Submission to Authority

The next section of Peter’s letter deals with the subject of submission to authority:

• submission to rulers (2:13-17)
• submission to masters (2:18-25)
• submission to husbands (3:1-7)

1 Peter 2:13-17      Submission to rulers

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.

15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

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

17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

This section is fairly straightforward:

Christians are to submit themselves to every authority instituted among men (v.13).  

Respect is to be shown to the emperor as the supreme authority and to governors, who are sent by him to administer justice (14)

This is God’s will (15) so that by their good behaviour Christians may put to silence those who accuse them

They are free, (16) but freedom must not be used as an excuse for wrong-doing, for despite their freedom Christians are God’s slaves

So, submission to rulers is set firmly in the context of ultimate submission to God for if the king is to be honoured it is God who is to be feared (v.17).  

Indeed it is ‘for the Lord’s sake’ that a Christian submits to authority, no matter what form that authority may take (v.13).

1 Peter 2:18-25      Submission to masters

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.

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.

22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return;

23 when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Submission to masters (2:18-25)

From the previous section we see that submission to human authority is an expression of the Christian’s submission to divine authority.

This enables him meekly to accept the decisions of those who have authority over him.  

This is of special relevance to slaves who are specifically addressed in verses 18-25 where they are instructed to submit to their masters even if they are harsh.   The possibility of  suffering unjustly is very real (vv. 19-20)

and if this occurs Christian slaves are to remember that they are called by Christ’s own example to endure it (vv.20 – 21).

It is highly significant here that there is no suggestion in these verses that Christians do not need to suffer because Christ has already suffered for them.   Quite the opposite is indicated.   The Christian who suffers for doing good must endure it patiently knowing that this is God’s will for him, for Christ himself has set an example for him to follow (vv.20 – 21)[1].

Verses 22 – 25, which depend heavily on Isaiah 53, set forth the sufferings of Christ as the supreme example of the innocent suffering unjustly and may be correctly understood as an elaboration of the principle stated in verse 21 that Christ’s sufferings are an example for the Christian to follow. Seen this way the statement of Christ’s innocence (v. 22), his refusal to retaliate or complain (v.23), and his committing of himself to God (v.23) are all clearly intended as an example and an encouragement to the Christian slave who is suffering unjust punishment.   Furthermore, such an interpretation of these verses is completely in harmony with the teaching concerning suffering elsewhere in the epistle[2].

But if Christ’s innocence, his non-retaliation, and his committing himself to God are intended as an encouragement to the Christian who is suffering unjust punishment, how much more is the reminder of the results of Christ’s suffering?  

The sense of purposelessness encountered by those enduring unjustly inflicted suffering is softened for the Christian by the realisation that Christ’s sufferings were by no means without purpose. Verses 24-25 serve as a reminder of this.   Christ’s sufferings were redemptive.  

The innocent  slave who is unjustly beaten by his master is reminded that Christ too was unjustly punished, but not without purpose for Christ bore our sins that we might die to sin and live to righteousness (v.24) and as a result the wandering sheep has returned to the shepherd (v.25).  

Perhaps, by implication, the slave might understand that his suffering too is not without a purpose, hidden and unstated though that purpose might be[3].

In the light of all this it seems to me that Peter’s use of by whose stripes you were healed will only be correctly understood when it is seen within the context of a discussion which presents to slaves who were sometimes unjustly treated the example of Christ whose passion provides the pattern for all who suffer unjustly.  Such an understanding will also provide, with particular reference to the subject of this course, a clear indication as to whether the healing referred to in the phrase is intended to be interpreted as physical or spiritual.

The relevance of the phrase by whose stripes you were healed in a passage addressed to slaves who were sometimes unjustly flogged is immediately obvious.  The word molops means a bruise, scar, or weal left by a lash and describes a physical condition with which the slaves were all too familiar[4].  

To slaves who were unjustly beaten Peter points out that Christ too was beaten, and because of the wounds inflicted upon him they have been ‘healed’.   The use of the second person (you were healed) in place of the first (LXX we were healed[5] is perhaps significant in that the first person is used in the first part of the verse (that we might live).   The switch to the second person thus highlights the fact that it is particularly the  slaves who are addressed here for it is for them that the use of molops (stripe) is especially significant.

