, ultimately representing God and serving Him. To those who are our masters (rulers, employers, teachers, and all those in authority over us), we are to submit. Obedience is a choice we are able to make because Christ has changed our heart and our desire is to please Him and follow His example. If you find yourself thinking ‘you’ve had enough’ and you ‘can no longer take it’, think back to Christ. I am personally so thankful He never gave up on the human race.

1Timothy 6:1 Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and [our] doctrine may not be spoken against.

Go back for a moment to the reason this letter was written. The Apostle Peter wrote this to believers who were being persecuted for their faith. Peter reminded them of God’s protection and their inheritance in heaven. They were suffering through difficulties, yet these trials were a means for the proof and strengthening of their faith in Jesus. Peter reminded them to fix their hope on the future and to act in obedience to God’s calling. They were to follow Jesus’ example of holiness. They were valuable and were to love one another remembering that their time here on earth was short. Therefore, they were to seek God’s truths so that they would mature as Christians and regard their difficulties as opportunities to glorify God. God was their secure foundation, and their purpose was to proclaim Him. They were to honor Him by keeping their behavior excellent, willingly submitting to those in authority. They had been freed from the control of sin, and now had the freedom to choose righteousness. What did this look like? By all means they were to promote peace, setting their sights on furthering the Gospel. Their freedom was not to be used to usurp authority but rather to honor God. Even when it was difficult.

Our text says, Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect. Seriously?! In our selfish and prideful thinking we can easily think that this is asking a bit too much! We are to not only submit, but we are to submit with all respect. Respect does not mean we must agree. It means we understand the position someone holds. This is difficult. However, we need to have the right attitude towards those in charge because it is what scripture teaches. In our own human weakness, this is quite impossible. Let’s remember, God is the one who has placed people exactly where He wants them for His purpose. God is the one we are honoring when we willingly yield to His perfect plan just as Christ did when He was crucified.

When we bow ourselves before God and are reminded of the sacrifice of His only Son, willingly assuming the pain of suffering and separation as our sin was atoned, we are equipped by grace to act in humility and righteousness towards others.

This gets even more difficult when we read the rest of 1 Peter 2:18. We are to be submissive to those in authority with all respect regardless if they are good and gentle or unreasonable. The overriding imperative to everyone is to act with good conduct (1Peter 2:11, 12, 13, and 16); a direct application is servants to masters. Submit with respect, if at all possible, under all circumstances. Respect is translated ‘fear’. Not necessarily because of a fear of the person themselves although in many cases they would have the authority to exercise disciplinary action, but ultimately because we fear God, (1 Peter 2:13).

Colossians 3:22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who [merely] please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

Ephesians 6:5-8 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

Jesus was fully God and fully man while on this earth. Yet, He placed Himself in subjection to His earthly parents. Luke 2:48-51

1 Peter 3:1 says wives are to be subject to their husbands.

According to one commentary, the Jews were unwilling “to submit to any Gentile masters; and those of them who believed in Christ were by their Judaizing teachers persuaded to think that they owed no obedience to unbelieving masters”, Thomas Haweis. From the same commentary we are reminded of Jesus’ example – “leaving us an example of patience and long-suffering under all the most cruel and unjust treatment which he met with, that ye should follow his steps, and be conformed to his blessed pattern; who, grievously as he suffered, yet did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; his bitterest enemies could not so much as fix upon him the shadow of a crime: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; but observed an admirable silence, as the sheep before her shearers is dumb: when he suffered, he threatened not, nor discovered the least anger at his tormentors; but committed himself and his cause to him that judgeth righteously, and to whom vengeance belongeth”.

Note these questions and applications –

We look to Christ for pardon and righteousness, should we not also follow His example of patience and meekness? 
Are we desiring to receive His forgiveness and gift of eternal life but not willing to accept that in receiving His grace we must act in accordance with His commands?

 

Since we have been saved to righteousness, we are deceived if we choose to live in sin and flatter ourselves with the certain hope of eternal life in Christ. We should be encouraged to willingly accept every burden which He places in our lives.

Our sufferings or mistreatment are not an excuse for impatience or anger, however unreasonable our authorities may be.
Christ’s example not only teaches us to not lash out for ill treatment or demand the rights we wrongly claim title to – His example also teaches us to pray for the very ones who are unreasonable – He prayed for those who crucified Him.
We gain nothing from strife; contentment is found in godliness. We should not choose to give up when we feel we are treated poorly, or someone is ‘mean’ or unfair. We continue to serve – following Christ’s example.

I fear, as a people, we have claimed ‘rights’ to things which were never given to us by God. Think! What did you bring into this world? Of course the answer is nothing. The reality is we own nothing – not even our own selves. Jesus purchased our souls. God created our being.

In all things we are to glorify God. In all relationships we are to glorify God,

looking to Jesus’ example of humility and righteousness.

1 Peter 2:20-24 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer [for it] you patiently endure it, this [finds] favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

Christ chose to endure ill-treatment, harshness, false accusations, physical pain, and ultimately spiritual separation from His Father as the sin of man was atoned. Are we more concerned about how others treat us than how we are to serve God in righteousness?

Honor – Love – Fear

The freedom we have in Christ is to be used for His service. We are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness.

Honor, love, and fear are words quite familiar to us. We use these words liberally in our conversation; we read them, and we hear them. Fictional stories are often based upon the concepts of honor, love, and fear. To show honor is acceptable, to love others is expected, even to fear God is generally accepted in our culture. Honor is given to our heads of government; this is seen in their housing, mode of transportation, and the hundreds of thousands of people who gather to see or hear them. Honor is given to those who have accomplished great feats; the Guinness Book of World Records, first published in 1955, notes the names of those who have excelled in a variety of subjects and activities. People in general would say they love others by giving to the needy and supporting different humanitarian efforts. Some individuals may adhere to the idea of a ‘higher being’ who is able to rain hail and brimstone from the heavens.

1 Peter 2:17 Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

As we dig into this verse, keep these questions in mind –

What does it mean to truly honor someone according to God’s word?

Why would we honor all men?

How do we love others beyond words or writing a check? What is ‘the brotherhood’?

What actions result from fearing God? Why would we fear Him?

Can we honor those in authority when we do not agree with them? Why should we honor those in authority?

Honor all men.

Honor, timao, means to prize, to fix a valuation upon, by implication, to revere. (Strong’s Greek Dictionary)

Honor: bestow honor upon, show respect towards, a symbol of distinction. (WordWeb)

Think of the ways you might show honor to someone. You would speak highly of them and often, you would encourage others to get to know them, you would be excited to introduce them to your friends and family. When they spoke you would give your undivided attention to their words. You would value your time with them, even protect it.

We can honor plans and events. These are the things you write on your calendar in pen instead of pencil. You have heard the phrase, ‘I’ll pencil it in’. This means that if it is convenient, the plan that is suggested will hold; however, if something else comes up, the suggested plan will be cancelled. This does not mean something is unimportant, but it does mean that it may not be as important as other things.

The opposite of honor is dishonor. This is a state of shame or disgrace. Someone who is not honorable lacks integrity.

How can we honor all men when ‘all’ men are not honorable? In general, we highly esteem men because they are God’s creation. God created all men therefore each of us should treat one another with kindness, hindering no one. All men are made in the image of God.

Genesis 1:27 And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

You may have heard the saying, ‘treat others as you would like them to treat you’.

Matthew 7:12 “Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets”.

Jesus died for all men therefore, those standing next to you or before you may be fellow heirs of eternity. Because of this, each individual has personal worth. Specifically related to this verse is what is said before. In our study on 1 Peter 2:13-16, we looked at obedience and submission to those God has placed in authority over us. Positionally, those in authority deserve our honor – not because we agree – but because God has allowed them to be in that place at this time.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;

“Christ has dignified our humanity by assuming it; therefore we should not dishonor, but be considerate to and honor our common humanity, even in the very humblest”, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary.

The idea of honoring all men is difficult because we readily tend to place judgment upon each other. The challenge is to show honor to all – the lowest and even, in our minds, the undeserving. Regardless of wealth, position, looks, accomplishments and so forth, we are to honor man because he is created by God. When you consider what Christ has done for you and the fact that God has chosen you to personally know Him, gratefulness born out of humility is the response.

If God can save you even in your wretched state, will He not save others? Each created individual has value.

How do we apply the command to ‘honor all men’? We willingly submit ourselves to those placed in authority. We cultivate humility in our hearts and attitudes, placing others before ourselves. Practically speaking, one of the best ways to honor others is to share the truth of the Gospel in the hopes that God would bring them to a saving knowledge of His forgiveness and grace.

How will you apply the command to honor all men?

Do you need to take a closer look at how you are treating others?

Do you choose to honor some yet not all?

When I consider personally responding to each individual as God’s creation, I am quickly reminded of their value, and this affects my response and actions – even towards those who I think make my life miserable, even towards those who I think are wrong, even towards those who I think should know better, etc., etc. It is good for us to consider the purpose for our actions, thoughts, and words before we engage them. Am I encouraging, am I seeking the welfare of others? Ask yourself this question – Who am I? The answer – nothing without Christ.

Love the brotherhood.

Your brothers and sisters in Christ, those who are likeminded, those who recognize Jesus alone as Savior, those who realize they are dependent on God’s saving grace, those who are persevering toward the same goal of God’s glory and making disciples.

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

1Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,

Let’s look closer at the above scripture to get a clearer picture of loving others.

Are you harmonious or like-minded, seeking to exist in an agreeable state or do you create conflict?

Are you sympathetic, showing compassion to others, or do you easily brush people off when their struggle doesn’t seem like a big deal in your thinking?

Are you kindhearted – sympathetic, considerate, and helpful, or are you judgmental?

Are you humble, looking upon others as worthy, holding others’ above yourself or do you run on the thought that you have it all together?

We should have a general love for all men because they are created in the image of God; we should have a specific love for those who have been adopted into the family of God. You can probably testify to a special connection with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Love, agapaō, is the present active imperative, meaning – do it now and keep on doing it! This is not a onetime ‘I showed love to so and so today’, it is a continuous, frequent showing of care towards one another. It is not based upon feelings or circumstances but rather based on obedience in following God’s commands.

John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

“Love the brotherhood; as there is general respect due to all men, so there is a special love due to the brethren, to all the saints, of what nation and country soever, of what estate and condition soever, high and low, rich and poor, of what judgment and opinion soever; therefore the apostle calls upon us to love the brotherhood, the whole fraternity and society of Christians, by what unhappy means and characters of reproach soever distinguished: there is no better evidence of the life of grace in ourselves, than the love of grace in another”, William Burkitt New Testament.

Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

How do we love the brotherhood? Follow Christ’s example of loving us. Christ loved with a sacrificial love, looking to the benefit of others rather than Himself. The verses in John chapters 13 and 15 above repeat the phrase, ‘love one another’ ‘as I have loved you’.

Fear God.

Be in awe of Him, give Him reverence. God is love yet He is also a righteous judge, and He will punish sin.

2Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Exodus 34:6-7 Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave [the guilty] unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations."

Leviticus 25:17 'So you shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the LORD your God.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Fear of God will lead us to obedience. He is above all things and knows all things. Notice, the king is to be honored but in no way equal to God – God alone is to be feared.

“Fear God; with a filial fear or reverence. This command is interposed, either to show what is the true spring and fountain from which all the duties we perform to men are to proceed, viz. the fear of God, because where that doth not prevail no duty to men can be rightly performed; (they love the brotherhood best, and honour the king most, that truly fear God); or to show the due bounds of all the offices we perform to men, that nothing is to be done for them which is inconsistent with the fear of God”, Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

“Reverence God at all times with the sincerest and profoundest humility; and let a sense of the honour and favour he has conferred upon you increase, rather than diminish, that reverence”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

The command to fear God is also written in the present tense imperative. We are to keep on fearing God, just as we are to keep on honoring men and loving the brotherhood. In all things we are to show God reverence. This means we have a profound respect for Him; we are in awe of who He is, what He has done, what He says, and what He can and will do. God is immutable. His value will never diminish, and His promises will be fulfilled.

Look again at the passage in Exodus 34:6-7.

God is compassionate and gracious,

God is slow to anger, abounding is lovingkindness and truth, and

God forgives sin.

Yet God is righteous and will punish those who reject Him. He will punish those who willfully choose to live against His commands. Our fear of God is not based upon ignorance. Fear based on ignorance is a worldly kind of fear which holds someone in suspense – not knowing what is going to happen next. Instead, fear of God is based upon knowledge of who He is. As a result, and as our understanding of God increases, our reverence of Him increases and our commitment to His commands is strengthened – because we understand His majesty and power and dominion over us. Then we develop grateful hearts for His perfect care and instruction leading to a genuine desire to please Him in all our ways. This is the fear of God. With Him we are blessed; without Him we are doomed.

William Burkitt’s New Testament notes, “live in a religious dread of His name, as a glorious God, and a gracious Father; have a reverential awe and fear of His majesty immovably fixed and implanted in your souls”.

How are your thoughts and actions affected by a proper fear of God?

What must be the first step in fearing God?

Honor the king.

This statement refers back to our study a few weeks ago, 1 Peter 2:13-16. Honor is translated from timao, it is the same word used at the beginning of this scripture, meaning to prize, to fix a valuation upon, to revere. This is different than the honor we show God. We honor God because of who He is; we give honor to those in authority because of the position they hold. It is our duty to value the position of our elected officials, bosses, parents, and so on, as those who have been placed in authority for our benefit. This honor is not based on agreement or personal feelings, it is simply based on the subjection we have to our superiors.

