Commendable Conduct Before God (2:18-25) Part 2
In Part 1 of our lesson we looked at what it is to be commendable before God. There are a few suggestions to the question as to how we can be sure to have this commendable conduct? "Rejoice" that you are counted worthy to suffer. So Peter commanded later in this epistle - 1 Pe 4:12-14 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.”; also Ac 5:41 “They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.” Just as Christ did in His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:10-12 “Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.” Knowing that we are blessed in the sight of God, and have joined a great group of prophets, apostles, and disciples in suffering for Christ, can help us to have the proper attitude (one of joy, not vengeance). Even if those mistreating us do not know that we are Christians, if our response is governed by Christ's teachings, we can still have satisfaction in knowing that God is pleased!
"Resist" the temptation to retaliate. When we suffer mistreatment by others, Satan is behind it all - 1 Pe 5:8-9 “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.” He would love to hinder the cause of Christ by having us retaliate just as people in the world would, proving that Christians are no different than sinners of the world. Don't let him win!
"Respond" not re-act to mistreatment by doing more good. When mistreated for doing good, just do more good! - 1 Pe 3:9 “not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”; Ro 12:20-21 “But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” For "endure" (1 Pe 2:19) means "to bear from underneath, for example (figurative) to undergo hardship", thus to bear up under pressure. There is nothing noble (commendable) about stopping when "the going gets tough"; but when "the tough get going", and going about doing good, now THAT is commendable!
"Rely" on God. Suffering patiently when mistreated for doing good does not always bring immediate satisfaction, which emotionally we initially desire. We must therefore trust in God, believing that His will is best. Just as Jesus "committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Pe 2:23), so should we - 1 Pe 4:19 “Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.” And if our Christ-like behavior does not change the behavior of those who mistreat us, God will one day do what is right - Ro 12:19 “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.”; 2 Th 1:6 “if so be that it is righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you,”
Hopefully by following the "four R's" (rejoice, resist, respond, rely) we can follow in the steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If so, then we can be sure to have "commendable conduct before God"! We have made reference to what Jesus accomplished by suffering for us, how He bore our sins on the tree (1 Pe 2:24). Peter also says Jesus did this "that we, having died to sins might live for righteousness".
Have you "died to sins"? Do you even know how that it is accomplished? The answer is found in Romans 6:1-8...
