Commendable Conduct Before God Part 2

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...

Commendable Conduct Before God

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

Commendable Conduct Before God (2:18-25)

Our last study introduced the importance of submission to human institutions that rule over us - 1 Pe 2:13-17. Now in verses 18-25, Peter addresses those who were servants, emphasizing again the principle of submission (READ) “Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

In the course of his instructions, Peter mentions conduct that is considered "commendable" before God... In the NKJV, the word "commendable" is used twice - 1 Pe 2:19, 20. The NASV translates it as "finds favor" . In this study, we shall consider what is commendable conduct before God, why it is considered commendable and how we can be sure to have this commendable conduct before God.

First of all, then, what is commendable conduct before God? Commendable conduct before God is to suffer patiently when mistreated for doing good. Consider the example given by Peter in our text. A servant is trying to serve his master well. For some reason, however, his master mistreats him. The servant "finds favor" in God's sight if he patiently and submissively endures the mistreatment! To put it in other words, when you are doing that which is good and despite it you are being mistreated, but you endure the unjust treatment patiently your patient forbearance is commendable in the sight of God!

Note carefully; it is not simply suffering patiently that is commendable, but suffering patiently when you did good, and yet are abused for it - 1 Pe 2:20 “For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”

Is this applicable only in a master-slave relationship? No! Consider 1 Pe 3:13-14 “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be zealous of that which is good? But even if ye should suffer for righteousness’ sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled;”, 17 “For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.”, where Peter speaks to brethren in general. In writing to servants, then, Peter is applying a general truth to a specific application. It is therefore applicable to any situation where we are told to submit... For example, in our relationship to government - 1 Pe 2:13 “Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;”. Another example, in a wife's relationship to her husband - 1 Pe 3:1 “In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;”. Another example would be in our relationship to one another - Ep 5:21 “subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.” So whenever we do good and suffer for it, to endure that suffering patiently is "commendable conduct before God." But that is hard! It is our natural inclination to resist and defend ourselves when we are "in the right" and being mistreated. Indeed, we want to "stand up for our rights."

To appreciate why patiently enduring suffering while doing good is commendable before God, let's address the question of why this conduct is commendable before God? Because we were call for this very purpose! Consider 1 Pe 2:21-23 “For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”. Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus. Just as He suffered patiently when mistreated without cause, so should we! We have therefore been called to respond to ill treatment with good treatment - cf. 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.”; see also Lk 6:27-36.

In view of the potential good that can result note what Jesus accomplished by His patient forbearance to mistreatment done to Him! - 1 Pe 2:24-25 “who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” The forgiveness of our sins! The restoration of straying sheep back to their Shepherd! By following the example of Jesus, we can have an effect for good also. By returning good for evil, we are more likely to overcome evil - Ro 12:19-21 “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. 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.” In this way we are more likely to change those who persecute us. For they are often ashamed when they see how we patiently endure their mistreatment by doing good.

Just as we were moved by the sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins, so we might best move others to change their evil ways by patiently doing good even when they mistreat us. That is why we have been called to follow the example of Jesus! Finally, there are a few suggestions to the question as to how we can be sure to have this commendable conduct? We will cover these in Part 2 of this lesson.

Pilgrims and The Governments of Men - Part 2

Pilgrims And The Governments Of Men (2:13-17) Part 2

In Part 1 of this lesson we looked at the text and discovered that as Christians and pilgrims we are to submit to any form of government that rules over us, let God's "pilgrims" freely submit to the powers ruling over them. But is the principle of submission to government without exception? Is there ever a time when Christians are justified in refusing to obey governmental authorities? From Peter himself, we learn the exception to the rule. It is not whenever government is "oppressive". Consider the government and conditions under which Peter and Paul wrote: The government was totalitarian, with Nero as ruler, an evil, despotic emperor. Under his reign, Christians suffered greatly - 1 Pe 4:12-13 “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.”; 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.” Eventually, even Peter himself was crucified, and Paul was beheaded. Under such oppressive governments, our responsibilities remain clear. We are to still submit. We are to pray for our rulers, that peace may prevail - 1 Ti 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.” Who knows? Perhaps God who "removes kings and raises up kings" will answer our prayers and give us rulers who are good and just!

The exception: we must obey God rather than man! As illustrated by Peter and the rest of the apostles - Ac 4:18-20 “And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.”; 5:27-29 “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye 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.”