Here is some food for thought, “Pay that respect to the emperor which his high authority requires, knowing that civil power is of God; that the authority with which he, in the course of his providence, has invested him, must be respected in order to its being obeyed; and that if the man be even bad, and as a man be worthy of no reverence, yet he should be respected on account of his office. If respect be banished, subordination will flee with it, and anarchy and ruin will rise up in their place. Truly religious persons are never found in seditions”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

This command in 1 Peter 2, to honor the king, was written specifically to those under the Roman sovereign Nero, who was a murderer and persecutor of Christians. It was necessary for Peter to remind the Christians of their duty to the king. It was difficult to understand why they should honor him when he was against what they believed and even tried to usurp their faith. Even so, these Christians were reminded that they should give honor to the one in position of authority. This command is generally applied to all men and governments today. Remember, the duty to honor governing authority is not based on like or agreement, it is based on the fear of God and obedience in following His instructions. It is the position which is held in high esteem, not the person. Consider if you were to willfully go against the laws of government. What would this say about your reverence to God when He is the One who set up authority? What message would you send to those who are not believers, regarding your respect of duty to man? God has set up the governing laws of man and we are to regard those laws as authority, unless we are specifically told to deny Christ and sin against His commands.

“Honour the king whom God hath set over you, and all the subordinate governors who derive their authority from him; paying obedience to all their just commands, and taking heed that there be nothing rebellious or factious in your behaviour, which would turn to the hurt of society, and bring a reflection upon your holy profession”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

“Honour the King; this duty consists in reverencing their persons, in obeying their lawful commands, in a cheerful payment of their dues, in praying affectionately for them, and in praising God for the blessing of their government. Nero, the worst of kings, and the persecutor of Christians was now on the throne, yet the command is express to honour him.

“And if we consider the words in their connexion and conjunction one with another, fear God, and honour the king, we learn, that religion and the fear of God do best qualify persons to be good subjects, this is the true and steady principle of loyalty; that obedience to governors that is lasting, is for conscience-sake to the command of God: where there is no fear of God in the heart, there will be no regard to the command of God in the life.

“Lastly, these words may be considered, as in their conjunction, so in their order in which they stand; first, fear God, and then honour the king; intimating that the fear of God must be the rule and guide of our subjection unto governors”, William Burkitt New Testament.

The freedom we have in Christ is to be used for His service. We are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness. Therefore, we are able to choose to act in obedience to the One who purchased our freedom. The preceding verse to our studied text reads, “[Act] as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but [use it] as bondslaves of God”, (1 Peter 2:16).

The commands to honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king, are all continuous, with the fear of God being above all else. So we honor all men as God’s created beings unless evil is promoted; we honor our family in Christ unless sin is supported; we honor the head of government unless we are asked to sin against God. We are to keep on keeping on in obedience and reverence to God.

Freedom to Submit, Freedom from the Power of Sin, Freedom to Serve

“Believers are the freest of men, but they know the difference between liberty and license. As servants of the Lord, they submit for peace sake to man’s laws, because their Great Lawgiver so commands”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

1 Peter 2:13-16

In the previous verses, the Apostle reminded the Christian converts who they were – people of God having received His mercy. As a result of their new identity, they were to abstain from worldly behaviors and pay attention to their pursuit of excellence, even when slandered. The result – all glory to God. Peter now goes on to explain that through excellent behavior, God is honored. The culture surrounding the Christians at that time was engulfed in paganism and idolatry. The government was corrupt, much like we see today. However, the principle of submitting to the authority God has put in place, remains.

1 Peter 2:13-16 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. [Act] as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but [use it] as bondslaves of God.

We are free to submit to Authorities. Consider – without Christ we are slaves to sin, we are incapable of choosing righteousness. Without Christ, the most important person in your life is self. There are individuals who do not have a relationship with Christ who are helpful, considerate, and generous, so it may be difficult to imagine that ‘self’ is involved – but consider, who receives acknowledgement and praise for their good deeds?

Verse 13 begins with the word ‘Submit’. Submission is a choice. The previous verse says we are to keep our behavior excellent and one way to do this is to follow authority. Not because we always agree, not because we cannot think for ourselves, but because we are free to choose to obey God’s commands. Submission without choice is called force; force causes rebellion and God does not force us to follow Him. Instead, we act in obedience because we love Him. So we can choose to submit, even if we think our authorities are not honest, even if we think our ‘rights’ are being stepped on, because we are not under the control of sin and selfishness.

This concept is applicable in many areas. An overriding concern for the past two years has been Covid, and the restrictions placed on society. So let’s address the ‘elephant’ in the room – not based on opinion but based on the truth in God’s word. It seems as if this virus is slowing down a bit yet, it also seems probable that we will face another similar situation in the future. Many individuals are still highly sensitive about their thoughts on Covid. If you want to begin a lively and probable controversial discussion, all you need to do is mention the word Covid. We all have opinions regarding masks, vaccines, boosters, gathering, distancing, and on and on. Many individuals are even eager to give their reasoning why something did or did not work, or what we should have done differently. We all have thoughts and opinions regarding most everything. But in all cases, including this,

Opinion does not matter – obedience to God’s truth does.

Look at the word ‘submit’ in our text. It comes from the Greek word hupotasso meaning to subordinate, to obey, to be under, to subdue, to make subject to, to submit self unto.

Our English definition of submission says it is surrendering power to another, the feeling of patient, submissive humbleness, compliance. To submit to someone is an act of yielding to another’s opinion, it is accepting another’s decision, it is a choice we make. There is a difference between accepting an opinion and agreeing with an opinion.

Accepting is choosing to tolerate without protest; agreement is the harmony of opinions. You can choose to tolerate without protest because you choose to obey and follow Christ.

Look closely at the word following submit in our text – it says, “Submit yourselves”. It does not say, ‘make sure others are submitting’. We are to pay attention to our own actions much more than the actions of others. Personally asking ourselves if we are doing what God would have us do, backing up our behavior with the truth of scripture, is what we are to be concerned about.

We all make decisions, but what are they based upon? What we have heard, what we think, or Truth? Do we need to completely understand in order to submit?

We are to submit ourselves for the Lord’s sake. It is not about you or me. It is about God! God is supreme in authority, He controls all things, He is our master. Therefore, we willingly follow His commands in response to His deity. We are commanded to submit to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.

The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus when questioning His authority over government.

Matthew 22:17-21 "Tell us therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? "Show Me the coin [used] for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He *said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They *said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He *said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."

Unfortunately, it is easy to recognize failure and corruption in our government. However, this does not mean God has lost control or is unaware of events or has given up. He is using all things for His greater purpose of building His kingdom. There were many concerns ushered in during the Covid era. Some valid, some perhaps not (according to your opinion) – the government is lying to us, the vaccine will change our DNA, it will cause sterility, we don’t even know if the vaccine works, Covid isn’t real, those who are wearing a mask are fearful of death. The questions I would ask you to consider are, ‘Who is more powerful, Who is in control, Who knows all things, Who has a perfect plan’? When did our government and when did man and his intelligence become greater than God? We should not fear death, Covid, or government – we should fear acting in disobedience to God.

God has given man the freedom to choose, however He has not given man power over His Supreme authority.

Romans 13:1-2 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

Ultimately, who do we trust? If our trust is in God’s perfect plan and His power over all creation, we can follow His commands without question. We do not need to understand in order to obey. God has given man governing authorities. Even heads of government who do not submit to God are under His hand. God can work through all things and all people, even those who deny Him.

God does not need us to run His world, instead He has purposed us to share His truth.

Titus 3:1-2 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

Consider how God has worked in your life in the past. Looking back at His faithfulness, you should be able to see His hand directing your path in ways you would have never imagined. Often, the most difficult situations render the sweetest blessings. Throughout all, God is working, just as He has in the past, He will continue His work today and in the future. God has a timeline for each of us – we can neither thwart His plan nor improve upon His plan – it is according to His perfect will for His glory.

Each one of us is individually responsible to obey the governing authorities set before us, “not because man invented it, but because it is proper for men” (1599 Geneva Bible Notes). Government is set for order – to punish those who cause trouble and to protect those who are upright citizens. There will always be imperfections and even corruption in leadership. But we do not want to be the cause of impeding the efforts of authority unless they are directly asking us to deny Christ and sin against Him. Read the next verse of our text:

1Peter 2:15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.

We are free to submit because we are free from the power of sin. Believers can choose righteousness – it is God’s will for us. Christ’s death and resurrection has freed us from the control of sin. This means your life should look different than the world. People may act negatively towards you or even slander you, but upon looking closely at your life, there should be no basis for their accusations. The Bible says they are foolish, having no saving knowledge of God.

Titus 2:7-8 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, [with] purity in doctrine, dignified, sound [in] speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

1Peter 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe [them,] glorify God in the day of visitation.

Consider the following questions –

Are you acting uprightly and obediently at all times?

Do you give others a reason to accuse you of wrongdoing?

In the early Christian church, those who testified of Christ were targets of false accusations against the authority. It was imperative that if put to trial, the charges would not stand. Integrity and a life of strict adherence and support of the government was the best way to silence foolish charges. In this way God is honored and the opportunity for continuing to witness through words and actions remains.

Say you were called to evangelize in a foreign country where customs were unusual or different for you. You may not agree with dressing a certain way or eating a certain food. You may think some rituals were unnecessary and foolish. However, unless it was an offense to God, you would adhere to the culture in order to secure your audience to hear the truth of the Gospel. You would seek to live in a manner pleasing to those around you in order to build opportunities for speaking about Jesus.

It is possible that for those who have never read the Bible, their first introduction to Christianity may be your lifestyle. This is a sobering truth and responsibility for those who follow Christ. It is imperative to live in a manner which honors Him.

Right where you have been placed is where you belong. And there is a mission field outside your front door, perhaps even within your own home. Rather than get caught up in the restrictions placed on man by government, or become obsessed with exercising your ‘rights’, you can choose to focus on the gift of your salvation and the importance of sharing that gift with those around you.

“In every settled state, and under every form of political government, where the laws are not in opposition to the laws of God, it may be very soundly and rationally said: “Genuine Christians have nothing to do with the laws but to obey them.” Society and civil security are in a most dangerous state when the people take it into their heads that they have a right to remodel and change the laws”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Why obedience to authority? – Because God wills it and commands it. Deciding whether to act in accordance with obedience to authorities is based upon the Truth we find in God’s inerrant word. It is not based upon anything man says or thinks or what we would rather do or not do. It is not based upon ‘what ifs’ or unknowns but is based upon trust in an all-knowing God who perfectly protects His children according to His will for His purpose and His glory. So if God wills us to be obedient to the laws set before us, will He not protect us also? There is no fear in following God’s commands.

Will circumstances always turn out the way we expect? Mostly, no. We are unable to fathom the ways of God. This is where faith must compel us to obey.

After Peter and John healed a lame man, they preached the gospel in the temple. Those in charge were upset because they were proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. They were put in jail and questioned what power they had to speak of Jesus. Peter answered with a testimony of the Gospel. They were then ordered to stop speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus.

Acts 4:19-20 “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.”

Their focus was on the gospel; their loyalty was to God’s commands. The scenario continues as Peter and the apostles teach in Jesus’ name and were again questioned by those in authority.

Acts 5:27-29 And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We must obey God rather than men.

When authority demands obedience to laws which are contrary to the commands of God (such as denying Him), we obey God rather than men. However, when there is no offense to God’s commands, we are to follow the authority given us through government – whether we like it or not and whether we agree or not. For instance, I do not like paying the exorbitant amount of taxes our government requests. But it is required and hedging around my responsibility would impede my witness of Truth. We could all question the value of many government policies. Yet, we have a duty to follow those in charge – because it honors God. And, we cannot pick and choose which policies we will obey according to our agreement or comfort, or according to popularity or even what we deem our personal ‘rights’.

If our allegiance is to God, then how do we determine our obligation to earthly leadership?

Albert Barnes New Testament Commentary states, “When the laws interfered with the rights of conscience; when they commanded the worship of idols, or any moral wrong, then it was their duty to refuse submission. Yet, in what cases this was to be done, where the line was to be drawn, was a question of deep importance, and one which was not easily settled. It is quite probable, however, that the main danger was, that the early Christians would err in refusing submission, even when it was proper, rather than in undue conformity to idolatrous rites and ceremonies”. “The principles on which Christians should act are settled in this chapter. Be subject. Submit. The word denotes that kind of submission which soldiers render to their officers. It implies subordination; a willingness to occupy our proper place, to yield to the authority of those over us … The general principle will be seen to be, that we are to obey in all things which are not contrary to the law of God”.

If you trust that God is Supreme and in control of all things, then you agree that God has appointed the leaders in our government and things are progressing exactly as planned. In response, we exercise our freedom to submit to the rules set before us and honor God by following those He has allowed to be in charge.

Daniel 2:21 "And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, and knowledge to men of understanding.

“The truth is, the substance of the power of every magistrate is the ordinance of God”, Bp. Sanderson.

