Living as Strangers
1 Peter 2:11-17
No one doubts that we live in a sinful world. Everywhere we look, we see sin or evidence of it. Politicians accept bribes, business leaders profit using unethical practices, spouses commit adultery, the list goes on and on.
Sadly, many people see this behavior as acceptable, as the way things are done. That some who either practice or accept it belong to a church only amplifies the problem. The prevalence of this behavior emphasizes the importance of Christians setting apart ourselves and our behavior as different from the world. We are to live in an exemplary manner.
In that spirit, with passion and urgency, Peter calls on his audience of dispersed believers to live holy lives in a sinful world. In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter reminds the believers of their status as strangers and aliens in the world.
As believers, we should live like people living in a foreign country, adopting just enough of its customs to “do life,” but understanding we will not be here for long. What’s more, consistently giving in to fleshly desires as the world does assaults the believer’s spiritual growth and will eventually dismantle the believer.
In contrast to giving in to the flesh, believers should strive to excel among unbelievers, as Peter describes in 2:12. We as Christians are constantly under the world’s microscope, and instead of becoming angry or defensive, should choose to live honorably and righteously so that our lives may cause unbelievers to believe and also glorify Jesus when He returns.
In addition to holiness, believers need to submit to those in authority. In 2:13, Peter states that believers are to submit to every legitimate human authority. God established this authority for the benefit of the human family and it pleases Him when we submit to it, as long as those in authority are not directing us to sin. Christians should be known as model citizens.
Ultimately, believers must remember that they belong to God as His slaves, yet they are free (2:16). The freedom described here is spiritual freedom. We have freedom from the power of sin, freedom from the guilt of sin, and freedom from trying to earn our favor with God by works. This freedom does not give us a license to sin, but the freedom to do what we ought – and we ought to honor everyone and love our brothers and sisters in Christ. The only one we should fear is God, and we should love and respect people.
Sands– Lessons in the ETB series for the fall quarter are being written by Alex Sands, pastor of Kingdom Life Christian Center, Greenville.