But in what sense had the slaves been ‘healed’?   Peter obviously intends them to understand here the forgiveness of their sins, for not only does he refer in the immediately previous clauses to Christ’s bearing of our sins that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, but he uses the conjunction gar in verse 25 thus identifying their ‘healing’ in verse 24 as what took place when as sheep going astray they returned to the shepherd (v.25).   The fact that no such conjunction is found in Isaiah 53:6 may indicate that Peter is especially stressing this connection and certainly suggests that the ‘healing’ referred to is spiritual[6].

Furthermore, to seek to understand the ‘healing’ as physical seems to be totally inappropriate.   There is no reference to the healing of disease anywhere in the epistle, let alone in the immediate context. The ‘healing’ referred to clearly means a spiritual wholeness which results from Christ’s bearing our sins on the cross and our return, as sheep who had gone astray, to the shepherd and guardian of our souls. The passage is, in fact, an encouragement to Christians to endure suffering, not a means of escape from it.

Next time:

 1 Peter 3:1-7.   Submission to husbands

1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,

2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—

4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.

6 And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

 

Last time: 1 Peter 1:10-25

• the great privileges of being a Christian
• our responsibility to live holy lives
• things that encourage to fulfil that responsibility

 The theme of privilege and responsibility continues in today’s passage.

1 Peter 2:1-12

1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

We’ll begin by looking at the first three verses, but first let’s remind ourselves of what Peter says at the end of chapter 1

1 Peter 1:23-25

…you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

1 Peter 2:1-3

1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

 

We are to put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

Why?

Note the word ‘so’. It means ‘therefore’, which takes us back to 1:23.

Because you’ve been born again

You are newborn infants v2

You need to grow up into your salvation v2

How?

By pure spiritual milk – the milk of the word

It was by the word of God that you were born again 1:23-25

It’s by feeding on the word of God that you will grow up spiritually

Indeed you will long for this because you have already tasted that the Lord is good v3

1 Peter 2:4-8 – Living Stones

 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

5 you yourselves like (as) living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

Christ is the living stone 4, 6-8

But we also are living stones 5

These verses are clearly based on three OT passages:

Isaiah 28:16

“therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’”

Psalm 118:22-23

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

This is the Lord ‘s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Isaiah 8:14-15

“And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offence and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.”

The stone was one of the Jewish titles for the Messiah.

We know of course that the Messiah is Jesus.

So these OT passages show us that Jesus would be:

• a tested stone,
• a precious cornerstone,
• a sure foundation
• a rejected stone
• a stone of offence and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel

However, Peter says that Jesus, though rejected by men, is God’s precious chosen one. This was highly significant for Peter’s persecuted readers.

As Christians, we have come to him 4 and believe in him 7 and as a result will not be put to shame 6, but honoured 7.

We ourselves are living stones and are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ 5

This theme is continued in vv 9-12. Note the strong contrast between vv8 and 9.

8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…

 

1 Peter 2:9-12 – God’s chosen people

9-10 privilege

11-12 responsibility

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

So far in this series:

Talk 1

• The background to the letter and the circumstances in which it was written. The theme of the whole letter is:
• Suffering now, maybe. Future glory, certain.

Talk 2

• We saw that the first two verses in chapter 1 are more than a formal greeting but are actually of a special significance to the suffering Christians to whom Peter was writing at the time.
• They were exiles, rejected by men, but chosen by God.

Talk 3

• Verses 3-9 spell out some of the great privileges of being a Christian. To be chosen by God is something very special. As Peter says in verses 6-7, at present we may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials but this will result in praise, honour, and glory when Jesus Christ is revealed.