Read this quote regarding submission, “Its use in the New Testament, then, as far as human relationships in the redeemed community are concerned yields the idea of humble, informed submission to another in the light of God's will and redemptive work. That kind of submission is to happen in all relationships in life”, bible.org

The bottom line – we submit ourselves to the governing authorities appointed over us out of obedience to God who has set them in place. This brings honor to God. Read Matthew Henry’s Commentary on this subject, “For the Lord’s sake, who had ordained magistracy for the good of mankind, who has required obedience and submission (Romans 13), and whose honour is concerned in the dutiful behavior of subjects to their sovereigns”.

1Peter 2:16 [Act] as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but [use it] as bondslaves of God.

The freedom we have in Christ does not mean we are free from the duty or subjection we have to governing authorities – which has been set in place by God. Christianity is not an excuse to neglect following the laws of our government. We are servants of God, acting in accordance with His commands. We obey human law because it is God’s will for us.

“True religion is always the friend of order, as well as of liberty. The gospel is no doctrine of anarchy, and the Christian is no formenter of strife. Civil government is necessary for the well-being of mankind, and those who delight in the law of the Lord are among the last to wish to see its power weakened, or its executive despised. We had sooner suffer wrong, than see our country the prey of lawless mobs”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

1Corinthians 7:22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord's freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ's slave.

Romans 6:18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only [do] not [turn] your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Can we be free yet still live under the constraints of governing authorities who do not follow God?

John 8:31-36 Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word, [then] you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." They answered Him, "We are Abraham's offspring, and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, 'You shall become free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. "And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

“As free; he prevents an objection; they might pretend they were a free people, as Jews, and therefore were not to obey strangers; and made free by Christ. He answers: That they were free indeed, but it was from sin, and not from righteousness, not from obedience to God's law, which requires subjection to magistrates, for they were still the servants of God”, Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

We have complete freedom in Christ. When we are free from seeking self and free from the bondage of sin, then we are free to serve God whole heartedly with our lives. We are blessed to live in a country whose government allows the practice of our faith. But we are not to abuse our freedom. We are not free to use ‘religion’ as a right to stand against those in authority to support what we think is best.

We are to submit to authority for the Lord’s sake.

It is commanded. Jesus’ example was to submit to governing authority. When we submit, we bring glory to God. It is His will for us to submit.

We have freedom in Christ.

Through Him we are no longer slaves of sin. We are free to choose righteousness; free to follow God’s commands in obedience and submission which brings glory to His name. We are free to live our lives serving God.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Called by Grace to Glorify God

Our lives should glorify God in the hopes that those who surround us will think more favorably of the One we follow and be drawn towards Him.

We continue Peter’s address to the dispersed Christians – You have been born again, therefore refrain from sin and seek to grow in your salvation. Even though men may reject you, in God’s sight you are precious. Your purpose is to live according to God’s word and to proclaim His excellencies because of His mercy on your soul. In verse 11, the Apostle urged the saints to refrain from the enticement of worldly cravings which leads to sin. He continues this thought in verse 12 with an order for excellent behavior, so that even when they are slandered, their actions speak otherwise.

1 Peter 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe [them,] glorify God in the day of visitation.

To keep is a continuous action, think ‘keep on keeping on’. Coming from the Greek word echo, it means to hold or to use. Consider what happens to your behavior once you are truly saved. You change! Those things you once thought were okay suddenly become questionable; your actions turn from being self-absorbed to becoming mindful of helping others. Your thoughts and words begin to reflect the Truth you believe. Your focus is changed as you seek to become more Christ-like in all your ways. And … others cannot help but notice. The importance of holding your actions to the standard of following Christ, using your behavior as a proof of your salvation; the necessity of changed behavior in bringing others to know God and in proving His testimony in your life, cannot be overemphasized.

‘Having your conversation’ KJV

‘Having your behavior’ ASV

‘Maintain good conduct’ RSV

‘Keep your conduct’ ESV

There is a need for awareness of our behavior and conversation as a believer. No longer do we say what might first come to mind, or act on impulse – instead, we consider Truth and act in such a way which will encourage others and please God. Our actions and words need to be filtered through Truth. We seek to refrain from responding according to our feelings, instead our lives should depict our relationship in Christ.

Do you feel you just have to share something negative because it will make you feel better?

Are you maintaining a witness consistent with your salvation?

Are you excusing improper conduct towards others because you are ‘weak’, or cannot help it, or you feel someone deserves you to be upset with them?

Do you put limits on patience and love and serving, checking out when you have had enough or are tired of always being the ‘nice guy’, or simply do not feel like helping any longer?

Do you only respond in love if others act accordingly?

We could ask ourselves all sorts of questions that are convicting regarding our behavior. It is no surprise that we all struggle with sin; but are we willing to change? 1 Peter 2:12 does not give a choice, it gives a command. Keep your behavior excellent so that Christ may be seen in you.

Read this quote from the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, “Our conversation should correspond to our Saviour’s condition; this is in heaven, so ought that to be”.

Romans 12:17-18 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

2 Corinthians 8:21 for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Philippians 2:15 that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

1 Peter 1:15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all [your] behavior;

“A good walk does not make us pious, but we must first be pious and believe before we attempt to lead a good course”, Luther.

Peter’s words are to Christians who are being ridiculed and persecuted because of their faith. However, he does not make amends for them to take into account their hurt, or difficult circumstances. Rather, the admonition is to keep going regardless!

Concerning ourselves we are to maintain a character that represents our life in Christ. Notice there is a personal responsibility to one’s own behavior. We are to be mindful and sensitive to our own actions and words, not quickly pointing out another’s mistakes but having our own witness point towards God.

Our behavior is the manner in which we act or control ourselves. There is no truth for the thought, “I can’t help it, it is just the way I am”. Our conduct in all circumstances should emulate our change as a new creature in Christ. God wants us to be holy, therefore, He will provide the means to grow us toward His holiness. Our conversation in all circumstances should reflect our position as His child.

There is a familiar cliche which says, “do as I say, not as I do”. This is an unfortunate example of excusing one’s own mistakes and making exception for unfit behavior while ordering others to have a higher standard. This is hypocrisy! We are to be an example – not perfect by any means – but striving for holiness, confessing and turning from sin rather than making excuses.

1 Peter 2:12 says our behavior is to be excellent! Excellent is translated from kalos, meaning beautiful, good, valuable, or virtuous. This is more than just being better than another, like grading on a curve in school. It is a standard of moral excellence; doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. It is not “barely unblamable, but virtuous in every respect”, John Wesley’s Notes on the Old and New Testaments. Matthew Poole’s Commentary explains having your conversation honest as “irreprehensible, fruitful, such as may gain men’s love, and commend the religion you profess”.

As God’s child you are held to His standard of holiness. This is exhausting! It takes purpose, commitment, and the understanding that only through Christ’s strength are we able to be holy. We are to always be on guard ready to defend the hope we have in Jesus.

Are you clothed in armor appropriate for the battle? Look up and read Ephesians 6:10-17 in your Bible.

Are you seeking to live an upright and consistent life?

Notice the word consistent in the previous question. This is our daily life, no matter where we are or who we are dealing with. In other words, it is not acting a certain way only when others are watching or when we are at a ‘church’ function, or particularly mindful of our surroundings. The goal is a 24/7 witness of God’s grace and mercy which has been extended towards us because of His great love. William Burkitt New Testament, notes this “is not a single action, but our general course and conversation, that denotes us either good or bad; and the word translated honest, signifies fair and amiable, beautiful and adorning, the doing nothing that is unseemly or a blemish either to our person or profession”.

2 Corinthians 1:12 For our proud confidence is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

Philippians 1:27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but [rather] in speech, conduct, love, faith [and] purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

Peter specifically mentions excellent behavior among the Gentiles – meaning those who are not saved. The recipients of Peter’s letter were surrounded by heathens who observed their conduct. These atheists were prone to look for reasons to attack those who did not worship their false gods. Robertson’s NT Word Pictures says, “The Gentiles were on the watch for slips in moral conduct by the Christians”. Think! This is the same for us today; we are surrounded by those who have not trusted Jesus alone. Have you ever noticed that those who have opposite loyalties or convictions sometimes wait for others to fail? This is the ‘I told you so’ mentality. We want our witness to shine God’s glory rather than turn people away. When others look for something negative, we want them to see only that which brings honor to God. We may be reproached for our faith but let us not give grounds for reproach.

1 Peter 2:12 goes on to say, ‘so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe [them], glorify God in the day of visitation’.

Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary reads, “at the very time when they speak against you in this manner they may be silenced by seeing your upright lives … that they may see by your meek and upright conduct that there is really no ground for reproach … that in the very matter for which we are reproached we are conscientious and honest”.

2 Corinthians 13:7 Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we should appear unapproved.

The goal then is to persuade them by means of honest behavior to think differently upon the very things they revile. Sometimes the best way to answer a false charge is to give no evidence for it in your actions. Perhaps your honest conduct will be a tool used as those around you acknowledge your sincere behavior and see God’s work in your life. The prayer is that God will have mercy upon them which brings them to an understanding of His love by our example.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

John 15:8 "By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and [so] prove to be My disciples.

Romans 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;

1 Peter 3:16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

“It was incumbent on Christians to maintain an honorable and becoming conversation, in all respects, among their Gentile neighbors: that whereas these, through their enmity against God and true religion, and their ignorant prejudices were led to invent and propagate slanders concerning them as evil-doers, or malefactors guilty of crimes injurious to society (verse 14), because they would not join with them in the established idolatry; Christians might silence their calumnies, and soften their prejudices, by their evident and abundant good works. Thus their example in the presence of their enemies, would concur with the preaching of the gospel in promoting the conversion of the Gentiles; and “in the day of their visitation,” when the Lord should please to call them also by his grace to glorify his name, the holy lives of his people would be owned as the means of that happy change”, Thomas Scott.

Is your conversation honest?

Do your works glorify God?

Does your conduct align with the world or according to the Gospel you profess?

Consider again the group of Christians Peter is exhorting. They were surrounded by those of the same governing authorities, yet they had professed faith in Jesus Christ. It was important for them to behave different than those who were not Christians.

1 Peter 4:14-16 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.

“Our conduct as Christians should be such as to bear the strictest scrutiny; such that the closest examination will lead our enemies to the conviction; that we are upright and honest”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

“Having your conversation honest, fair and honourable among the Gentiles, particularly in an exemplary discharge of all social and relative duties; that whereas they speak against you, as evil-doers, in separating from the worship of their gods, and joining yourselves with what they presumptuously call the impious sect of Christians, they being eye-witnesses continually of your good works, may not only lay aside these blasphemous reproaches, but exchange them for commendations and praises; and so may glorify God in the day of their visitation, during the season in which the gospel is preached among them, whereby they are visited with the offers of pardon and salvation”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

The day of visitation means generally a time period of inspection “designed to confer favours rather than to inflict punishment … to denote God’s coming to men to bless them; to pour out His Spirit upon them; to revive religion”, Albert Barnes NT Commentary.

The whole focus of keeping excellent behavior among those who do not know Jesus is the hope that God will call them to a saving knowledge of Christ. We are here to make disciples, to share the Truth of the gospel. Our lives should glorify God in the hopes that those who surround us will think more favorably of the One we follow and be drawn towards Him.

Live Like An Alien!

You are in a battle! This means real action is needed to stave off the enemy. Make certain you understand the battle and the enemy you are fighting.

Previously, the Apostle had been exhorting the Christian converts to live in accordance with their identity in Christ. He had reminded them of their value, God’s promises to them, and their responsibility to share their faith. They had these privileges because they were His people, they belonged to Him.

As a direct application to ourselves, when we consider the gift we have received as God’s children, there are expectations to live according to God’s commands.

Peter goes on to highlight how Christians should conduct themselves – he reminds the converts what to avoid and what to pursue. In verse 11 he says they are to abstain from fleshly lusts, in verse 12 he reminded them to keep their behavior excellent, and in verse 13 the Apostle said they were to submit to governing authorities. These actions of what not to do and what to do were not to procure their salvation but were a result of their salvation, their new identity in Christ. The testimony of who they followed was at stake.

In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter called them to beware of the pull of sin.

1Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.

First, notice this urging is addressed with affection – beloved. Peter is calling upon them as friends, he cares about their soul health, and he identifies with them in the same faith. There is fellowship among believers, a movement towards a common goal.

It is sometimes easier to listen to the appeal of those who understand your struggle because they personally relate. Consider the difference between sharing your struggle with sin with someone who is a believer versus someone who is not a believer. Compassion, care, and concern would be quite different in both individuals.

For instance, say someone was verbally rude to you in a store and you responded in like manner. You then feel ashamed and ask your friend, who is a believer, to pray for you to have a loving attitude towards everyone no matter what. Your believing friend would see the problem, agree that you should have responded in kindness, and they would share your concern and pray. If you were to share this same struggle with a friend who does not know Jesus, it is almost certain that they would respond with the idea that the person who treated you rudely deserved the terse words they received back from you. It would be difficult for them to understand why anyone would desire to be kind to those who do not ‘deserve’ it. They would be unable to recognize your action as sin. They would be unable to understand the seriousness of an offense towards God. They may appreciate your concern because they care about you, but your confession of sin would seem trivial.

None of us have ‘arrived’ as Christians; this means we are all seeking to move forward towards our future in heaven. Our fellowship with one another is incredibly important. We are to care for one another’s soul health. We have many examples of the importance of relationships and spiritual affection amongst believers in the Bible.

Acts 2:42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Romans 1:12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you [while] among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.

Romans 15:24 whenever I go to Spain--for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while—

Romans 15:32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find [refreshing] rest in your company.

