Tag: Faith

^“21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (I Peter 2:21-22).

The sinlessness of the Christ is clearly presented in the Scriptures: both Old and New Testaments (Isaiah 53:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; I John 3:1-5). While Jesus lived on this earth as fully God and fully man, He never sinned in thought, word or deed.

In speaking to the Pharisees Jesus said, “⁴⁵ But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. ⁴⁶ Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? ⁴⁷ Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”(John 8:45-47).

There was no treachery, trickery or deceit in what Jesus said to the Pharisees in John 8, or anywhere else for that matter. His sinlessness permitted Him to take our place on the cross because of our sinfulness (2 Corinthians 5:21). His sinlessness makes what He says about suffering, and its purposefulness, a truth in which we can find comfort and rest.

We often say the reason why Jesus came to earth was to die on the cross and rise again. While this is certainly true, Jesus also came to earth, born of a virgin, in order to live a perfect life in complete conformity to the written revelation of God. In doing so, He was worthy to be an acceptable sacrifice to God the Father on behalf of the sinner. Since Jesus suffered for, I therefore should suffer for Him: not in order to become acceptable to Him, but rather to be identified with Him as my Savior and Lord.

One theologian puts it this way. “Peter powerfully supported his exhortation to slaves by citing Christ’s example of endurance in unjust suffering. Christians are called (eklēthēte; cf. 1:15; 2:9) to follow Christ, to emulate His character and conduct, because He suffered for them. The word rendered an example (hypogrammon, lit., “underwriting”), appearing only here in the New Testament, refers to a writing or drawing that a student reproduces.

We are called to reproduce the character of Christ while living here on this earth. This is especially true when copying Jesus’ response to suffering.

Soli deo Gloria!

²¹ For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (I Peter 2:21)

The reality of suffering persecution as we follow Jesus Christ is a predominant theme in Scripture: not only in Peter’s first epistle but also throughout the New Testament. Here is but a brief sampling.

John 16:32-33 – ³² Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. ³³ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Acts 14:21-22 – “²¹ When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, ²² strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Romans 5:1-5 – Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ² Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

In commenting on Romans 5:1-5, John Calvin writes, “By saying that the saints glory in tribulations, he is not to be understood as though they dreaded not, nor avoided adversities, or were not distressed with their bitterness when they happened (for there is no patience when there is no feeling of bitterness). But as in their grief and sorrow they are not without great consolation, because they regard that whatever they bear is dispensed to them for good by the hand of a most indulgent Father, they are justly said to glory: for whenever salvation is promoted, there is not wanting a reason for glorying.”

This is one of the Bible’s inconvenient truths and ironically an evidence that the Bible is authored, not by man, but rather by God. No man would come up with the idea that man is destined to suffer when they follow God. That certainly is not one’s best life now. This may be a life ending with martyrdom, of suffering unjustly when people slander and lie about your character in order to advance their agenda, or even the breakup of your home when your unbelieving spouse no longer wants to be married to a Bible toting, church attending Christian.

If we are to follow Jesus, we follow Him on the road of tribulations. He is our example. The health and wealth gospel of America cannot stand under the scrutiny of God’s Word. This is what Jesus meant when He said to His disciples, “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23).

Thank God today for His many blessings, including the blessings of suffering because of Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁸ Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. ¹⁹ For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. ²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.” (I Peter 2:18-20).

One final note regarding respectful obedience to our employers, even when they treat us unfairly. Let us make sure that we are suffering unjustly. If we have done something wrong at work, or failed to do what we are supposed to do, then we have no room to complain about any ill-treatment. We deserve what we get: whether it be points, a reprimand or even termination.

If you endure ill-treatment from a boss because of a failure on your part, then keep quiet and go back to doing your job with a renewed sense of commitment to excellence. We all fail at times and it can be embarrassing.

However, if you are ill-treated unjustly, then do the same thing. Keep quiet and go back to doing your job with a renewed sense of commitment to excellence. After all, you are ultimately working to please God and not man (Ephesians 6:5-7). This displays God’s grace and therefore brings God glory.

Specific people and periods throughout church history have highlighted the commitment to Soli Deo Gloria. Leonard R. Payton, chief musician of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, explains that, “It has almost reached the stature of a proverb that Johann Sebastian Bach often placed the abbreviation ‘SDG’ (for Sola Deo Gloria or to God alone be glory) at the end of many of his musical manuscripts. What is less known is that many of the manuscripts contain the abbreviation ‘J.J.’ (Jesu Juva or Jesus help me) at the beginning – and this from a man whose brilliant music poured out of his fingers more quickly than many of us write letters!”

What a way to begin your work day. First, by praying “Jesus help me” today to honor you in my work. Conclude your work day by praying “Lord, may all that I did for you be glorifying to your name.”

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁸ Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. ¹⁹ For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.” (I Peter 2:18-19).

When God commands us to do something, He is under no obligation to explain Himself as to why He wants us to do it. What He desires is obedience, first and foremost. No explanations are necessary.