We looked at these verses under main headings:

Present suffering

for a little while…you have been grieved by various trials…

your faith is more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire

Present blessings

We have received God’s mercy

We have been born again

We are being guarded by God’s power

We are able to rejoice

Future blessings

Resurrection

An inheritance

Praise, glory and honour when Jesus returns

The salvation of your souls

Today’s passage, 1 Peter 1:10-25

continues the theme of the great privileges of being a Christian but also reminds us of:

• our responsibility to live holy lives
• things that encourage to fulfil that responsibility

The great privileges of being a Christian (10-12)

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,

11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.

12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

The prophets prophesied it but didn’t fully understand it (10-11)

Because they lived before it happened and under a different covenant

Compare Ephesians 3:1-6

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The angels long to look into it (12) but they can’t fully understand it either

Because they have never known what it means to have forgiveness of sin

But now the good news has been announced to us by the apostles 12

The same Holy Spirit who inspired the OT prophets inspired the apostles

(The Spirit of Christ 11 is another name for the Holy Spirit (12) cf. 2 Pet.1:21)

Note again the reference to suffering followed by glory 11

Our responsibility to live holy lives (13-17)

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,

15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,

16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile…

Five commands:

1. 13 prepare your minds for action, and being sober-minded,

2. set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

3. 14 do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance

4. 15 be holy in all your conduct

5. 17 conduct yourselves with fear

Things that encourage to fulfil that responsibility (17-25)

 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God,

21 who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,

23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,

25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Jesus is coming

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 God is your Father

 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,

You have been ransomed

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

You have hope because Jesus is alive

21 who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

God’s word remains true forever

23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,

25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

In our last talk we looked at the first two verses in chapter 1 which we saw are more than a formal greeting but are actually of a special significance to the suffering Christians to whom Peter was writing at the time.

They were exiles, rejected by men, but chosen by God. The verses we are looking at today spell out some of the great privileges of being a Christian. To be chosen by God is something very special. As Peter says in verses 6-7, at present we may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials but this will result in praise, honour, and glory when Jesus Christ is revealed.

As I said last time, the theme of the letter is:

suffering now, maybe –  future glory, certain.

Today we’ll be looking at vv3-9 and considering this theme in more detail.

1 Peter 1:3-9 ESV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

 

Three main headings:

Present suffering

Present blessings

Future blessings

Present suffering

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Present blessings

We have received God’s mercy

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy…

We have been born again

3 …he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

We are being guarded by God’s power

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

We are able to rejoice

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

Future blessings

Resurrection

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

An inheritance

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

It can never perish – rust on car

Matthew 6:19-20 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy…

Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things above

It can never spoil – 2 suits

It can never fade away – Auntie Min

It’s reserved in heaven for you – luggage label

Praise, glory and honour when Jesus returns

7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The salvation of your souls

9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

For more on our inheritance as Christians, please see below.

The Christian’s Inheritance

A full audio recording of this sermon can be heard at https://www.davidpetts.org/025-the-christians-inheritance/ or by clicking here. (Episode 25 of this podcast)

The reading of a will

You have been asked to attend the reading of a will

What questions would be going through your mind?

• Am I a beneficiary?
• What could I inherit?
• What’s my inheritance like?
• Why have I been included?
• When will I get it?

Many of us may never inherit something of great value here on earth, but the Bible tells us that God has a wonderful inheritance for us

Am I a beneficiary?

Do you belong to Christ? Galatians 3:29

If you belong to Christ, then you are … heirs according to the promise

Do you believe in him and love him? James 2:5

Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?

Are you right with God? Titus 3:7

Having been justified by his grace we … become heirs having the hope of eternal life    

Are you one of God’s children? Romans 8:17

Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ

What could I inherit?

Hebrews 1:14

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 11:7

By his faith he (Noah) …became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 6:12

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1 Peter 3:9

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing

Matthew 19:29

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life

Matthew 25:34

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world’

Revelation 21:3,4,7

Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

7 He who overcomes will inherit all this…

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

So to summarise:

• Salvation – Hebrews 1:14
• Righteousness – Hebrews 11:7
• Promises – Hebrews 6:12, 17
• Reward – Colossians 3:24
• Blessing – 1 Peter 3:9
• Everlasting Life – Matthew 19:29
• The Kingdom of God – Matthew 25:34
• Heaven – Revelation 21:7 (‘all this’)
• Earth – Matthew 5:5

What is my inheritance like?

