encouragement of others

Serving for the Benefit of Others

Since we are all servants of the Lord, each of us has opportunities to encourage, to share Truths from God’s word, to edify one another – all for God’s glory.

1Peter 5:2-4

Recall from our last study, the Apostle Peter counts himself among those who are leading the church. He does this with humility and describes himself as one who has witnessed the sufferings of Christ, and one who is promised the glory of Heaven. In the next few verses, Peter gives general instruction to the leaders of the church, explains the details of his instruction, and encourages them with a reminder of their future in Christ.

1Peter 5:2-4 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

The Apostle gives a general instruction to shepherd the flock, then he describes what it means. He answers the question, ‘How are we to do this?’.

By exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God;

Not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

Nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

The ‘flock’ are those who follow Jesus, those who belong to God. The elders or ministers of the church are to care for God’s children. This is a serious stewardship and responsibility. Thought – do you pray for the elders in your church? How difficult do you think it might be to oversee individuals who have different personalities, come from different backgrounds and experiences, and are in varying stages of spiritual growth and maturity?

Shepherds guide their flock to food, and they protect their flock. The KJV reads ‘feed the flock’. Peter would well remember this same charge repeatedly given to him by Jesus. Recall that three times Peter had denied Jesus (Matthew 26:70,72,74). In the book of John, we read the interaction between the risen Christ and Peter. Jesus questions Peter’s love for him three times; then Jesus gives him a charge to care for the church – three times. The repetition of this exchange is important to show Peter’s genuine repentance, but also the repetition to shepherd the flock shows it is gravely important.

John 21:15-17 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Tend My lambs." He *said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Shepherd My sheep." He *said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus *said to him, "Tend My sheep.

Paul gave the same instruction to the elders in Ephesus as they gathered in Miletus. 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.

When you read this verse, what insights do you have? I thought it was interesting when I read one commentary on the explanation of feeding the flock. It simply said, ‘Do not fleece the flock’ (Adam Clarke’s Commentary). The meaning is quite clear – to fleece someone means to rip them off for your own benefit. This is the opposite of feeding the flock with the purpose of growing their understanding and desiring their individual blessing as a result. It is the opposite of caring for them. The leaders were to shepherd the flock of God among them, or those in close proximity to them. They were to shepherd the flock diligently and willingly, not because they had to but because they wanted to.

“Not by constraint, but willingly. Not as if you felt that a heavy yoke was imposed on you, or a burden from which you would gladly be discharged. Go cheerfully to your duty as a work which you love, and act like a freeman in it, and not as a slave. Arduous as are the labours of the ministry, yet there is no work on earth in which a man can and should labour more cheerfully”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; They were to care for the church, understanding they were stewards of God’s church, and they were to set the greater interest of their ministry on those who were in their immediate surroundings. God has purposefully placed His children right where He wants them. Not by compulsion – as if forced to do so, but voluntarily – willingly. Think of the difference between being made to do something and wanting to do something. The church at the time Peter wrote this was under persecution; overseeing the spiritual care of individuals was a difficult task. Serving should not be looked upon as a burden.

Although these instructions are written to a specific group of individuals – the elders and leaders of the church – this does not mean we can cast away the principles set before us. Since we are all servants of the Lord, each of us has opportunities to encourage, to share Truths from God’s word, to edify one another – all for God’s glory.

Do you serve willingly with a cheerful heart, grateful for the opportunities God gives you? Or do you serve because you feel pressured to do so?

What is the attitude of your service? Are we truly desiring spiritual growth and blessing in other’s lives?

The purpose of our service is to glorify God, the mission of our service is to share the Gospel. We are to act according to God’s will, not our own. Our service should not be for our own gain, but the blessing and spiritual growth of others; this is what glorifies God.

When our sight is on God’s glory, we are not as easily discouraged. We cannot be driven by what we think but rather our actions are to be based on the Truths in God’s Word. How can we be certain we are acting according to God’s will rather than our own desires?

Psalm 54:6 Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD, for it is good.

Psalm 78:70-72 He also chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him to shepherd Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance. So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands.

And not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

Are you looking to get or give? Are you seeking to be noticed?

Again, be certain of your motivation. We should not serve to look important or to be recognized. If this is your goal, you will be easily discouraged and lose your interest and become disenchanted with others. Instead, we should serve willingly, always motivated by our love for God and for one another.

“But of a ready mind. Cheerfully, promptly. We are to labour in this work, not under the influence of the desire of gain, but from the promptings of love. There is all the difference conceivable between one who does a thing because he is paid for it and one who does it from love--between, for example, the manner in which one attends on us when we are sick who loves us, and one who is merely hired to do it”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

Nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge,

The leaders in the church were not to think of themselves as greater than those they were shepherding; theirs was not a position of control but of shepherding, teaching, and caring for the flock. Looking at the translation of these words, it could be worded ‘but not in a manner of dominating God’s children’. Everyone, especially those in any kind of leadership position, needs to remember they are stewards in all roles God has placed them. It is an honor and a privilege to serve our Lord. Remember, those who are called by God belong to Him.

Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

2Corinthians 1:24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.

The leaders of the church are to guide the flock, feed the flock, and protect the flock, not in a position of absolute authority or dominion, but with a heart of love. There are many so-called religions whose leaders place themselves in a position of authority and lordship which is exactly opposite of the teachings we find in God’s word. Think of the pharisees dressing in a certain way to be recognized. All honor and glory is to be for God alone.

Jeremiah 3:15 "Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding.

“Preacher or minister, whosoever thou art, who readest this, apply not the word to thy neighbour, whether he be state-appointed, congregation-appointed, or self-appointed; take all to thyself; ... See that thy own heart, views, and conduct be right with God”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

But proving to be examples to the flock. “Not assuming to yourselves dominion over those who fall to your lot; but being humble, and behaving towards them with such gentle, tender solicitude for their souls, and such an entire freedom from the very appearance either of avarice or ambition, that your examples may be rendered worthy the imitation of the flock, and your conduct as instructive as any of your cautions and precepts can be”, Doddridge.

In other words, practice what you preach. To preach without practice is called hypocrisy.

Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

I am drawn to think of the sincerity of the heart. We all know individuals who say one thing and do another. Often, words alone do not convey what is in a person’s heart. It is the action we see which shows genuineness. Consider our greatest example of humility in leadership – Jesus. He walked as a man yet was Lord of all. He did not force His Truths upon others; He lived the Truth. His example was service, yet He had all authority. Following His Father’s plan was difficult, yet Jesus submitted to God’s will. Each of us should consider the example of our actions.

If I say I am a Christian, do I live as one? Are the words I share reflected in the life I live? Telling others the way they should act is not as effective as showing others through your own life. The elders or leaders in the church were exhorted to shepherd those whom God had placed in their care. Shepherding was not a position of authority but rather a position of guidance and instruction in Truth by example. This was a high calling, and considering the period of time in which it was written, a difficult calling – one filled with trials and persecution – yet they were called to be faithful, to be humble, and to be an example. All the while looking to the glory of Heaven. This is the motivation and the promise to those who labor for Christ.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. The Chief Shepherd is Jesus. Those leaders who are faithful, who place themselves under Christ’s authority, who accept their role of shepherding the sheep with humility of heart and care for the lost, will be rewarded when Jesus returns. “O ye heavenly-minded, diligent, self-denying pastors after God's own heart, whether ye be in the Church established by the state, or in those divisions widely separated from, or nearly connected with it, take courage; preach Jesus; press through all difficulties in the faith of your God; fear no evil while meditating nothing but good. Ye are stars in the right hand of Jesus, who walks among your golden candlesticks, and has lighted that lamp of life which ye are appointed to trim; fear not, your labour in the Lord cannot be in vain!”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Think of the analogy used above: a lighted candlestick which requires trimming. If you do not trim the wick of a candle, it will burn furiously bright for a while but will then dim and eventually drown itself out in a pool of hot wax. To remain a continuous steady light, it needs regular trimming.

1Peter 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1Corinthians 9:23-25 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Notice it is an unfading crown of glory which is received. This is unlike the crowns used in that period of history for victors in public games and the conquerors of war. The crowns placed on their heads were made of leaves and flowers which would eventually fade and dry up. The Greek word used for ‘unfading’, or in the KJV, ‘that fadeth not away’, comes from the word for a flower called amaranth. Even after these flowers die, they retain their rich color. The crown of glory, also referred to as the crown of righteousness and the crown of life, is imperishable. An eternal reward awaits those who labor for Jesus.

2Timothy 4:8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

“And if this be indeed your character and behaviour, you will render up your account hereafter with joy; for when he, who does you the honour to acknowledge himself the chief Shepherd of the flock, shall appear, to take the final survey of it, and examine into the conduct of those to whom he had partly committed it, you shall be most magnificently and nobly rewarded, and receive an unfading crown of glory: a crown which shall bloom in immortal beauty and vigour, when all the transitory glories of this world are withered like a fading flower”, Doddridge.

Apply It!

Pray for your Elders and Leaders that they seek to glorify God in their service.

Do you seek to make their leadership easier by trusting God for their direction or do you voice discontent regarding their leadership?

Do you serve with a cheerful heart, desiring that others are blessed? How can you grow in this area?

Are you discouraged if your service goes unrecognized? Do you need to check your motivation?

Do your words and actions reflect your love for God?

Serving For Him and Because of Him

God uses us; however, we must be careful to remember He is the author of all good things. Anytime we are able to help, encourage, or serve, it is not to be for personal accolades. It is for His praise alone.

1Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving 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.

A few weeks ago, we began looking at this verse and concentrated on the Apostle’s admonition to be careful of the content of our words, Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God. No matter what particular gifts we may use to serve one another, our speech needs to represent the Word correctly. We are to be mindful of sharing words of encouragement, words of compassion, and words of Truth.