2 Corinthians 7:4-7

2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.

3 John 1:3-4

How can you encourage the relationships you have in Christ?

Notice again Peter’s language in the next few words – I urge you. From parakaleo, the idea is calling others near, to invite them. The KJV uses the word beseech. The implication is the instruction he gives them is for their consolation and comfort. Imagine someone saying, ‘Listen up. I am going to say something important, take heed to my words’.

Think of this as trying to point someone in a direction that you know will benefit them. You do this because you care, out of love. The entire tone of Peter’s Epistle is to encourage the saints. He is not demanding them to a certain behavior, rather he is impressing upon them to rely on the blessings they have in Christ.

In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter again acknowledges the unique role in which these Christian converts have been placed. He addresses them as aliens and strangers – this is their current status in society. The differences they feel are real. They are resident foreigners – pilgrims because their true citizenship lies in heaven. They do not belong to their former way of life, yet they do not fully grasp their need to completely separate. The pull towards sin and their former way of thinking is strong and temptation surrounds them, however the Apostle pleads with them to live differently – to abstain, specifically from fleshly lusts. This is quite literally those things pertaining to the flesh and temporal satisfaction; the things of the world which are sin.

How can we know what thoughts and actions are worldly?

By asking ourselves some key questions.

What does God’s word say?

What is my motivation?

Who benefits?

Are my words and actions pleasing to God?

Am I led to hide my actions?

Often regret is an indication that a wrong action or words have been shared. Our desire to please ourselves may become strong enough to ignore the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is imperative that we practice abstinence from sin and its appearance. We could also apply the importance of fellowship to helping one another keep on track.

Think of what it means to abstain from something. To hold oneself off or to refrain is the definition we read from the Strong’s Concordance. We are to resist sin. Sin has no power over those who trust in Jesus. Are you living free from sins hold? When you are filled with Christ, there is no room for sin.

Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to [its] lusts.

Galatians 5:16; 24 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

2 Timothy 2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love [and] peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

If we genuinely seek after Christ, we will not be seeking the things of this world, our focus will be towards heaven. If you have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, you will not consider the earth your home.

Are we so busy seeking things on earth that we forget our time here is temporary and we are only passing through? Consider what you might pack when you are travelling. Typically you bring only what you will need for your journey. Perhaps paying more attention to the investment in where we are going, rather than what we are accumulating here, is a good eternal travel plan.

Have you become engulfed with your own goals or problems instead of giving attention to others? Are you serving sacrificially? There is a cost involved with truly serving others. Time for self may become sparse, energy may become depleted, and emotions may even become a bit frayed as you are challenged to be patient and encouraging. But we need to remember Who created us, Who gives time, Who gives energy, and Who guards our heart. We are only using what God has so graciously and generously given to us.

Have you allowed personal relationships and possessions to become your pursuit rather than heaven? We all have responsibilities on earth. We need to work to earn a living, take care of daily chores, and be responsible to fulfill those things that affect our life on this planet. However, do these things occupy most of your thoughts, and affections? Or is God on the forefront of your mind?

What things are keeping you from making progress in your growth, knowledge, and understanding of Jesus? We can choose to focus on ourselves, our problems, our difficult relationships, our health concerns, or any number of things that cause our current circumstance to be less than perfect. Sin, worldly pursuits, and worldly thinking will fight against us as we battle to keep our sights on our future in heaven.

The things of earth will wage war against the soul. You are in a battle! This means real action is needed to stave off the enemy. Make certain you understand the battle and the enemy you are fighting. We can easily become sidetracked by concerns that belong to God. We are not here to ‘fix’ the world; God’s got all things under His control. We are here to speak truth in love, to share Jesus, and to make disciples. Consider what might happen in a battle if you sit in a corner and cover your head. You will live in fear; you will miss out on being a part of advancing the Kingdom.

Our action point then, is to

Encourage one another,
Recognize where we belong and Who we belong to,
Live according to God’s commands, and
Be prepared for the battle.

How are you doing?

We Belong Because of Him

It is God’s mercy that saves, not our own merits. Change in our lives from darkness to light is only because of His outstretched hand.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR [God's] OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

In 1 Peter 2:9, the Apostle reminds the Jewish and Gentile Christians of the special privileges they have in Christ and the responsibilities of their calling. Now, in 1 Peter 2:10, he expands on the benefits of their salvation by specifically reminding the Gentile Christians of who they were before their conversion, to who they are now and what God has done for them. There is a stark contrast in their past and present description.

1 Peter 2:10 You Belong Because of Him

For you once were not a people – This phrase is used in Hosea 1:9 when Israel, God’s chosen people, were given a bill of divorce from God because of their disobedience. The Gentiles also understood alienation from God. Macknight on the Epistles writes, “Who formerly were not a people of God, being worshippers of idols; but now are a people of God having subjected yourselves to His government; who had not obtained the benefit of an external revelation, but now have obtained that mercy jointly with the Jews”.

See Romans 9:25-26.

We can relate to the concept that disobedience separates us from God. While raising my children there were times when the consequence of disobedience kept one of them from taking part in family activities. My love for them never changed but their actions were a hindrance to enjoying the privileges of being part of the family. Without God, we are not a people, we are not part of His Kingdom, and we do not belong. Read the Apostle Paul’s words to the Ephesian church:

Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

“We were outcast Gentiles, who were counted as little better than dogs: how grateful ought we to be that we now enjoy the same portion as the favored people of old”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

But now you are the people of God – look back to 1 Peter 2:9 and read the description of God’s people. Chosen, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession – with all the privileges associated with His blessings.

All those who believe are God’s people; having obtained all the privileges and blessings that are bestowed upon those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ.

Before, you were not; now, you are. Can you identify with this significant change? What was your identity before God called your heart to understand His love and your need for a Savior?

If you are now His child, you were chosen by Him specifically to bring glory to His name. You were once in darkness, now you have understanding; you were uncertain of the future, now you look forward to heaven; your security was in people and things which change, now your trust is in God who is always the same. Your happiness ebbed and flowed with circumstances, now you have joy even in the midst of trials and difficulties.

Consider one area how God has changed you. Think of your before and after testimony of His faithfulness. Fill in the blank –

Before Christ I was _________________________, now I am __________________________.

We were without, we were unworthy. Read again Ephesians 2:1-3. God’s children are changed in the present to receive His blessings and for the future to be received into His Kingdom.

Have you bowed before the throne of God? If not, will you? You have everything to gain.

1 Peter 2:10 goes on to say you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Consider what it means to have received God’s mercy or compassion in your life. This will then build a clear picture of the absence of His mercy when we reject Him.

God’s mercy means He forgives iniquity and transgression (Exodus 34:6-7)

God’s mercy means He is ready to pardon, He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness (Nehemiah 9:17)

The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy (Numbers 14:18)

God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:1-10)

God’s mercy means He hears our call and saves us from the hand of our enemies (Nehemiah 9:27)

God is abundant in His mercy and calls us to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3)

God’s mercy is certain to those who call upon Him (Isaiah 55:3)

God’s mercy has no end (1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 89:28; Psalm 136)

God’s mercy is tender (Psalm 25:6; Psalm 103:4; Luke 1:78)

God’s mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:23)

God’s mercy is great (Psalm 103:11)

The earth is full of God’s mercy (Psalm 119:64; Psalm 33:5)

His mercy is over all His works (Psalm 145:9)

God delights in showing mercy (Micah 7:18)

God’s mercy is manifested in sending His Son (Luke 1:78)

God’s mercy is shown in the salvation of sinners (Titus 3:5)

God’s mercy is patient (Lamentations 3:22)

God gives mercy to backsliders (Jeremiah 3:12; Hosea 14:4)

God shows His mercy in forgiveness (Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7)

God gives mercy in comforting those who are afflicted (Isaiah 49:13)

God’s mercy gives hope (Psalm 130:7; Psalm 147:11)

God’s mercy produces trust (Psalm 52:8)

God’s mercy is for the weak (Psalm 6:2)

God’s children rejoice in His mercy (Psalm 31:7)

Now consider a void of God’s mercy. There is no forgiveness, no patience shown towards us, no protection, no hope, no future, no compassion extended towards us, no strength, no substance, no favor, no Savior. Without God’s mercy we are unable to be faithful, we have no comfort, no trust, and no joy.

Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary describes the absence of God’s mercy as those, “who had been living unpardoned, having no knowledge of the way by which sinners might be forgiven, and not evidence that your sins were forgiven. They were then in the condition of the whole heathen world, and they had not then been acquainted with the glorious method by which God forgives iniquity”.

It is God’s mercy that saves, not our own merits. Change in our lives from darkness to light is only because of His outstretched hand. The relationship with God which was at one time specific to the Jews is now extended to all those who believe. This was an important message to the Gentiles who had been saved in Peter’s time and this is an important message to all today. Salvation is not granted by the religious group you identify with, nor by ceremonies or rituals practiced. The identifier of God’s mercy is Jesus’ blood. God’s work on the human soul, His grace and mercy given through His Son’s death and suffering, and the work of His Spirit, claims His children.

The stark difference between not belonging to God and being without His mercy, weighed against being God’s child and having obtained His blessings, demands a response.

Not belonging to God = without His mercy

Belonging to God = God’s mercy and blessings

Is your heart full of gratitude for His work?

My friend, is there joy in your heart, a smile on your face, and encouragement in your words? If you are downhearted, perhaps there is a lack of understanding of what you have in Christ.

Is your life an offering of service for mercy shown, for His glory? When our concentration is on assisting others for their encouragement and growth, we have less time to focus on our own difficulties.

Because of God’s mercy you belong to Him. Because of God’s mercy you have a glorious future. Let’s be committed that our words, attitude, actions, and pursuits reflect this truth.

You were once not a people, but now you are the people of God
You had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy

His Marvelous Light!

He is the light that illuminates understanding in our soul. He is the light that gives hope now and for the future. He is the light which gives strength when we are weak, direction when we have lost our focus, and clarity instead of confusion.

The dispersed Christians were reminded of the benefits they had in Christ – they were a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for God’s own possession. These rights were no longer just for a particular group but for all Christians. And these advantages were theirs for a reason – to proclaim the excellencies of God so that others would be sanctified in Truth.

That you may proclaim – there is an intentional purpose for those who follow Christ. To proclaim here means to publish or to celebrate. Both ensue action, the KJV uses the phrase ‘that ye should shew forth’. We have the privilege of being God’s messengers. Paul reminded the elders of the church in Ephesus of his own boldness in speaking of Christ and charged them with the reminder that they also needed to speak Truth; they were to care for those who were like-minded.

Acts 20:27-28 “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Consider. When someone gives you a gift, you respond with thanks. Salvation offered to us is a gift. Do we tend to this gift with gratitude and display it for all to see? Do we share the value of this gift with others? Salvation has not been granted to us to be hoarded and put into the dark recesses of a cabinet. Rather, we are to exhibit the blessings of God by seeking to live a holy life, proclaiming Christ to others.

Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary offers the following response to our salvation –

By proper ascriptions of praise to Him in public, family, and social worship;

By being always the avowed friends of God, ready ever to vindicate His government and ways;

By endeavouring to make known His excellences to all those who are ignorant of Him; and

By such a life as shall constantly proclaim His praise – as the sun, the moon, the stars, the hills, the streams, the flowers do, showing what God does. The consistent life of a devoted Christian is a constant setting forth of the praise of God, showing to all that the God who has made him such is worthy to be loved.

Isaiah 43:21 "The people whom I formed for Myself, will declare My praise.

Our lives are about Him, not us. We are vessels meant for offering praise and glory to God for who He is and what He has done. The 1599 Geneva Bible Notes says, “that by all means possible we [are] to set forth the great goodness of the most mighty God”.

Does your behavior speak of Jesus? How? What behaviors do not honor Christ?

We are to proclaim the excellencies of God. It is impossible to proclaim with any kind of enthusiasm that which we do not know or understand. For example, ask two people to explain how to raise a puppy. One who has firsthand experience and one who has only heard others talk about it. Which testimony would be more compelling to listen to?

What are the excellencies of God? How would you explain who God is and why your faith is placed in Him? There are intrinsic virtues of God, His very essence, His attributes, are what makes Him God. We are to proclaim God’s wisdom, power, truth, goodness, and mercy. Foremost because He has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Consider the darkness. This means shadiness or obscurity, either literally or figuratively. There is darkness in trouble and in ignorance. When you are taking a photograph, shadows will keep you from getting a good picture.

Do you let circumstances obscure your view or do you rely upon God’s light to show you the way?

Also consider the shadiness associated with honesty. Are we allowing the world’s message to cast a shadow on our understanding of God?

God has literally pulled us away from sin’s power and control to the blessings, privileges, and power of the gospel. This assurance was given to the nation of Israel while they were being held captive and it is our assurance also, that by abiding in Christ, we are not held captive by sin. “…when the gospel comes to any place, to any soul, light comes. Let us earnestly pray that it may shine into our hearts, and make us wise unto salvation”, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on Isa 9:2.

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.

Isaiah 42:16 "And I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, and I will not leave them undone."