Hebrews 9:15

Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance

• money inherited from Eileen’s Dad

1 Peter 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you

It can never perish – rust on car

Matthew 6:19-20 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy…

Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things above

it can never spoil – 2 suits

it can never fade away – Auntie Min

it’s reserved in heaven for you – luggage label

Why have I been included?

But why should we receive such a wonderful inheritance?

Because we are co-heirs with Christ

Romans 8:17

Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ

We are identified with Christ.  

Everything we have springs from this.

Crucified – dead – buried – made alive – raised – seated – suffer – reign – work – inherit

The NT reveals there are three ways of being a co-heir (Greek sun-kleronomos):

by sonship – Hebrews 11:9

Isaac and Jacob…were heirs with him (Abraham) of the same promise

by marriage – 1 Peter 3:7

Husbands …be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them … as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life

by grace – Ephesians 3:2, 6.

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you…

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

We are joint-heirs with Christ!

We inherit what he inherits! All things (Heb. 1:2)!

1 John 3:2-3 – not what I will GET but what I will BE!

When will I get it?

1 Peter 1:4 reserved in heaven for you

But there is a foretaste!

Ephesians 1:13-14

The Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession (arrabon – engagement ring – French ‘alliance’)

Hebrews 6:4

…those who have … tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit … have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age

In our last talk we:

• Considered the background to the letter and the circumstances in which it was written
• Took a rapid tour through the whole letter
• Identified the main theme of the letter –

                          present suffering perhaps, future glory certain

Background

Author Peter

Date 62 to 64 A.D.

Circumstances

Written to Jewish Christians who had been driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor

Throughout the Roman Empire Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered throughout the Mediterranean world

Peter was probably in Rome when the great persecution and the Emperor Nero began and was eventually executed during this persecution

Today we begin to look at the text of the letter by beginning with the opening two verses:

NIV

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles, scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,

2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

ESV

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

In some ways this is a typical greeting

But it’s of special significance relevant to the circumstances in which it was written

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ

As we saw last time, Peter was writing to Christians undergoing persecution

Note how Peter’s faith has matured since Caesarea Philippi

Matt. 16:22 Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you

John 21:18-19

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Acts 5:41

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

To those who are elect (chosen)

Note that election is according to God’s foreknowledge

See my comments in an earlier podcast on Ephesians 1.

But what’s the special relevance of the word chosen in this context?

The next word is exiles. What a contrast! They may be exiles – rejects, but they’re elect exiles! All that is happening to them is part of God’s chosen plan for them

exiles of the Dispersion

The word dispersion (διασπορᾶ) was commonly used to refer to the Jews who were scattered around the world, no longer resident in Israel.

Peter now uses it to refer to Christians (who are now God’s chosen people – 2:9-10)

It would be easy to understand this negatively, but note the positive aspects of being scattered:

The word literally means sown throughout

God is scattering his people as seeds throughout the nations and he’s using persecution to do it.

Compare Acts 8:1-4, 11:19

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father

Of course, this refers primarily to what immediately follows – sanctification, obedience, sprinkling

But we’re reminded that God know everything in advance – even our suffering

in the sanctification of the Spirit

NIV through the sanctifying work of the Spirit

To sanctify means to make holy

The NT shows sanctification as both a completed act and an ongoing process

for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood

The Greek literally says:

For obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ

The purpose of our salvation is obedience

The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ refers to our initial salvation

and to God’s provision for the ongoing forgiveness of our sins

May grace and peace be multiplied to you

This blessing was particularly appropriate to Christians who were suffering

It was through the gift of God’s grace and peace that they had been saved

But there’s no limit to God’s resources. There’s plenty more grace and peace available.

The verses that immediately follow illustrate this wonderfully

But that’s our subject for next time 🙂

In this talk we will:

• Consider the background to the letter and the circumstances in which it was written
• Take a rapid tour through the whole letter (based largely on the notes in the NIV Life Application Bible)
• Identify the main theme of the letter

In following talks we will work systematically through the letter and consider how Peter’s teaching should impact on our lives today.

