Bible Study - Something More (5) - I Am Just Passing Through - 1 Peter 2:11-17 - February 18, 2018

Bible Study – Something More (5) – I Am Just Passing Through – February 18, 2018

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Made for Something More.”

Our focus scripture is 1 Peter 2:11-17.

Our lives in this world should reflect our eternal home.

The Apostle Peter was writing to fellow Christians living among those who were critical of Christians. It is much like today. Peter urged Christians to live their lives such that there would be a contrast between their lifestyle against the backdrop of the lifestyle of non-Christians.

Peter began verse 11 with “Dear friends” which is interesting. The original word used is the plural word for “agape” which we know means unselfish love that demands nothing in return. In John 3:16 “for GOD so loved the world” the original word for “loved” is “agape.” Peter began verse 11 with “Dear friends” which expressed Peter’s heartfelt genuine Spiritual love and connection with those to whom he was writing. He considered fellow Christians as “beloved.”

We see this type of love expressed in Matthew 3:16-17 when John the Baptist baptized JESUS “a voice from heaven said:” This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

The word “Beloved” is engraved on the marker of our eldest son’s tomb.  

Let’s read 1 Peter 2:11-12:

A Call to Good Works

11 Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you.

Peter began this part of his letter urging his beloved readers to pay special attention to what he is writing because it was vital for them to face the future. Peter saw the times in which they were living as changing and they would likely face challenges, as Christians, in the near future.

We hear and read about aliens in the news today. Have you ever considered that, as Christians, we are citizens of Heaven but aliens upon earth? Once we become Christians, our citizenship is in GOD’S Kingdom as HIS Sons or Daughters through the miracle of rebirth in our spirit. GOD chose for us to remain upon earth as HIS ambassadors to be HIS representatives or, as in last week’s lesson, priests in HIS Kingdom.

We are temporary residents of GOD’S Kingdom upon earth because, as Christians, our ultimate destination is Heaven. But until that time arrives, we have obedient work to do for our LORD JESUS. Therefore, as ambassadors of the Kingdom of GOD ------

12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do evil, they may, by observing your good works, glorify God in a day of visitation.

The statement “Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles” indicates that Peter’s audience was primarily Jews. But whether they were Jews or Gentiles who were Christians, they were to be examples for non-Christians.

As Christians, they were to live such that if non-Christians brought accusations against them their lifestyle would prove them wrong.

Let’s read 1 Peter 2:13-15:

13 Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority,

14 or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

Christians are to live in such a manner that their lifestyle reflects compliance with human institutions. This is because GOD places leaders into the positions HE chooses for them. Here, we must pause.

This can be very confusing. We know of horrible despots who lead countries. 

We must keep in mind that our original parents, Adam and Eve, chose to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree. It was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; so earth is a mixture of good and evil. The key is that GOD is sovereign and HE makes history according to HIS will and purpose.

We need to keep in mind the words of JESUS as recorded in Mark 12:13-17:

13 Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Him to trap Him by what He said.

14 When they came, they said to Him, "Teacher, we know You are truthful and defer to no one, for You don't show partiality but teach truthfully the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?

15 Should we pay, or should we not pay?" But knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, "Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at."

16 So they brought one. "Whose image and inscription is this?" He asked them. "Caesar's," they said.

17 Then Jesus told them, "Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at Him.

We read in the Old Testament where GOD appealed to HIS chosen people, the Israelite’s, to live for HIM but they refused. GOD allowed the Babylonians to capture them and take them into exile. By the same token, GOD formed powers to defeat the Babylonians to eventually restore the Israelites to their homeland.

15 For it is God's will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people.

A Christian’s part is to obediently serve GOD by living as GOD desires for him or her to live even in lands that do not honor HIM. Christians are to live obediently ----

Let’s read 1 Peter 2:16-17:

16 As God's slaves, [live] as free people, but don't use your freedom as a way to conceal evil.

Christians are to live as free people but they are not to use their freedom as justification to do evil. The old saying goes “When in Rome do as the Romans do.” But Peter was saying when in Rome remember that you are still GOD’S Son or Daughter. Therefore, when you are in Rome or any place, let the light of CHRIST flow through you to those with whom you come into contact.

17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.

Christians do not have to condone what some people do or the lifestyle they live. Christians can respect others because GOD created them and they need the truth of JESUS. Christians are to love sinners but hate their sin. Christians are to live among sinners such that they reflect JESUS in their lifestyle.

Christians are to love one another because they are brothers and sisters in CHRIST. Christians are to “fear” GOD. That is not to be afraid of HIM but to realize that GOD created every person and that connects us with all people. Christians are to reverence GOD and when they do, they see others through the eyes of GOD.

Either a person is a Christian’s brother or sister in CHRIST or he or she is in need of salvation from sin and eternal death by placing his or her faith in JESUS. Christians are to live such that they do not put up barriers between themselves and others but to live to entice others to desire the relationship they have with GOD through faith in JESUS.

JESUS taught that Christians are the salt of the earth. Salt has many properties – healing, preservation, has value, makes food savory, and makes one thirsty and many other attributes. Christians are the light in a world filled with Spiritual darkness. Christians have a huge responsibility which is impossible to fulfill without the empowering, enlightening and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We are living in times where evil seems to be rampant but GOD is sovereign and is in control. It is during these times that Christians are to be examples and reflect their confidence in HIM.

Peter tells us to honor the Emperor. GOD has placed those in authority in the places HE desires for them to be. That is our government leaders, business leaders, church leaders and the list goes on. It is hard for me to comprehend because there are many despots, evil people in authority. GOD allows this to get our attention. GOD’S desire is for Christians to be willing to obediently serve HIM where ever HE places us. It may be tough but as the old saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Facing the issues in life builds faith as we see the hand of GOD work in our lives and the lives of others.

GOD placed each of us in this world at the exact time for a purpose. We are passing through this moment in time to obediently serve HIM. This world is not our final home. All upon earth are weary travelers on a journey to either Heaven or Hell. We who know JESUS as our Savior are traveling to Heaven and those who do not know JESUS as their Savior are traveling toward Hell. Those destined for Hell have the opportunity to change their direction by asking JESUS to forgive them for their sins and for JESUS to come into their lives.

CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian. The only way to have CHRIST in you is to invite HIM into your life as expressed in Revelation 3:20:

20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.

Only you can open the door. When you ask JESUS to come in, HE comes in to dwell with the person who asks. Open your heart to JESUS now, while there is still time. Blessings!!!