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Read the account of Paul upon his conversion:

Acts 26:15-18 "And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 'But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; delivering you from the [Jewish] people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'

Also read the words of Paul to the Colossian church:

Colossians 1:9-14 For this reason also, since the day we heard [of it], we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please [Him] in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Recognize, we are called out of darkness into His marvelous light! This is more than just an ‘aha’ moment – it is the light of Truth, the gospel, and the wonderful blessings associated with God’s great love for us. He is the light that illuminates understanding in our soul. This is the light that gives hope now and for the future. He is the light which gives strength when we are weak, direction when we have lost our focus, and clarity instead of confusion. God’s light replaces hate with love, it is the source of compassion and patience.

When we consider what we have been saved from and what we are saved to, our response must be to shout God’s praise. Darkness and light are opposites. The darkness – idolatry, ungodliness, willful disobedience, and spiritual death – is appointed for those who reject Christ. God’s children, through faith and trust in Jesus, sit in the glorious light of His marvelous redemption.

1 Thessalonians 5:3-5 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;

“As a family, let us remember how the Lord has favored us in his grace, and let each saved one among us remember whereunto he is called. Chosen, royal priestly, peculiar, and beloved of heaven, - what manner of persons ought we to be? We ought to be far better than others, for the Lord has dealt so much better with us. May rich grace rest upon us, and cause us to show forth the praises of our God”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

How will you follow the apostle Peter’s charge to proclaim Christ?

What truths are you reminded of in 1 Peter 2:9 that cause you to praise God?

God’s Own Possession

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are God’s possession, you are chosen, you are holy.

In our last study in 1 Peter 2:8, Eternal Treasure, we learned that those who are disobedient to the word are appointed to doom – the certain penalty of failure; they will stumble over the Gospel. Consider if you are walking towards a large tree. In your mind you can choose to say, ‘I do not want that tree to be there, it is inconvenient and, in my way’, however as you get closer you will either need to step around it or walk into it. Just because you have chosen to ignore its placement does not change its existence. We can choose to ignore God’s existence however this will not change His righteous judgement. In verse 9, the Apostle encourages the believers who were following Jesus, offering encouragement to them.

The word ‘but’ is a continuation and in contrast of the preceding thought. It is like saying, ‘However, you (those who believe) are unlike those who stumble and are appointed to doom, instead you are ‘a chosen race’, a ‘royal priesthood’, a holy nation, ‘a people for [God’s] own possession’. There is a distinct difference from those who willfully rejected Jesus as their Corner Stone and those who call Him Lord.

The Apostle quotes the Old Testament in his descriptions of the believers being addressed. These titles were given to the Jewish nation. They are now the privilege of all those belonging to God, seeking to follow His ways.

Exodus 19:5 'Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;

Deuteronomy 7:6 "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 14:2 "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

A Chosen Race – a select, favorite, elect generation. “The titles formerly given to the whole Jewish Church, i.e. To all the Israelites without exception, all who were in the covenant of God by circumcision, whether they were holy persons or not, are here given to Christians in general in the same way; i.e. to all who believed in Christ, whether Jews or Gentiles, and who received baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Isaiah 43:21 "The people whom I formed for Myself, Will declare My praise.

“A chosen generation; a people chosen of God, not only out of the world, but from among the rest of your own nation and not only to an external adoption, and outward privileges, but to eternal salvation”, Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

1Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are God’s possession, you are chosen, you are holy. How do these descriptions of your life encourage you?

When something is purchased, most often it comes with instructions. We come with instructions from our Maker. We are chosen for a purpose, to spread the Gospel – Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Do you purpose to know the instructions given you by God?

Do you regularly access your instruction manual – the Bible?

How do you react when something wonderful happens in your life?

Do those around you know that you consider the claim of Christ wonderful, that this is a blessing you treasure?

A royal priesthood – kingly in nature, a sacred order. The Hebrew definition of priesthood is described as the priestly fraternity. A fraternity is a group of people engaged in the same occupation or activity. WordWeb says it is friendship and mutual support within a group of people. Christians belong to the family of God and have fellowship with one another, spurring each individual to the forward movement of their faith.

Exodus 19:6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel."

Revelation 1:6 and He has made us [to be] a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him [be] the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The Jewish priests were called to offer sacrifices to God. Now this special calling extends to all who believe. The Jewish nation placed great importance on their blood relations yet through Christ’s shed blood, we are all born into His kingdom.

1Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

God is King, and those who belong to Him are of royal heritage. In this sense, those who claim Christ as Savior are priests, daily offering up spiritual sacrifices of love and devotion, service, and gratefulness. The WordWeb definition of priesthood is described as friendship and mutual support within a group of people. We call this fellowship. Why is it important to be involved in a family of believers?

“But you, on the contrary, who unfeignedly believe in him, {are} a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, who bear at once the dignity of kings and sanctity of priest: a holy nation, set apart in a special manner for the service of God; and a peculiar people. When these titles were given to Israel of old, it was in an inferior sense; and it is in a much nobler signification that these words may be applied to you. Consider it therefore as the wise intention of Divine Providence, that you should declare and proclaim all abroad, the virtues of him who has called you out of that darkness in which you originally were, into his marvelous and glorious light; that clear light of the gospel, which opens so many illustrious scenes of divine wonders”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

In Christ we are victorious, in Christ we have a royal heritage, in Christ we have a future inheritance. The book of Revelation speaks to our position in heaven.

Revelation 5:10 "And Thou hast made them [to be] a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

Consider for a moment the encouraging words from the Apostle to the Jews and Gentiles who had converted to Christianity. They were reminded that they were specifically chosen to serve; that they were as priests offering spiritual sacrifices to God and would one day reign with Him!

A holy nation – holy, meaning sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless, consecrated, saint). Those called by Christ are set apart as a people to worship and serve the one true God. In Christ’s death we are justified; through obedience to the Gospel we are being sanctified. This contrasts with the outward appearance of holiness made through sacrifices under the Law, rather it is a holiness from within. It is the work of Christ in an individual’s heart which affords this privilege to those who follow Him in obedience.

1Peter 1:22-23 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, [that is,] through the living and abiding word of God.

Barnes’ NT Commentary says, “The Hebrews were regarded as a nation consecrated to God; and now that they were cast off or rejected for their disobedience, the same language was properly applied to the people whom God had chosen in their place – the Christian church”.

“As a family, let us remember how the Lord has favored us in his grace, and let each saved one among us remember whereunto he is called. Chosen, royal priestly, peculiar, and beloved of heaven, --what manner of persons ought we to be? We ought to be far better than others, for the Lord has dealt so much better with us. May rich grace rest upon us, and cause us to show forth the praises of our God”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

We are called to be holy. In Christ, we can fight the strong arm of sin. We are not like the world, enslaved to the power of sin. Instead we are given victory over sin’s control. In all of Paul’s epistles, Christians are called saints derived from the same Greek word, hagios, for holy.

Do you strive to live in the likeness of Christ? What does this look like? How do you fight sin?

How is your life a witness of His Truth?

A people for [God’s] own possession – Or in the KJV, a peculiar people. We are purchased by the blood of Christ for a purpose; we are a people belonging to God for His use, for His glory. There is action implied in this thought. God’s own should be peculiar, markedly different from the world around them.

Look again at Deuteronomy 7:6 and 14:2.

Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Do others notice you are a bit different in your conversation, your actions, and your use of time? Or do you blend in well with the world around you?

Is your service to others and your church family a priority? How?

We have been called from darkness into His glorious light – describe what this means specifically to you. Are your concerns laid at the foot of the cross or do they threaten to overwhelm you?

We are purchased for God’s purpose. Read Paul’s words to the elders at Ephesus just before he departed for Jerusalem –

Acts 20:24 "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Acts 20:35 "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

According to the above verses, what was Paul’s focus?

“Christians are appointed to show forth the praises of the Lord, by their spiritual worship, their open profession of his gospel, their holy conversation, and exemplary conduct. To this the apostle exhorted his brethren. The Lord had called many of them out of the total darkness of Pagan idolatry; and the rest, from the comparative darkness of the Mosaic dispensation and Jewish formality, into the clear light of the gospel, to behold the marvelous displays thus given of the divine glory, and to partake of his astonishing love to sinners. This he had done, in order that they might be his witnesses and worshippers, to render him the glory due to his name, and to “show forth his praises,” or to declare his virtues, or energies, even the efficacy of his grace, in their holy tempers and actions. They had formerly been a people of no name or excellency; but they were now become “the people of God,” and had obtained that mercy for the pardon of their sins, and the salvation of their souls, to which they once were strangers”, Thomas Scott.

Our next study will address the remainder of 1 Peter 2:9 as we look at the expected result and privileges of being called by God.

Eternal Treasure

Jesus is the only secure corner stone on which all else will last. Either Christ is your foundation or your rejection of Him will be your downfall.

In choosing unbelief towards the Gospel, we choose for ourselves a stumbling block and eternal destruction. Have you ever watched a child insistent on doing things the most difficult way possible? When asked if they would like help, the response is ‘no, I can do it by myself’. This typically leads to an enormous amount of frustration.

Consider what happens when individuals ‘walk away’ from Jesus and reject His gift. They crumble, they continuously ‘trip’ over the world’s ideals and answers as they constantly try to find direction that will satisfy. Life becomes a perpetual journey trying to find fulfillment. Attaining each goal only serves to point to the next bigger and better one. Satisfaction or success in the world is temporary at its best.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”, Matthew 6:19-21.

Luke 12:16-21 And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a certain rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. ‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years [to come;] take your ease, eat, drink [and] be merry.”’ "But God said to him, 'You fool! This [very] night your soul is required of you; and [now] who will own what you have prepared?' "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

True peace and fulfillment are only found in Christ. John 14:6 Jesus *said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

1 Peter 2:7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER [stone,]" 8 and, “A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE"; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this [doom] they were also appointed.

I posted a study on 1 Peter 2:7 a few weeks ago, “A Cornerstone of the Highest Value”. This study included information on the importance of the corner stone of a building. What was its purpose? How was the building affected if the corner stone was not straight and solid?

Years ago, my husband and older brothers decided to help my youngest brother finish a stone wall on his ranch. They knew when they started this project, they were working off a foundation which was not the best. However, in their haste to complete the wall they continued laying stone blocks trying and hoping to make something reasonably straight at the finish. You can imagine how it turned out – a bit haphazard and something they laugh about now.

Rejecting Jesus as our Corner Stone is no laughing matter. Our text says the very Corner Stone of our salvation becomes a stone of stumbling and rock of offense to those who refuse Him. Following are warnings to those who reject Jesus.

John 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

Romans 2:8-10 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. [There will be] tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Hebrews 3:18-19 And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? And [so] we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.

Look closer at what ‘a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense’ means:

Stumbling - <proskomma>, a stub, the occasion of apostasy; offence

Offence - <skandalon>, a trap-stick (bent sapling), snare, thing that offends

Picture tripping over something that sticks out. You stumble because you were not paying attention to where you were going! Sometimes it may be because you are in a hurry, or you may be focused on things other than the path you are walking. The Jewish nation in Peter’s time was offended by the gospel, they had tradition set in place, they followed their laws of dos and don’ts. Jesus was not the answer they were looking for; He was a stumbling block, and many were unwilling to accept Him.

Where is your focus? Is it on Truth?

Isaiah 8:14-15 "Then He shall become a sanctuary; but to both the houses of Israel, a stone to strike and a rock to stumble over, [and] a snare and a trap for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. "And many will stumble over them, then they will fall and be broken; they will even be snared and caught."

Are people offended by the Gospel today? Matthew Poole’s Commentary says Jesus is not the cause of stumbling but the object of it, They find in Him that which they do not like, “the holiness of His law, and purity of His doctrine, contrary to their corruptions and lusts, and especially His requiring of them faith in Him for the justification of their persons, which was [is] so contrary to the pride of their hearts, …, seeking to establish their own righteousness, and therefore not submitting to the righteousness of God”.

Romans 9:32 Why? Because [they did] not [pursue it] by faith, but as though [it were] by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,

Are you pursuing Christ in faith or by works?

The very One who has been rejected by men, is the means to salvation. Jesus is the only secure corner stone on which all else will last. Either Christ is your foundation or your rejection of Him will be your downfall. This is more than just a slap on the wrist, or a careless error that can be corrected. Willful disobedience to the word leads to appointed doom. Our text says, ‘they are disobedient to the word, and to this [doom] they were also appointed’.

There is a price to pay for choosing a life of disobedience and rejection of God. For those Jews and Gentiles who trusted Christ as their Messiah, even though they were persecuted for their belief, their salvation was secure. For those who rejected Christ, their judgment was appointed. This truth is the same today for everyone.

Consider the general population. Most are accepting of blessings – they may even attribute some things to God. The tune of “Amazing Grace” was played at memorials commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9-1-1 several days ago. People want God’s protection, the peace He affords, and the comfort of knowing there is a higher being. Especially when something does not make sense and great loss is involved. What they do not want is to live in obedience to the very One who blesses them. They do not like the idea that the God who gives eternal life and hope also judges with eternal destruction. They want to reap the benefits of a perfect and holy God on their terms. Seeking all the pleasures and importance of the world does not align with seeking holiness for God’s glory. The one promotes self, the other denies self and glorifies God.

John 3:18-21 "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. "And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. "For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. "But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

Those who reject Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as God’s perfect plan and way for salvation, are given over to sin, allowed to sink down into the depths of life without Christ. God let the nation of Israel wander and suffer because they rejected Him and ‘did it their way’. The word doom is used in my translation. To be doomed is a pronounced sentence of certain failure or destruction.

“Their disobedience is not ordained, the penalty of their disobedience is”, (Bigg). They rebelled against God and paid the penalty”, Robertson’s NT Word Pictures.