However, God does sometimes give us reasons why He commands us to display a particular behavior. With respect to servants being obedient and respectful of their masters, He gives us a reason for this command in I Peter 2:19.

God says that such obedient respect by servants to masters, and by implication employees to their employers, is a gracious thing. It parallels the unmerited favor of God towards us as sinners when we display the same grace towards masters and employers. We display the character of God. What believer in Christ would not want to do this?

As we are consciously aware of God in our daily lives, we can endure sorrow when suffering unjustly. Sorrow means sadness and overwhelming grief. It is a deep seated, rock your world mental pain and anxiety. The kind of anxiety you may often feel when you arrive at work and wonder what the day may bring.

To endure means to bear up and put up with the injustice we may often face, particularly at work. This is especially true when we experience unjust or unfair sorrow and pain because of ill treatment.

Let us make sure that we are never the cause of a person experiencing unjust sorrow. If and when we face such unjust sorrow, may we be gracious in continuing to obediently respect our employer. This pleases God!

Soli deo Gloria!

 

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust” (I Peter 2:18).

The word “servant” comes from the Greek word οἰκέτης; oiketes meaning a household slave or personal servant. While paid, they were often viewed by their superiors or masters as socially inferior.

God commands servants to be obedient or subject (ὑποτάσσω; hypotasso) to their masters. They were to do so on a daily basis. This is the same word we studied in I Peter 2:13 regarding a citizen submitting to governing authorities.

Servants were to submit with all reverence and respect (φόβος; phobos) for their masters. Peter addresses then not only outward behavior, but also inward attitudes. In other words, we do not just respect our boss because we like him/her but rather because God commands us to do so.

This behavior and attitude on the part of servants towards their masters was to be evident regardless of whether the master was either good or bad, gentle or harsh and unjust. The holy behavior and attitude is to be found in the believer because of their love and obedience to God and not based on the pleasantness of their circumstances: economic or otherwise.

The same can be said of us in our relationship to our employers, parents, and teachers. How do we speak of them and feel toward them when they are not around? Do we disrespect them around other people? Do we wish them ill? According to I Peter 2:18, this should not be.

Resolve today to be respectful to other people, and to even pray for them. You do not know what pressures they face or whether they themselves are believers in Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust” (I Peter 2:18).

I Peter 2:18-25 is a section addressing the duties and responsibilities of servants to their masters. Even Christians who were slaves in the first century were to display holiness in their particular economic situations. The IVP Bible Background Commentary gives us some valuable insight.

“This passage deals particularly with household slaves, who had more economic and social flexibility than free peasants did, although many of them still did not have much. Field slaves on massive estates were more oppressed; given the regions addressed (1:1) and the nature of household codes (see comment on 2:13–17), they are probably not addressed here and at most are peripherally envisioned. The most oppressed slaves, who worked in the mines, were segregated from the rest of society and would not have access to Peter’s letter; they are not addressed here at all.”

“It should also be kept in mind that Peter does not address the institution of slavery per se, although his sympathy is clearly with the slave (2:21): no ancient slave war was successful, and abolition was virtually impossible in his day except through a probably doomed bloody revolution. In this situation, it was far more practical for a pastor to encourage those in the situation to deal with it constructively until they could gain freedom.”

What application does this section have for us who are not slaves as some of Peter’s readers were? Perhaps we can examine this section of Scripture in light of our current employment and our relationships with our superiors or bosses.

Sometimes we may feel like we are slaves to our employers. I have worked for some pretty good bosses: both in secular situations and in the ministry. I have also encountered bosses who were difficult to work for. Some were unethical, some were condescending, and one I remember was an alcoholic. In all these situations and circumstances, my focus was to do my job to the best of my ability.

I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you^.” Happy Thanksgiving!

Soli deo Gloria!

 

¹⁷ Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (I Peter 2:17).

One verse! Four commands! One response!

The one verse is I Peter 2:17. It is within the immediate context of I Peter 2:13-16.

This one verse contains four commands. Christians are to demonstrate their liberty in Christ in the following four ways. These commands are given so that they would be obeyed. God gives the commands. We are responsible to obey.

Honor everyone! We are to completely and actively respect everyone. This involves our thinking, feelings and decisions. It does not matter if we have met them in person or not. Honor and respect is our responsibility. We may not like a particular person, and they in turn may not like us. However, we are commanded to respect them as one created in the image of God and possessing inherent value.

The word honor (τιμάω; timao) means to attribute a high status upon something, or in this context, someone. The Old Testament associated honoring God with honoring those in government authority (Exodus 22:28; 1 Kings 21:10; Proverbs 24:21).

One way of explaining this command may be taken from the military. You salute an officer, not because you like him or her, but because you give them honor which is their due because of their higher rank.

Love the brotherhood! We are to completely and actively love fellow believers in Christ. The word love (ἀγαπάω; agapao) means taking pleasure in displaying a self-sacrificial love of the will towards fellow believers. Sometimes, Christians hurt other Christians. While this unfortunately does happen, we must make sure that we overcome whatever hurts we encounter with a self-sacrificial love of the will. This love is not dependent upon our feelings, but rather upon a conscious decision of our will.