Background

Author Peter

Date 62 to 64 A.D.

Circumstances

Written to Jewish Christians who had been driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor

Throughout the Roman Empire Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered throughout the Mediterranean world

Peter was probably in Rome when the great persecution and the Emperor Nero began and was eventually executed during this persecution

Outline

1. God’s great blessings to his people 1:1-2:10
2. The conduct of God’s people in the midst of suffering 2:11-4:19
3. The shepherding of God’s people in the midst of suffering 5:1-14

Chapter One

Peter begins by thanking God for salvation 1:2-6.

He explains to his readers that trials will refine their faith 1:7-9.

They should believe in spite of their circumstances for many in past ages believed in God’s plan of salvation –  even the prophets of old who wrote about it but did not understand it

but now salvation has been revealed in Christ 1:10-13

In response to such a great salvation, Peter commands his readers to:

• live holy lives 1:14-16,
• reverently fear and trust God 1:17-21
• be honest and loving in the relationships with others 2:1-3
• become like Christ 2: 3-4

Chapters Two to Four

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone upon whom the church is to be built 2:5-6

He is also the stone that was rejected causing those who will not listen to God to fall  2:7-8

but the church built upon the stone is to be God’s holy priesthood 2:9-10.

Peter then explains how believers should live during difficult times 2:11-4:11

Christians should be above reproach 2:12-17

imitating Christ in all their social roles, masters and slaves, husbands and wives, church members and neighbours 2:18-3:17.

Jesus Christ should be our model for obedience to God in the midst of great suffering 3:18-4:11

Peter then outlines the right attitude to have when persecution comes:

• expect it 4:12
• be thankful for the privilege of suffering for Christ 4:13-18
• trust God for deliverance 4:19

Chapter Five

Peter gives some special instructions:

• elders should feed God’s flock 5:1-4
• younger men should follow the leadership of the elders 5:5-6
• and everyone should trust God and resist Satan 5:7-11

Peter concludes by introducing Silvanus and by giving personal greetings from himself, the church in Rome, and from Mark. 5:11-14

Theme – suffering now, future glory

1 Peter 1:6-11

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,

11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.

1 Peter 2:18-25

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.

20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

24 ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’

25 For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

 1 Peter 3:13-14, 17-18

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’

17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”

1 Peter 4:1, 12-16, 19

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body has finished with sin.

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 5:1, 4, 10

 1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

 

4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

 

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Points to ponder

Peter was powerfully used in bringing healing to those who were suffering

He was also miraculously delivered from persecution on more than one occasion (Acts 5:19, 12:6-10)

How does this affect our understanding of his teaching in this letter?

Last time:

3 secrets of living in victory

Know your enemy

Know the battlefield

Know that ultimate victory is guaranteed

Know your Enemy

Ephesians 6:11-12, 16

Spiritual – not against flesh and blood (12)

numerous – plurals (12)

cunning – schemes (11)

organised – rulers and authorities (12) (cf Titus 3:1)

evil – spiritual forces of evil (12)

deadly – flaming missiles (16)

Know the Battlefield

The heavenlies – what they are

6:12 – not heaven – spiritual evil

1:3 – blessed with all

1:21 – Christ is seated at God’s right hand

2:6 – we are seated with him

3:10 – wisdom of God known

Know that ultimate Victory is guaranteed

v10  in the Lord his mighty power…….the full armour of GOD

Jesus’ relation to the ‘principalities and powers’ (AV)

Far above them Ephesians 1:21

Subject to him 1 Peter 3:22

Head of them Colossians 2:10

Why?

created them Colossians 1:16

conquered them Colossians 2:15

So ultimate victory is guaranteed. But what about now?

Let’s read Ephesians 6:10-20 again

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

We have an enemy – the devil (11)

We can expect to be attacked (13) when the day of evil comes
God has given us all that we need to stand up to him (11, 13, 14)

But it’s up to us to put on the armour God has provided (11, 13)

But how do we put it on?  Let’s work through the passage.