Our immediate reaction may be to think it seems ‘unfair’ to be appointed to doom. Some may respond by saying this whole ‘God-thing’ does not matter and they are unaffected. But choosing to not believe does not cancel God’s existence and authority over all things. We are unable to fully comprehend the mind and perfect judgment of God. I certainly cannot explain why some are appointed to doom. I definitely do understand that it is only an act of God’s grace in my own life which has saved me. I understand the consequences of acceptance or rejection of Truth. My heart is moved in humility toward gratefulness that somehow God has allowed me to see my desperate need of His grace and mercy. I pray you are able to proclaim your gratefulness to God’s gift of salvation also.

“First in place and importance is the thought that a spiritual fact like election, which belongs to the innermost purpose and work of the Eternal, necessarily leads us to a region where comprehension is impossible, and where we can only reverently apprehend. The doctrine passes upward to the sphere where antinomies live and move, where we must be content to hear what sound to us contradictions, but which are really various aspects of infinite truth. Let us be content to know that the Divine choice is sovereign; and also that "his tender mercies are over all his works," that `He willeth not the death of a sinner,' that "God is love." Let us relieve the tension of such submissive reliance by reverently noting how the supreme antinomy meets one type of human need with its one side, and with its other another. To the "fearful saint" the Divine sovereignty of love is a sacred cordial. To the seeking penitent the Divine comprehensiveness of love opens the door of peace. To the deluded theorist who does not love and obey, the warnings of a fall and ruin which are possible, humanly, from any spiritual height, are a merciful beacon on the rocks”, www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/election.

The mind of God is something to which we cannot attain.

Isaiah 55:9 "For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Job 38:4-7 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell [Me,] if you have understanding, who set its measurements, since you know? Or who stretched the line on it? "On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

His Majesty is far above our comprehension and His Divine will and plan is humbling to the lowly saints who are called. Consider your own position in Christ. If you can attest to His power in changing your life for eternity, it is because of His love and mercy; it is only by His grace that you claim Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Peter, in his letters, urges the believers to focus on what they do have rather than the difficulties they are facing. We can do the same. Look at the truths in this familiar verse –

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

God loves us. He gave us Jesus so that we would not die but have eternal life.

Return to 1 Peter 2:7-8, This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER [stone,]” and, "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE"; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this [doom] they were also appointed.

What is your response? How are you purposed to action?

What example can you follow? What sin can you avoid? What promise can you claim?

God chose Israel to be His people, but they refused to listen. In Jeremiah 13, God tells Jeremiah of the destruction which will come upon Israel because of their disobedience. This is his call to the nation to repent in humility before God, “Listen and give heed, do not be haughty, for the LORD has spoken. Give glory to the LORD your God, before He brings darkness and before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains, and while you are hoping for light He makes it into deep darkness, [and] turns [it] into gloom, v. 15-16. This is a weighty section of scripture yet a reminder to all that God’s perfect love also includes God’s perfect judgment. There is an intense need to respond to the Gospel now, tomorrow may be too late.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says, “The lost shall lay all the blame of their ruin on their own sinful perversity, not on God’s decree; the saved shall ascribe all the merit of their salvation to God’s electing love and grace”.

Christ is not the cause of stumbling but the object of it as men give way to their own depravity. The Christians being addressed by Peter were in danger of turning back to a system of works rather than faith because they were alienated, ridiculed, and persecuted. Jesus gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice for mankind, choosing to suffer beyond what is conceivable, to save an undeserving mankind. The difficulties we may face in our choice to follow Christ are minor compared to the eternal future promised to those who persevere.

There is an inherent urgency to share the Gospel because there is severe consequence in rejecting God.

A Cornerstone of the Highest Value

to see the value of the Saviour, we must see that we are poor, helpless, dying sinners; that the soul is of inestimable worth; that we have no merit of our own; and that unless someone interpose, we must perish.

Let’s take a moment to review what we have learned so far in 1 Peter. In general, this epistle was written to the Jewish and Gentile Christians who were being ridiculed because of their break from Jewish tradition and Gentile heathenism. They had chosen to follow Christ and had become discouraged under the weight of opposition to their new faith. In 1 Peter 1:7, the Apostle addressed these trials as the avenue for proven faith, encouraging these converts that their faith was more precious than gold which is perishable.

Beginning in 1 Peter Chapter 2, the Apostle continues to unfold the privileges and responsibilities of being a Christian. He reminds the Christians that because of their salvation, they were to put away sin and put on righteousness as they grew in their understanding and knowledge of Christ. Unlike faith which had been placed in a structure built of stone, Jesus was now the foundation of a living faith. He is favored by God and those who trust in His name are part of His living church, set apart to offer worship to Him through their lives. Peter’s words continue to be true for believers today.

1 Peter 2:7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER [stone,]"

We read an encouragement for those who believe in Jesus, and a warning to those who have rejected Him.

This precious value – Jesus, the Choice Stone, the Precious Corner Stone; and the promise of our faith which will not be disappointed.

The translation from Strong’s for precious means a value, money paid, esteem, and honor. Christ has value beyond comprehension. He is the only One able to pay the ransom for our souls. He did this willingly, choosing to be born as a man, choosing to walk on this earth, choosing to suffer and die for mankind’s sin. In being raised from death, He secured eternal life, the promise of our faith, for those who accept Him. Consider the word ‘value’ again –

What does it mean to value, esteem, and honor someone?

WordWeb definitions:

Esteem – The condition of being honored; respected or well regarded; an attitude of admiration; to think much of.

Honor – Show respect toward.

Think of the opposite of showing respect, how we might show disrespect towards someone. Perhaps we give little attention to them or disregard their words. This is an attitude of ‘you couldn’t care less’. Unfortunately, we all understand this attitude, having displayed it in our own actions at one time or another.

Do you consider the precious value of Jesus?

Think upon everything you have because of Christ.

The people we value get our utmost attention. This is different than listening because we must in a class at school. Instead, we listen with ears to understand, we desire to spend time with those we highly regard, we may even try to emulate what we see in them. We consider it a privilege to know them and understand them.

Picture this simple scenario. A classroom full of kids ready for the lesson to begin. Look around the room and you will see several examples of those who are attentive and those who ‘have better things to do’. The students who want to learn and are interested in what the teacher has to say, will be sitting with a posture of attention, eyes on their instructor, eager to hear information. Those who are unengaged will be slouched in their chair, fiddling with items on their desk, eyes everywhere except on the teacher, just waiting for the bell to ring to be dismissed. In this picture, the distinction is clear. When it comes to God’s word, are you the student eager to learn or the one distracted and uninterested?

1 Peter 2:7 goes on to say, “This precious value, then, is for you who believe.” It is for those who have trusted in Christ. The world we live in does not like exclusiveness. However, the precious gift of salvation, although offered to all, is exclusive only to those who willingly receive it through God’s act of grace on the heart.

This is the promise we read in the previous verse, 1 Peter 2:6, “He who believes in Him shall not be disappointed”.

We have joy, we are blessed, we have assurance.

1Peter 1:8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

John 20:29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed [are] they who did not see, and [yet] believed."

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

“They are brought into a condition where they can appreciate his worth. To see the value of food, we must be hungry; of clothing, we must be exposed to the winter's blast; of home, we must be wanderers without a dwelling-place; of medicine, we must be sick; of competence, we must be poor. So, to see the value of the Saviour, we must see that we are poor, helpless, dying sinners; that the soul is of inestimable worth; that we have no merit of our own; and that unless someone interpose, we must perish. Everyone who becomes a true Christian is brought to this condition; and in this state he can appreciate the worth of the Saviour” … “The Lord Jesus is in fact of more value to them than any other benefactor. We have had benefactors who have done us good, but none who have done us such good as he has. We have had parents, teachers, kind friends, who have provided for us, taught us, relieved us; but all that they have done for us is slight, compared with what he has done. The fruit of their kindness, for the most part, pertains to the present world; and they have not laid down their lives for us. What he has done pertains to our welfare to all eternity; it is the fruit of the sacrifice of his own life. How precious should the name and memory of one be who has laid down his own life to save us!” … “We owe all our hopes of heaven to him; and in proportion to the value of such a hope, he is precious to us. We have no hope of salvation but in him. Take that away--blot out the name and the work of the Redeemer--and we see no way in which we could be saved; we have no prospect of being saved. As our hope of heaven, therefore, is valuable to us; as it supports us in trial; as it comforts us in the hour of death, so is the Saviour precious: and the estimate which we form of him is in proportion to the value of such a hope”. … “There is an intrinsic value and excellency in the character of Christ, apart from his relation to us, which makes him precious to those who can appreciate his worth. In his character, abstractedly considered, there was more to attract, to interest, to love, than in that of any other one who ever lived in our world. There was more purity, more benevolence, more that was great in trying circumstances, more that was generous and self-denying, more that resembled God, than in any other one who ever appeared on earth. In the moral firmament, the character of Christ sustains a pre-eminence above all others who have lived, as great as the glory of the sun is superior to the feeble lights, though so numerous, which glimmer at midnight. With such views of him, it is not to be wondered at, that, however he may be estimated by the world, "to them who believe he is PRECIOUS." Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Now, the warning to those who continue to reject the Gospel.

But for those who disbelieve – those who willfully and perversely act in disobedience, obeying not the word of God, who do not believe in His name. The root word means those who are unwilling to be persuaded, contumacious – willfully obstinate, stubbornly disobedient, insubordinate.

Note, either we believe and accept God’s grace and the truths of His gospel, or we reject salvation in Him. There is no place for neutrality. In accepting the Gospel, we recognize the precious value of Jesus. We learn that our hope lies in Him, our protection, our purpose, and our very lives are under His perfect care.

In 1 Peter 2:7, “the stone which the builders rejected”, the Apostle is specifically addressing the ‘builders’ – literally the ‘housebuilders’, those who were responsible in the Jewish faith to build the house of God. The 1599 Geneva Bible Notes says, “that none do more resist this doctrine of the gospel, than they who are chiefest among the people of God. In the time that Peter wrote these things, they were the priests, elders and scribes”.

Consider why those who were most highly recognized and esteemed might have the most difficulty accepting the true Gospel. In accepting the Gospel we must die to self and live for Christ. This means a heart of humility must replace pride and dependence on self. We can grip the positions or importance we think we hold in this world so tightly that we miss the value we have in Jesus. How is this seen today? How can traditions and importance cause a reluctance to embrace faith in Jesus alone?

Pause a moment and think of those you might influence. What is your testimony of Christ as they hear your words and see your actions? Who does your life point towards? Are you an encouragement to others to grow in their knowledge and understanding of Jesus? Are you certain that what you ‘preach’ is the Gospel built on a secure foundation which will last?

The above questions are important for us to consider. Just as the Jews in Peter’s time became focused on tradition and Law instead of the Messiah, we also can get caught up in the world’s thinking or add our own opinion to what we share and follow. We can place more importance on what we do rather than who we are in Christ. Selfishly, we are apt to secure our own reputation and position before lifting up our Savior. Good works in serving and loving one another are necessary but they are not the foundation of our faith. They are an expression of our faith. Rather than gain anything by what we do or who we are, our service is to be an outpouring of gratitude for the gift we have received by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

“The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner [stone,]

Consider again the metaphor of a cornerstone. “The cornerstone was the most important part of any building. The total weight of an edifice rested on this particular stone, which, if removed, would collapse the whole structure. The cornerstone was also the key to keeping the walls straight”, backtothebible.org/post/building-on-the-cornerstone.

“In relation to architecture, a cornerstone is traditionally the first stone laid for a structure, with all other stones laid in reference”. “Over the years, cornerstones have served a variety of purposes. As a means to preserve time, buildings have been marked with a numerical representation to remind people when the building was erected”. “Today, cornerstones are more commonly placed ornamentally as interior walls, the floor, or the façade of a building, depending on whether the intention of the stone is inscription or preservation”. www.newstudioarchitecture.com

In Biblical times, you can imagine a secure cornerstone would keep a structure stable as every part of the building would be dependent on its placement. A poorly placed cornerstone or one that was unstable, would undermine an entire building. Consider these words of reminder from Paul to the Ephesian church –

Ephesians 2:19-22 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner [stone], in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

It seems relevant to ask ourselves what the foundation of our faith is.

Do we rest on Christ alone with everything we think, say, or do reflecting Him, or is our faith simply ornamental, only a façade for others to see?

If Christ is our foundation, our corner stone, then our entire life will be lived in reference to Him. Our goal will be to bring all we have under His authority. This will affect how we respond, and how we use our resources of time, energy, and money. We will seek to align our focus with His truth.

Revisit the promise in 1 Peter 2:7. The precious value of Jesus Christ is for those who place their trust in Him. Blessings too numerous to count and an eternal future await those who believe. He is the Corner Stone upon which everything is built.

When we understand the precious value of Jesus, our heart of gratitude will lead us to share His Gospel with others.

Look carefully at your heart and life – how would God have you apply His truths?

A Secure Future

He alone is our source of righteousness and holiness.

Because you are saved, you are to put away sin and put on righteousness as you grow in your understanding and knowledge of Christ. Unlike faith which had been placed in a structure built of stone, we are told that Jesus is the foundation of a living faith. He is favored by God and those who trust in His name are part of His living church, set apart to offer worship to Him through their lives. (1 Peter 2:1-5)

1Peter 2:6 For [this] is contained in Scripture: "BEHOLD I LAY IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNER [stone], AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."