In the next section of verse 11, Peter now expands on serving – how we are to serve, and why we are to serve. Whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies;

What often happens when we seek to serve in our own strength?

The serving mentioned here is that of attending to another’s needs as a friend, or in ministry in specific roles in the church. Serving takes time, commitment, and energy; it often affects our personal life, finances, and requires decisions to put aside our wants and schedules to meet the needs of others. If you are involved in serving, you recognize that a large part of your life is spent in ministry – preparing, praying, and encouraging others. My own opinion is if you are bored, you’re not serving enough. Pull out a piece of paper and write an encouraging note; pick up your phone and share encouraging words. If you are lonely, you are not looking for opportunities to serve. If you become discouraged, disappointed, or depressed, serve more – get involved in people’s lives for the sake of encouraging others. When we are consumed with serving to benefit others, we will not have the time to concentrate on ourselves, our feelings, etc. We do need to take care of everyday responsibilities, so this does not mean we serve in lieu of dealing with the immediate things that need our attention. It does mean if we are only focused on our own issues, we are in danger of ignoring opportunities to help others.

How do we serve?

By the strength which God supplies. God blesses each of His children with gifts to be used for Him. Our talents, abilities, strength, and compassion, are not given to us to make us feel good about ourselves, instead we use these things to encourage others in the faith. All we are and have, is for God’s glory.

Romans 12:6-8 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

“[Of the ability which God giveth] Perhaps the ministering here may refer to the care of the poor, and the ability is the quantum of means which God may have placed in their hands; and they are to minister this as coming immediately from God, and lead the minds of the poor to consider Him as their benefactor, that He in all things may be glorified through Christ Jesus. This is implied in the essence of any charitable act: the actor is not the author, God is the author; and the poor man should be taught to consider Him as his immediate benefactor. Those who give any thing as from themselves, rob God; for to Him the praise for all good, and the dominion over all men and things, belong for ever and ever. Adam Clarke’s Commentary

We should serve in humility, knowing it is God’s work through us;

we should serve diligently, knowing it is God’s desire for us.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary says, “Let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; i.e. not remissly and coldly, but diligently and strenuously, and with his might, as far as God enables him; this being to do it faithfully, which is especially required in a steward, 1Corinthians 4:2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy”.

Consider. We serve in God’s strength, using the gifts He has given to each of us. We are to be found trustworthy in being good stewards of the abilities we have. Therefore, we do not hide our talents in the closet but rather, we need to be sensitive to the areas where we can be helpful. In this way, the truths of the Gospel are manifest in our lives as a witness to those around us.

Why do you serve? What is your motivation?

There are some who are not believers, who serve others. But they get their rewards in full here on earth by men. The motivation is to do something good, yet invariably they gain something. A special interest of theirs gets attention, their financial donations offer a tax benefit, or perhaps they get support from a foundation they choose to help. Something or someone other than God is elevated.

Matthew 6:1-2 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

There’s lots of reasons people serve in the church. We need to be careful even when serving in the church body because our motivation may be for self. Some give of their time, energy, and resources because it is expected, and others may be watching. Some serve because it gives them a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, recognition, titles, popularity, and importance can be motivators in serving in a church body. But what if no one encouraged you; what if no one recognized your hard work; what if you felt unsupported and were even discouraged by others’ lack of response – would you keep serving? Do you serve when it means sacrificing your time, or when it gets difficult?

As a side note, we should try to show our appreciation for those who work hard to serve us so this is not a license to ignore those who serve diligently; but appreciation should never be expected. You should squelch those feelings of hurt when your efforts go unnoticed.

Consider what Christ did for us. He came to serve – not for His own benefit, but for the glory of His Father. He was ignored; He was not appreciated. He never belonged, in fact he had nowhere to even lay His head. Matthew 8:20 Jesus *said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. "He was of lowly birth (Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn). His ministry was challenged, certainly not supported (Mark 11:27-33); He was threatened, and ridiculed, beaten, and crucified. Yet, even while dying on the cross, He served – asking forgiveness for those who sinned and proclaiming salvation to one of the criminals crucified with Him.

Are you self-serving or serving God? Do your thoughts center more on how you feel or what you can do to encourage others? If you are serving self, you are likely to receive earthly benefits; serving for God’s glory will prove your eternal birth right.

Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

We serve so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Remember the account written for us in Mark, of James and John asking who would sit on Jesus’ right and left in glory. They were all about themselves, seeking their own benefit. Jesus’ reply to them is recorded in Mark 10:42-45.

Calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Whatever you do is to be done for God’s glory. The last part of 1Peter 4:11 reads, Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 5:12-13 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." 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."

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

Jude 1:25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Think of the words associated with Christ – glory and dominion. There is none other who can rightly claim honor, praise, and worship. There is none other who has power and strength over all creation.

Amen. Literally, this is a trustworthy statement.

Speak His Truths,

serve in His strength,

all for His glory.

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.

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.

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.

Tag: encouragement of others

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