Fear God! We are to completely and actively reverence, worship and respect the Lord God. This is done not only in what we say, but also in what we do and think. This is to be done daily. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 110:11; Proverbs 9:10).

The word fear (φοβέω; phobeo) means to honor, respect and worship God. We are to have a profound reverence for God.

Honor the emperor! We are to completely and actively respect leaders in government. We may not always agree with them, but we are commanded to respect them. The Apostle Paul wrote that we are also to pray for them (I Timothy 2:1-2).

November 22, 2017 marks the 54^th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. This event is one in which every American remembers what they were doing that day when they heard the news of President Kennedy being shot and then dying from his wounds.

This singular event is an example of violating not only the letter but also the spirit of I Peter 2:17.There were those in the United States who may not have agreed with everything  President Kennedy had done, or not done, during his 1,000 days in office. However, the biblical answer is never to assassinate, figuratively or realistically, those who hold a position in government.

Finally, what is to be our response to this one verse, and these four commands? Simple! It is obedience. Regardless of how we may feel, we are to carry out these directives given by God through the Apostle Peter.

Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

¹⁶ Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (I Peter 2:16).

The United States Declaration of Independence begins with these words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Many American citizens, among them many Christians, believe that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness means doing whatever we want to do not matter the consequences. This is not what the Founding Fathers meant, nor is it what the Apostle Peter means in I Peter 2:16.

In living as people who are free, God calls us to live responsibly before Him and other people. This means doing what God says is right, even when it is inconvenient. This is true, biblical liberty!

Besides this, we should never allow our freedom in Christ to be a covering for evil. A cover-up means a pretext or a hiding of one’s true nature. In this case, an evil nature. Believers in Christ are to be sincere people of integrity and not pretenders.

Ultimately, our freedom in Christ is always under the authority of God our Master. This is what is meant by liberty; always doing what is right because it is the right thing to do.

I Corinthians 4:12-13 says, “and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.”

Living for Christ, as I have already stated numerous times, is never easy. Sometimes it’s downright difficult. However, it is always rewarding to sense God’s pleasure for doing what He says is the right thing to do. As God’s servants, may we make it our aim to please the Master. May we do so today.

Soli deo Gloria!

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. ¹⁵ For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (I Peter 2:13-15).

Aside from the truth that God’s commands are to be obeyed, why else are believers called to be submissive to every human institution God has created? These institutions include work, school, home and government.

The Apostle Peter gives us the answer in I Peter 2:15 when he writes, “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”

The phrase, ‘for this is the will of God” means that what Peter has said in I Peter 2:13-14 is what God wants, wishes and purposes His people to do. The reason for this command is also given. Now, God does not have to explain Himself when He gives us a command but in this instance He does.

The reason given for the previously mentioned command from God is that by believers doing good deeds we should silence foolish people who do not know God. To silence (φιμόω; phimoo) literally means to muzzle.

One biblical historian explains, “This section of Peter’s argument leads many to believe that the organized persecution through oppressive Roman laws either had not begun or had not yet reached the provinces of Asia Minor. Christians were then facing lies and verbal abuse, not torture and death. Christians were still enjoying the protection of a legal system which commended those who obeyed the law. So a believer’s best defense against slanderous criticism was good behavior.”

Jesus said the same thing in Matthew 5:14-16.  ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Shine brightly today, my friends. Shine brightly!

Soli deo Gloria!

^13 “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good” (I Peter 2:13-14).

As I write this article, there are a whole lot of protests going on in this country. People are protesting by sitting or kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem at sporting events, by demanding that offensive statues be removed from public places, by spray painting graffiti and offensive remarks on national monuments, or by just rioting and vandalizing. People are even protesting when an individual cannot get a job as a professional football player. Recently, a state representative from Missouri even called for the assassination of the president.

It seems that what is occurring at this time could best be summed up by a bit of dialogue from the Marlon Brando film The Wild One. Mildred: Hey Johnny, what are you rebelling against? Johnny: Whadda you got? God calls Christians to a life of holiness. This means a life which is separate from sin. One way to demonstrate obedience to this call is by being a law abiding citizen.

God commands believers to be obedient. The word “be subject” (ὑποτάσσω; hypotasso) is a direct command from God to obey all human institutions God has created. These include one’s employer at work, one’s parent(s) at home, a teacher or administrator at school, church leaders and even leaders in government. Peter specifically refers to those who are leaders in government.

We may not always like those in authority over us, but God calls us to a holy calling. That holy calling requires obedience to the authorities God has created. The only exception to the rule is when to obey human institutions requires us to disobey God. Herein is where Christians must disobey (Acts 4:19) man rather than God.

God specifically established government to punish the evildoer and to praise the righteous (Romans 13:1-7). While admittedly no human government is perfect in this fallen world, God still calls believers to be an example of righteous obedience.

Pray for those leaders in your life today. This includes your boss, your parents, your teachers, and your representatives in government including the president. Strive to be obedient to every human institution God has created.

Soli deo Gloria!