Peter refers back to the words of the Prophet Isaiah which gives validation that he is speaking truth. Today, we might say, ‘the Bible says’ to emphasize that certain information is not from us but from God. “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone [for] the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes [in it] will not be disturbed”, Isaiah 28:16.

Before we go further into more specific study of this verse, there is an example for each of us to follow. In all cases of sharing what we believe, let us make certain it is based upon Biblical truth, not just what we think. We form many opinions and can have lively discussions, but our foundation needs to be solid. God, because of His great love, has given us His written word so that we might know Him and how He desires us to live for His glory. Although application of scripture may look different depending on life circumstances, the foundation of truth remains the same. The Apostle Peter’s example of using the words of the Prophet Isaiah is an important reminder to each of us to examine the basis of what we believe.

Some areas of caution come to mind when I think of the necessity of being certain that what I believe is founded in the word of God.

Am I following a person rather than Truth? Do I take the time to look things up for myself to be sure that who or what I am listening to is founded in the pure unadulterated word of God?
Am I seeking to grow in my knowledge of God to attest to my own intellectual abilities or am I seeking to grow in my knowledge of God to give glory and honor to Him?
Am I desiring more information for the sake of interest itself or do I desire to apply what I learn in order to grow more in the likeness of God?

In each of the above questions, my heart motivation needs to be checked.

Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner [stone],

Let us not miss the word Behold. It is like saying pay attention! This is important! Also, recognize the source – I, the Lord God. Psalm 118:22-23 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner [stone]. This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes”. This is unlike the temples built by man. God has laid the foundation at a great cost – His only Son, Jesus.

This thinking is a 180 turn from what Peter’s audience had known. The temple was built as a place of worship painstakingly handcrafted; and large stones were placed at the foundation. The temple had become the center of Jewish faith. Now, they have been called to something greater, they have been called to set their eyes on Christ whom they had not seen, to trust in Him for the salvation of their souls. Is this 180 turn not unlike your own conversion? Just as the Apostle calls upon these Christians to be strengthened in their faith – believing without seeing, we are called to the same. 1 Peter 1:6-9.

The church was started in Zion – or Sion – in Jerusalem. It is where Jesus suffered; it is where the preaching of the Gospel began. Read this excerpt from gotquestions.org/Zion.

Psalm 87:2–3 says, “The Lord loves the gates of Zion / more than all the other dwellings of Jacob. / Glorious things are said of you, / city of God”. According to this verse, Zion is synonymous with city of God, and it is a place that God loves. Zion is Jerusalem. Mount Zion is the high hill on which David built a citadel. It is on the southeast side of the city. The word Zion occurs over 150 times in the Bible. It essentially means “fortification” and has the idea of being “raised up” as a “monument”. Zion is described both as the city of David and the city of God. As the Bible progresses, the word Zion expands in scope and takes on an additional, spiritual meaning.

The first mention of Zion in the Bible is 2 Samuel 5:7: “David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.” Zion was originally an ancient Jebusite fortress in the city of Jerusalem. After David’s conquest of the fortress, Jerusalem became a possession of Israel. The royal palace was built there, and Zion/Jerusalem became the seat of power in Israel’s kingdom.

When Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, the meaning of Zion expanded further to include the temple area (Psalm 2:6; 48:2, 11–12; 132:13). This is the meaning found in the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:6, “Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God”. In the Old Testament Zion is used as a name for the city of Jerusalem (Isaiah 40:9), the land of Judah (Jeremiah 31:12), and the nation of Israel as a whole (Zechariah 9:13).

The word Zion is also used in a theological or spiritual sense in Scripture. In the Old Testament Zion refers figuratively to Israel as the people of God (Isaiah 60:14). In the New Testament, Zion refers to God’s spiritual kingdom. We have not come to Mount Sinai, says the apostle, but “to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22). Peter, quoting Isaiah 28:16, refers to Christ as the Cornerstone of Zion: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6).

God has purposed His church, His spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), to be built upon Jesus. He is the ‘choice stone’ or ‘chief corner stone’, KJV. Jesus is favored, precious, and honorable, God’s chosen cornerstone. Jesus is our foundation, in 1 Peter 2:4, the ‘living stone’. The use of this metaphor is emphasized. Why? Because a church built on any other name or premise will not last. Jesus is the solid foundation of our faith. Precious in God’s sight, Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. He is the unifier of both Jews and Gentiles alike, all those who come to Him. This thinking was vastly different than what had become a corrupt system of trusting in traditions and lineage. Matthew, in his gospel, quotes the warning in Isaiah 29:13 -

Matthew 15:7, “You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. ‘But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’”

Where might we see hypocrisy today? What about in your own life? Do we speak one way and act another? Do we pay more attention to what we look like rather than our heart? Are we more concerned about what others think of us rather than who we truly are? We must be willing to ask God to search our hearts to see if our faith is genuine.

The church is to be built on Christ, the living stone, the corner stone. He alone is our hope. Again, refer back to the Jewish culture Peter was writing to. It had become commonplace to have all worship and sacrifice centered at the temple. Through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, the temple built of stone with all its tradition of sacrifice became obsolete. The true temple is Christ alone by God’s choosing in which both Jews and Gentiles are united in one faith with Jesus as the foundation. No longer were individuals to rely upon the fulfillment of the Law or their heritage. There was to be no confidence placed in lineage or culture and tradition, all hope was in Jesus. You can imagine why this would have been necessary for the Apostle to emphasize. We tend to gravitate towards what we have known or what we have been comfortable with.

The last verse of the preceding chapter in 1 Peter ended with the reminder that this group of Christians were a new people – the people of God – and they were to be united in their common goal of growing in respect to their salvation. This causes me to think of the phrase, ‘leveling the playing field’. There is none more deserving than another, there is none more important than another – all have been redeemed by Christ, all have need of His death and resurrection, all are offered salvation in Him. He alone is our source of righteousness and holiness. These truths bear the need for repetition because they are important.

He who believes in Him shall not be disappointed.

Those who believe, who place their faith in Jesus, who entrust and commit their lives to Him will absolutely not be disappointed. The word disappointed, or kataischuno, means to shame down, disgrace or put to the blush; confound, dishonour, be ashamed. Specifically, Peter is addressing the Christians who were struggling with the pull and comfort of what they had known. They were reminded that their trust in Jesus had greater value. These words are also an encouragement to believers today. Have you ever questioned your faith or wondered how it is you can be so sure of something you have not seen? Have you thought it might be easier sometimes to ‘fit in’ with the flow, to not think differently, to not be so sensitive to sin? Have you ever apologized to someone for your attitude or response because you knew it was wrong and you were convicted of sin, just to have that person look at you like you were a bit crazy? I would bet most of us can relate. However, we must turn to the Truth and what are we told. Regardless of the world’s response, we must act according to God’s commands. Our faith is built on the only thing that will last – Jesus – and we will not be disappointed! Jesus’ mission will not be thwarted.

Romans 5:1- 5

Romans 10:11 For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."

He that believeth on him shall not be confounded (KJV), shall not be put to shame (ASV), will never be put to shame (NIV), will by no means be put to shame (NKJV).

This is an incredible promise! The words used are a double negative meaning not at all, by no means, never, and in no case, freegraceresources.org. Going back to the last sentence in Isaiah 28:16, it says, “He who believes [in it] will not be disturbed”. Reading through Isaiah 28-29, this encouraging verse is in the middle of the judgment of Israel wrought with impending destruction. One commentary explains disturbed as “to be afraid as one who makes haste often is; to be agitated with fear or fright; and hence it has a signification nearly similar to that of shame. … The meaning here is, that a man who believes shall not be agitated, or thrown into commotion, by fear of want of success; shall not be disappointed in his hopes; and of course, he shall never be ashamed that he became a Christian. They who do not believe in Christ shall be agitated, fall, and sink into eternal shame and contempt”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Another commentary states that Believers should not “make haste to flee away for no enemy shall ever be able to annoy him”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Consider the difference between having a calm assurance and being unraveled. A steadfast faith is built on the security of Christ as its foundation, even in danger. Read the following excerpt from MacLaren’s Expositions for Isaiah 28:16, The Foundation of God.

“Remember the picture of the context – a suddenly descending storm, a swiftly rising and turbid flood, the lashing of the rain, the howling of the wind. The men in the clay-built hovels on the flat have to take to flight to some higher ground above the reach of the inundation, on some sheltered rock out of the flashing of the rain and the force of the tempest. He who is built upon the true foundation knows that his house is above the water-level, and he does not need to be in a hurry. He can remain quietly there till the flood subsides, knowing that it will not rise high enough to drown or even disturb him. When all the other buildings are gone, his stands. And he that thus dwells on high may look out over the wild flood, washing and weltering to the horizon, and feel that he is safe. So shall he not have to make haste, but may wait calm and quiet, knowing that all is well”, biblehubcom/commentaries/Isaiah/28-16.

Recognize the precious value of Jesus –

because of Him you are saved,

because of Him you are called a child of God,

because of Him you are secure.

Your purpose is to bring glory to God –

Your mission is to share His Truth.

Amazing Love!

Stone upon stone a temple is built; Christ’s church is built with the souls which are alive in Him.

1 Peter 2:5 continues with the metaphor of living stones as a description of the believers being addressed. In the previous verse Christ is the living stone, a foundation offering life and hope. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, those who have trusted in Him have life and purpose.

1 Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

A spiritual house is quite different than a stone temple. The temple had been the center of worship and had offered a symbolic righteousness before God through elaborate sacrifices performed by priests. It was made of material which could be destroyed. A spiritual house is made of living persons, souls belonging to Christ. It is the church of God, built of living stones, upon the living foundation of Jesus. Stone upon stone a temple is built; Christ’s church is built with the souls which are alive in Him.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Read the encouragement from Paul to the church at Ephesus, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner [stone], in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord”, Ephesians 2:19-21.

A holy priesthood refers back to those men held in high esteem which offered sacrifices in the temple grounds. However, with Christ’s finished work for the atonement for sin, He is our great high priest and “every Christian is in fact a priest, and is engaged in offering an acceptable sacrifice to God”, (ref. Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary).

Hebrews 4:14, Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

The intercession of Old Testament priests is no longer needed, the ultimate sacrifice has been offered and our transgressions paid in full.

Hebrews 9:12, and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

Now each person who stands on the righteousness of Christ is in a sense a priest, offering daily sacrifices of worship.

Revelation 1:6, and He has made us [to be] a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him [be] the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Spiritual sacrifices, rather than the blood of animals, are now offered to God through Jesus, with a heart of thanksgiving and worship. Christ’s death and resurrection were the ultimate sacrifice, no other atonement for sin is needed. A believer is part of God’s family, his spiritual house, and is to live according to God’s word, offering all to Him as worship.

“The proper idea of a priest is one who offers sacrifice; but the ministers of the New Testament have no sacrifices to offer--the one great and perfect oblation for the sins of the world having been made by the Redeemer on the cross”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary. Our sacrifice is not one of atonement for sin as it was in the Old Testament, since the full price has been paid in Christ. Instead, we offer sacrifice of worship, only acceptable through Christ as our intercessor, in living a holy life. Those who believe in Him have been created for a purpose – to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Those under Old Testament Law offered physical sacrifices for atonement of their sins; we now offer spiritual sacrifices of worship out of gratitude for the life we have in Christ.

Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship.

1Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

Hebrews 13:15-16 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

We are to ‘offer up’ <anaphero>, to take up, to bear, to bring, to give our lives as a sacrifice of praise to God. Our greatest example is Christ. The Apostle explains this further along in 1 Peter 2:21-24, For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

Look again at Hebrews 13:15-16. A spiritual sacrifice, instead of being an outward act, begins from within. Our entire self is to be surrendered to God. This means our will is given up for His; God is on the throne as we live for Him. We push sin away and resist the pull of our fleshly passions. With our lips we offer praise – words of thanksgiving to God. I wonder how many of us are quite willing to speak of God at church, in a Bible study, or with those we know are like minded. But our lips close to the things of God when there might be a price to pay, when we fear what others may think of us. We readily talk of our interests, our families, and our work. We often boldly share our opinions and our thoughts, but when it comes to speaking Truth publicly, we remain silent.

Do you confess your hope of Christ?
What is the fruit of your lips?
Are you willing to loudly sing your praise to God in a worship service or alone at home but then leave your worship where it is comfortable?

The KJV of Hebrews 13:16 is rendered, “But to do good and to communicate forget not”. We are to meet the needs of the ‘one-another’s’. We are to speak of God’s praise continually. In Alexander Maclaren’s Expositions of Holy Scripture for 1 Peter 2:5, he makes these statements worthy of thought – “your praying and singing praises are worse than useless unless you go out into the world an embodiment and an imitation of the love which you hymn”, … “Do not talk about being the priests of the Most High God unless you are doing the priestly office of representing God to men, and carrying to them the blessings that they need. Your service to God is worthless unless it is followed by diligent, fraternal, wise, self-sacrificing service for men”, (biblehub.com).

1Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, [let him speak,] as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, [let him do so] as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Do you serve Christ in holiness and righteousness?
Do you offer the spiritual sacrifices of a broken heart and contrite spirit? Of thanksgiving and praise?
Do you daily come to Christ, in faith, seeking to serve Him for His glory?