Only when government tries to force us to disobey God, must we then disobey the government. Even then, it is only the particular laws designed to force us to disobey God that we have a right to break; we have no authority to break other laws in protest. Rather, we are charged to pray for those in authority, and submit to them in all other areas.

Such is our responsibility as pilgrims under whatever government we may find ourselves as we sojourn here on earth. Even though we have liberty and freedom in Christ, we should use that freedom in serving the Lord - 1 Pe 2:16 “as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.” As we do so, we will show honor and respect to those in authority - 1 Pe 2:17 “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

Of course, we who live in countries that allow freedom of religion should be especially quick to show our respect and submission, and to thank God daily for this wonderful privilege!

Speaking of freedom of religion, are we taking advantage of such freedom by rendering obedience to God? Perhaps there are those who have not yet done so... - He 5:9 “and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;”

Pilgrims And The Governments of Men

"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

Pilgrims And The Governments Of Men (2:13-17)

Throughout our study in 1st Peter, we have noticed that as "pilgrims" , those who are Christians have many blessings and responsibilities. For example, in our previous study we saw that as "pilgrims and sojourners" we are to have our conduct honorable among those with whom we live. But what about our responsibilities to those governments of men under which we live? When our true citizenship is in heaven, do we have any responsibilities to the countries on earth?

Peter addresses this very question in 1 Pe 2:13-17... The pilgrims' resposibility is but one word: Submit! (13-14) “Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well.” We are to submit "to every ordinance of man". The word "submit" means "be subject to," signifying "to place one's self under subjection; to render one's self subordinate". This will not be the only time in this epistle that Christians will be told to be submissive - se for example, 1 Pe 2:18; 3:1; 5:5. In this case, we are told to submit "to every ordinance of man". The word "ordinance" literally means "a creation": The Greeks and Romans were accustomed to describe the appointment of officers as the "creation" of them. Therefore, the expression "ordinance" actually refers not to a particular law passed by government, but to the civil government or institution itself. See the NASV, "to every human institution". Note also, we are to submit to EVERY human institution whether it be a monarchy, democracy, or totalitarian state. The responsibility of pilgrims is still the same: submit!

The apostle Paul taught the same principle. We are to be subject to the governing authorities ("higher powers", KJV) - Ro 13:1 “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.” We MUST be subject, and show such submission by paying taxes and customs, and showing respect and honor to our officials - Ro 13:5-7 “Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing. Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” Our responsibility as pilgrims to the governments of men under which we live is quite simple: submit to them.

But submission is not always an easy thing to do. What reasons do Peter and Paul give that might motivate us to submit to our governments as we should? Looking closely at verses 15-17 of our text we will find the reasons why we must submit. Peter gives two good reasons. First and foremost, "this is the will of God" - 1 Pe 2:15a; see also, "for the Lord's sake" - 1 Pe 2:13. That ought to suffice for all true servants of God. But Peter does go on to explain why this is the Lord's will. That we may "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" - 1 Pe 2:15b “that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:”. Because of their allegiance to a heavenly King, Christians are often falsely accused of sedition or treason - for example, Ac 17:5-8 “But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar; and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them forth to the people. And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; whom Jason hath received: and these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. And they troubled the multitude and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.” By doing good (for example, submitting to the governing authorities), we can "silence" (lit., muzzle) such ignorant charges.

Paul also gives us another good reason. Governing authorities that exist have been appointed by God! - Ro 13:1 “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.” This truth is also emphasized in the book of Daniel - Dan 2:20-21 “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever; for wisdom and might are his. And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that have understanding;”; 4:17 “The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the lowest of men.”, 25 “that thou shalt be driven from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen, and shalt be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee; till thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”, 32 “and thou shalt be driven from men; and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; thou shalt be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over thee; until thou know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”

Even those that are evil, which God uses for His divine purposes and then replaces - Exo 9:16 “but in very deed for this cause have I made thee to stand, to show thee my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” (Egypt); Isa 10:5-12 (Assyria). This being the case, to resist the government means to resist God Himself! - Ro 13:2-4 “Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.”

So lest we find ourselves resisting against God Himself, let God's "pilgrims" freely submit to the powers ruling over them. In so doing, we will also silence those who might falsely accuse us of wrong-doing. But is the principle of submission to government without exception? Is there ever a time when Christians are justified in refusing to obey governmental authorities? We will look into the answers to these questions when we continue our lesson in Part 2.