10 Be strong – present continuous

In the Lord – ‘be empowered through your union with him’ (Amp.)

And in his mighty power – cf Eph 1:19 his incomparably great power…

11     Put on – aorist

the full armour

of God

so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes

12   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood

But against…

Rulers… authorities… powers of this dark world…

Against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

13     Therefore put on the full armour of God (cf v 11)

So that when the day of evil comes

You may be able to stand your ground (cf 11)

And after you have done everything, to stand

14     Stand firm then

With the belt of truth buckled about your waist

TRUTH because:

• the devil is a liar
• Christ is the truth
• God’s word is truth

With the breastplate of righteousness in place

RIGHTEOUSNESS

• Right standing with God
• Integrity
• Moral rectitude

15     With your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace

THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

• The good news brings peace with God
• We must be ever ready
• We must be ever ready to GO

16 In addition to all this take up the shield of faith

with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

• What are Satan’s flaming arrows? Lies, doubts, temptation, etc.
• You can extinguish them ALL
• YOU can extinguish them all

17     Take the helmet of salvation

SALVATION

• Remind yourself (and the devil) that you’re saved
• Have been saved
• Are being saved
• Will be saved

And the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God

THE WORD OF GOD

• Jesus in the temptation
• Read the Bible
• Learn the Bible
• Use the Bible
• Prophecies (1 Timothy 1:18) – by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith…

18 And pray (present continuous) in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.

22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

11 Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Secrets of Victory

• Know your enemy
• Know the battlefield
• Know that ultimate victory is guaranteed

Know your enemy

11 Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Our enemy is:

1. Spiritual…    Not against flesh and blood
2. Evil…   The spiritual forces of evil…
3. Numerous…   Rulers.  Authorities.  Powers
4. Cunning…   The devil’s schemes
5. Organised…   Schemes Gk methodeias
6. Deadly (flaming missiles – v 16)

Know the battlefield

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The battlefield is what Paul calls the heavenly realms     (Literally: ‘the heavenlies’)

What does this mean?

A  The heavenly realms are not heaven

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

B  We have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing

Ephesians 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

C  Christ is seated at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms

Ephesians 1

20 …he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,

23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

D  We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms

Ephesians 2

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,

5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved.

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus

E  It is God’s intention to use his church to demonstrate his wisdom to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms

Ephesians 3:10

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms

Know that victory is guaranteed

Our assurance of ultimate victory is rooted in Jesus’ relation to the enemy – ‘rulers and authorities’

A  He is already far above them Ephesians 1:21

He is…

far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come

B  They are already in submission to him 1 Peter 3:21-22

Jesus Christ…has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him

C  He is already Head over them                          

Colossians 2:10

You have been given fulness in Christ who is the Head over every power and authority

So Jesus is seated at God’s right hand, with the enemy under his feet

Why?

Firstly, because he created them                

Colossians 1:16

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

Finally, because  he conquered them at Calvary

Colossians 2:15

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross

In using the word triumph Paul was deliberately calling to the mind of his readers the picture of a great military victory. In the Roman world a triumph was rather like a modern military decoration which someone is awarded either for bravery or for great achievements on the battlefield. To help understand this further, let us imagine that Caesar, the Roman Emperor, has learned that in a certain distant corner of the empire one of the tribes has rebelled against his authority. So he calls his most senior general and gives him instructions to take a legion of soldiers in order to suppress the rebellion. Accordingly the general goes and conquers the rebellious tribe, taking many prisoners and begins to lead them back to Rome.

Before reaching Rome, however, he sends a herald in advance to inform the emperor of his victory. On hearing the news, the emperor decides to award the general a triumph. He proclaims a public holiday so that all the citizens of Rome can welcome the general on his return. Then, on the appointed day, the people line the streets of the city awaiting the return of the general. As he arrives in his chariot at the head of his legion, the people cheer and applaud, they almost worship the general because of his great victory.