A priest is one who is engaged in the holy service of God. A priest offers worship to God. Today, we think of priests as those who have the authority to perform religious rituals and fulfill the duties of a particular religion. However, all those who have bowed before Jesus as their Lord and Savior are engaged in the holy service of God and are set apart to offer their lives as worship to Him.

Psalm 51:15-17 O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Thy praise. For Thou dost not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; Thou art not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

Look again at 1 Peter 2:4. Christ was rejected by men but choice and precious in the sight of God. If you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you have been chosen by the God of the universe, the God of all things created, visible and invisible, to bring glory to His name.

John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.

Ephesians 1:4-6, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

We are inexpressibly precious and valuable because we were created to bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. This is difficult to comprehend, knowing our weakness to sin, yet it is true. The words of the hymn “And Can it Be” by Charles Wesley, come to mind:

“And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me who caused His pain – For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for Me?”

Ephesians 2:4-10 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly [places], in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

It is all too easy to answer the questions asked previously with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. I can personally slide my way out of total honesty by doing so. In order to avoid this, I have to answer questions that require a heartfelt explanation on my part. If I answer yes, then I must be able to explain how. If I answer no, then I must be willing to consider change.

How do you serve Christ in holiness and righteousness?

How do you offer the spiritual sacrifices of a broken heart and contrite spirit? Of thanksgiving and praise?
How do you daily come to Christ, in faith, seeking to serve Him for His glory?

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Jesus our Foundation

Without Christ, there is no church. “The church’s grace, the church’s peace, the church’s consolation, the church’s salvation, are all upheld and maintained by Him”.

Christmas was celebrated in the United States a few days ago. It is timely that our next study in 1 Peter which began in May of this year, is centered on Jesus being the foundation of living faith. Without His birth, death, and resurrection, our faith would be pointless. Trust placed in any person or thing other than Christ is empty and has no eternal value.

1 Peter 2:4 And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God

The Olive Tree Bible App, in its introduction of 1 Peter states, “The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged by the persecution they were encountering because of their faith. Peter exhorted them to stand strong, repeatedly reminding them of Christ’s example, the riches of their inheritance in Him, and the hope of His returning again to take them to heaven. Peter explained how Christians should respond when they suffer because of their beliefs”.

Transport yourself to the time and culture this was written. The metaphor of ‘Christ as a living stone’ made sense to these Christians because they had previously placed their hope in elaborate stone temples of worship. Unlike a non-living object, Christ is the foundation of the church. Church is not a building; it is a person – Jesus Christ. He is not only life itself but gives life to all those who believe in Him. Adam Clarke’s Commentary says Christ “is the source of life to all His followers, and that it is in union with Him that they live, … the stones of a building are of no use but as they occupy their proper places in a building, and rest on the foundation”.

The temple was the center of worship in the Jewish religion. It was where God was approached and sacrifices for the atonement of sin were made. In contrast to these magnificent stone temples, Peter reminds the converted Jews and others, that Jesus is the foundation of living faith, their source of spiritual life. The stones of a building have no use other than to support a structure, and once placed, the job is done. Christ offers a secure foundation, and life everlasting. The truth of who He is, what He has done, and salvation in His name alone, continues to reach throughout the world as His church is built to completion. Without Christ, there is no church.

All across the world, there are magnificent buildings erected to represent religion. St. Peters Basilica or the Vatican City is said to be the largest church covering over 110 acres. In the United States, the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City is 121,000 square feet with a roof height of 177 feet, (source - Wikipedia). However elaborate and beautiful these structures may be, they offer no special connection to a true lasting faith.

Jesus is the foundation of true saving faith. Read William Burkitt’s New Testament notes, “the corner-stone supports the whole building, the church’s grace, the church’s peace, the church’s consolation, the church’s salvation, are all upheld and maintained by Him”.

Coming to Him by faith, those addressed were to throw off the way they used to act and instead seek to be transformed by God’s word. Christ was to be their strength and protection. “Christians are called “living stones”, not like the inanimate things of the material temple, but living men built up on Christ, the living and chief corner stone”, The People’s Bible Encyclopedia 1924.

Your focus at work, at home, at school, in relationships, the things you pursue, the importance you place upon worldly ideals, and your response to worldly thinking should be in great contrast to those who do not follow Christ. Although we may not suffer because of our faith as the audience Peter wrote to, there are choices we make that will set us apart, and in that context, friendships, family, and relationships are often affected. The exhortation remains the same – we are to worship Christ, to draw near to Him.

Stones make up a building which rests on a singular foundation for support. People make up a spiritual family which rests on Christ as their foundation and purpose. Christ gives spiritual life to all who believe in Him. “Like no earthly rock, He lives and gives life”, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary.

The beginning of 1 Peter 2:4 uses the phrase “and coming to Him”. The NIV translation reads, “As you come to Him”. These words denote a direction forward, towards Christ. The Christians being addressed can move towards God because He has called them to be alive in Him.

Hebrews 10:22, “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled [clean] from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water”.

This relationship opens the door to approach and come near to Him in worship. Imagine how important this truth was to Peter’s audience for encouragement as they found themselves rejected by others because of their faith. Peter reminds them that Christ was rejected by men, but chosen and precious in the sight of God. Men did not choose Christ, in fact, they scoffed at Him and eventually crucified Him.

John 1:11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.

Luke 9:22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day."

Psalm 118:22 The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner [stone.]

Read Peter’s testimony of Christ in Acts 4:11-12, "He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, [but] WHICH BECAME THE VERY CORNER [stone.] "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone [for] the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes [in it] will not be disturbed.

Meditate on these truths for a moment. We have an incredible position in Christ because of God’s love. In Christ, He has chosen you to be His child, forever to be alive in Him. These truths excite the heart to know all is well – regardless of outside circumstances and of how we might be perceived by others. Thousands of years ago, these same truths were used by the Apostle as a reminder to those who were struggling. And today, these truths continue to be an encouragement to stay the course. God’s purpose and plan will not be thwarted!

“Men may rail at us, as they did at Him, but God has chosen us, and we are precious in His sight, even as Jesus is; hence we desire to live as consecrated persons, in whom God dwells, whose whole business is to present sacrifices unto the Lord”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary. In faith, we can approach God. “And coming to Him” is present tense. This is not our one-time conversion but a daily coming to God as we exercise our faith and trust in Him.

Do you continually seek God? How?
What is your security? What is your strength?

John 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

A Changed Heart

By God’s grace, when we understand and appreciate the truths of the gospel, we will cease to live in sin and will instead live according to His word.

1Peter 2:1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,

Look back to 1 Peter 1:22-25. 1 Peter 2:1-10 is a continuation of the exhortation in the previous chapter meant to encourage the converted Christians. They were surrounded by the world yet no longer of the world. The enticement to fall into sin was apparent however, their faith in following God was to be their strength and focus. We can relate. Because we have been redeemed by Christ, because the Holy Spirit is working in our life, we are changed, and that change should be displayed in our character. We are weak and wanting in moral strength, purpose, and courage, and our time on earth is short. God’s word is our strength, not lacking in anything, perfect and lasting forever. Therefore, we are to …

Put aside the behavior that was once ours. This means to cast off the thinking and actions that were consistent with our old self.

Ephesians 4:22-31

Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Ephesians 5:11 And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;

Because the power of God’s hand has changed us, we should no longer practice or participate in the sin that once ruled our life. Christ has redeemed us, the Spirit is renewing us, therefore we are to be different, think different, and act different from the world around us. This is only possible through God’s power. Without God, we are unable to fight sin. The power to put off sin is a gift of our salvation.

Ephesians 3:16, “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man”.

Refer again to 1 Peter 1:22, “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart”. There was difficulty amongst those who had chosen to follow Jesus. The witness through their actions to those who opposed them was extremely important. Were others drawn towards God by their changed lives?

How about us? Do our lives point toward the holiness of God? Do we act in a consistent manner of God’s calling?

If our faith has been placed solely in Christ, we have blessings and privileges in Him to help us live in accordance with His truths in obedience. Peter specifically calls out the worldly behaviors he has seen among those he is addressing.

Malice <kakia> badness, depravity, malignity, trouble, evil, naughtiness, wickedness. This is to threaten evil, actively seeking to see others suffer, having a disposition to injure others without cause, from mere personal gratification, or from a spirit of revenge, -- Webster.

This is a general term for all sorts of evil, be careful to address it. We can quickly brush something off as not being a part of our life, yet we have all seen threats of evil against another and many of us are guilty, at least in thought, of the same. We cannot lay aside an error if we are unable to admit our fault.

Consider, have you ever been spiteful toward someone? One commentary says, “Malice delights in another’s hurt”, (JFB). This is in direct contradiction with the actions of a saved soul. Titus 3:3 addresses this sin, For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

Guile <dolos> trickery, craftiness, deceit, subtilty. Unfortunately, most of us understand manipulation. This is presenting something just a bit different than it truly is, in order to get someone to respond in a way that you desire. The use of the word guile here is to be shrewd or skilled in deception.

The familiar phrase ‘sly as a fox’ pertains to someone who is particularly crafty or tricky. According to Idioms by The Free Dictionary, this term means you are ‘especially devious or underhanded’. These actions are almost always for one’s own advantage. Something that is meant to deceive is fraudulent, an imposter, and purposes to hedge around the truth. Think of guile as the small print in a contract, or the part of a spoken commercial at the end where the words are so fast it is impossible to hear their meaning. Psalm 34:13 says, “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit”.

Hypocrisy <hupokrisis> acting under a feigned part. Deceit or dissimulation, to act falsely. This is pretending to be something you are not, in other words, saying one thing while doing the opposite. When your words are not supported by your actions you are a hypocrite. Someone who is insincere might give lip service, but their words are not supported by real conviction. This action may include flattery as someone might share positive words and actions yet think differently in their heart. Being a hypocrite is the opposite of being genuine.

Matthew 22:15-18 is an example, “Then the Pharisees went and counseled together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they *sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. "Tell us therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?”

Envy <phthonos> ill-will, jealousy, spite. We see this often, especially in politics. Maliciously attacking another in order to bring them down. The source of this behavior is strong jealousy which leads to a desire to see others suffer by causing them emotional pain or offence. Jealousy has a nickname, the green-eyed monster. According to Wikipedia, jealousy is often brought on by ‘feelings of insecurity, fear, and concern over a relative lack of possessions or safety’.

Read the instruction given in 1 Corinthians13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind, [and] is not jealous; love does not brag [and] is not arrogant”.

Do you have ill-feelings towards another’s welfare? A good question to ask ourselves may be ‘Am I able to rejoice with other’s accomplishments and blessings’?

How do you respond when your importance or position are threatened? Often you will see envy in the family structure, among children vying for attention, wanting to be the one who gets noticed. You may see this when extended family enters the picture through marriage. If you have grown children with spouses, are you able to be thankful for the attention given and time spent with another family?

Slander <katalalia> defamation, backbiting, evil speaking. Consider – have you been guilty of talking bad about another? Slander can be words that are falsely spoken that damage the reputation of someone. It can also be a purposeful attack on someone’s character or name. To slander someone is to falsely charge with malicious intent.

Are we careful with the words we use? Do we check our true motivation? Do we interpret someone’s actions without having all the facts? Do we check the source of our information or do we carelessly repeat what someone has said without thinking of the consequence? Do we readily listen to and believe gossip?

Slandering someone is the opposite of encouragement. It causes deep hurt and breaks trust between individuals. Read the exhortation in James 4:11, “Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge [of it]”.

If we are busy judging others, we are prideful. A heart of humility is most concerned about its own actions and purpose honoring God.

Each of the actions listed above are the rule of a life untouched by God’s grace. They are products of a life controlled by sin. They begin in the heart and are reflected in speech. We are to put away, cast off these behaviors.

Recall Ephesians 4:21-24, “if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth”.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary says the advice is to “lay aside or put off what is evil, as one would do an old rotten garment: ‘Cast it away with indignation, never put it on more’.

Colossians 3:8-10 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, [and] abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its [evil] practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.

In Hebrews 12:1, we are told to put away sin – “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”.

The book of James gives us the same instruction, “Therefore putting aside all filthiness and [all] that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls, James 1:21”.

Are we aware of our sin?

Do we ask God to show us the subtilty of it so that we can address it?

Do we actively seek to turn away from sin and turn towards God?

1 Peter 2:1 connects to the chapter that precedes it. Because you are in Christ, for this reason, you are to put aside the former self which is dominated by sin. This is important because the only way we are able to fight the pattern of sin in our lives is through Christ. On our own we are weak and ill-equipped for the battle. By God’s grace, when we understand and appreciate the truths of the gospel, we will cease to live in sin and will instead live according to His word. Living in sin is inconsistent with living in Christ. A changed heart will seek to live in holiness.

Consider the symbolism of baptism. It is a picture of being cleansed from our old way of life, having the power of sin washed away and replaced by the power of grace.

Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship.

Category: 1Peter 2

Humility in the Face of False Accusations.

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All For Him

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Aliens

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Is It About Me or About My Savior?

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Honor – Love – Fear

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Freedom to Submit, Freedom from the Power of Sin, Freedom to Serve

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Called by Grace to Glorify God

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Live Like An Alien!

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We Belong Because of Him

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His Marvelous Light!

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God’s Own Possession

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Eternal Treasure

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A Cornerstone of the Highest Value

A Secure Future

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Amazing Love!

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Jesus our Foundation

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A Changed Heart

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