OUR WITNESS
1 Peter 2:11–17, 21–25
Christian author Charles Sheldon wrote a novel and used a phrase from 1 Peter 2:21 as the title. The verse states, “For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.”
As I remember the contents of “In His Steps” from my teenage years as a new Christian, the book describes the life transformation of Christians who attempted to live out daily a commitment to walk “in His steps.” This commitment led to the transformation of an entire town.
Oh, if 21st-century believers could rediscover Sheldon’s book!
Our Good Works (11–12)
Peter challenged first-century believers by means of a strong appeal. The term translated “I urge” comes from the verb form of the word used for the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John — Paraclete, or one called alongside to help. Peter challenged his readers to refrain from passions of the flesh that would hinder their testimony. The witness of a Christian involves both verbal and lifestyle witness.
Peter reminded the readers of their status in society. Christians are strangers and exiles in this world. Moreover, when we made a commitment to Christ, we volunteered for warfare against our souls between obedience and disobedience. Peter challenged Christians to conduct their lives in an honorable fashion among unbelievers.
Our lives should be a positive witness to Christ so that we will glorify God on the day of His visitation. We get our term “episcopal” from the Greek word for “visitation.” It has the connotation of overseeing. God will inspect our good works as well as our bad works. Christians glorify God by obedience to God.
How should an understanding of a believer’s true home influence his or her actions?
Our Freedom (13–17)
In these verses, Peter discusses Christian citizenship in the context of the heathen Roman empire. While Christians enjoy freedom, they also have responsibilities. First, Christians are to submit to human governing authorities. Jesus stated, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17). Peter acknowledges the purpose of the government to punish evil and acknowledge those who do good.
Stated another way, governments have the purpose of encouraging good behavior. As Christians we have dual citizenship — the country we are born in and the Kingdom of God. As Kingdom citizens, we are to submit to governing authorities as slaves of God. Second, we are to honor everyone. Third, we are to love our fellow Christians. Fourth, we are to honor the emperor even if they are not honorable. Peter wrote his guideline of honoring the emperor about the time Nero began to persecute Christians.
Why is it important for Christ followers to honor human authorities?
Our Example (21–25)
Our example is not a fellow Christian. Our example is our Savior Jesus who said we should follow in His steps. He did not commit sin, He practiced no deceit, He did not insult others and He did not threaten. Jesus took upon Himself the penalty due us because of our sin.
Jesus died in order that we might live righteously. By His wounds we have been healed spiritually. Rather than straying sheep, we have returned to a Shepherd who is the Overseer of our souls. How can believers follow Christ’s example when facing persecution?
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