But behind the general and his legion come the captives. They have been stripped of their weapons. Their hands are tied, their feet are shackled. They are totally subjugated and are forced to walk with head bowed low beneath a symbolic ‘yoke’ created for this purpose. They have truly become a public spectacle. This is the picture that Paul calls to mind when he tells us that by the cross Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities and triumphed over them making a public spectacle of them. As citizens of heaven we have nothing to fear from such an enemy. Rather, we stand back in awe and marvel at the mighty victory our general has won for us, and we worship him

So ultimate victory is guaranteed. But what about now?

That will be the subject of our final talk.

There are three main sections to this part of Paul’s letter:

1. Husbands and wives (5:22–33) (which we discussed last time)
2. Children and parents (6:1-4)
3. Slaves and masters (6:5-9)

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

2 ‘Honour your father and mother’ – which is the first commandment with a promise –

3 ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

6 Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him.

Relationships between children and parents

Instructions to children

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

2 ‘Honour your father and mother’ – which is the first commandment with a promise –

3 ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’

What does Paul mean by parents in the Lord?

Cf. Colossians 3:20

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Even a child can know what it means to love in the Lord and to obey for his sake

Children are to obey and honour their parents

The instruction to obey ends with adulthood. The instruction to honour lasts a lifetime!

Two reasons are given for this:

1. It’s the right thing to do (1)
2. God promises to bless you if you do (2-3)

It’s the right thing to do (1)

By OT law

By the example of Christ (Luke 2:51)

God promises to bless you if you do (2-3)

It will go well with you…    you will enjoy long life

Does this really mean that all who honour their parents will enjoy long life?

Foulkes understands it to mean that Paul is underlining the fact that family life is very important and that when respect for parents fails the community becomes decadent and will not live long.

Instructions to parents

Note that in all three sections Paul’s instructions are never one-sided.

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Cf. Colossians 3:21

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Discipline is essential in the home, but not unnecessary rules and regulations and endless petty correction by which children are discouraged

Parents should care more for the loyalty of their children to Christ than for anything besides, more for this than for their health, their intellectual vigour and brilliance, their material prosperity, their social position, their exemption from great sorrows and great misfortunes (RW Dale, 1883).

Relationships between slaves and masters

As we saw when we were talking about wives and husbands, Paul’s instructions must be understood within the framework of the culture prevalent at the time. Today they may be perhaps more meaningfully applied to employers and employees.

We may well ask why New Testament writers like Paul and Peter (1 Peter 2) did not denounce slavery as did William Wilberforce in the 19th century. I think the most likely answer to that question is that NT writers clearly believed that the Lord’s return was imminent (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Social reform was, therefore, not at the heart of their concern. What was more important for Paul was the fact that as believers we are in Christ and that in Christ there is neither slave nor free.

Colossians 3:11:

Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Instructions to slaves

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

6 Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

Slaves are told to obey their masters. Notice the word earthly.

This immediately reminds us of two things:

• Our earthly state is temporary. We are citizens of heaven, which is eternal
• For us as Christians there is only one true Master. All other masters are subject to him.

We should therefore obey those who have authority over us as we would obey the Lord.

V5 just as you would obey Christ.

V6 as slaves of Christ,

V7 as if you were serving the Lord

Why?

V8  because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

Instructions to masters

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him.

What does Paul mean by in the same way?

Like the slaves, they are to do what they do ‘as for the Lord’.

What Paul means by this is further clarified in the following passages:

Philemon 15-16

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for ever – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you – although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

Concluding thoughts on this section

Whatever our role in the family or in society, the important thing is that we live in right relationship with each other and God has given us guidelines to show how we can do that.

It is interesting that whatever our role may be, it may not be the same forever.

For example, a child is not always a child and a slave may not always be a slave.

Whatever our role, it is important that we view it from a heavenly perspective rather than merely an earthly one.

Whatever we do, whether it be within the family or in the workplace, we should do everything as for the Lord. This is because we are in Christ. The theme of being in Christ is something we examined as we looked at chapter 1 and something we will return to in our final two talks as we look at Paul’s wonderful teaching in the last part of Chapter 6.