Studies from 1st Peter - 10a

Honorable Conduct of a Christian. 1Peter 2:11, 12

“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoer, they may by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

Out line

I. The Reasons:-

        i. We are of God- God’s beloved children
        ii. We are of heaven- temporary travelers.
        iii. Ongoing war inside
        iv. People are watching

II. The Route
         a. Self-discipline.
         b. Spirit-controlled life.

III. The Result

a. Souls saved
b. God glorified
c. Enemy Silenced.

Introduction:-

          In the preceding verses (vs. 9, 10) writer reminded the readers about their privileges and duties. They should proclaim the Excellencies of the Lord. From v.11 onwards Apostle Peter writes about the way to advertise the qualities of God. It is possible only by having their ‘conduct honourable’ v.12a.

          “Conduct”; “conversation”; or “walk” – speaks of our behaviour or life style.
“honourable” (kalos) = ‘excellent, lovely, winsome, fine, noble or admirable. This expression refers to the loveliest kind of visible goodness.

          Thus, Peter exhorts the readers to live such a life which is honourable, excellent and admirable. It is through such godly life style / conduct we shall show forth the excellencies of Christ.

          Notice, writer “begs’ them- not just a suggestion for right conduct but pleads with them to behave well. A Christian can not live in any way as it seems good to him. He can not imitate his past life style, or the trend seen around him. 1Peter 1:14.

Higher level of Christian standard

          We need a special, higher level of spiritual standard. The Lord Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven”. Matthew 5:20. Then the Lord goes on to elaborate this principle with examples. “You have heard…’you shall not murder’….But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…..” Matthew 5:21—28.

          Christ’s standard for murder and adultery is higher than of scribes and Pharisees. Not only a wrong action, even an evil thought is unacceptable in the sight of God. Such high standard of life style is expected from a child of God.
          Let us consider three things about our respectable behaviour: (1) The Reasons (2) The Route (3) The Result.

I. Reasons for an honorable conduct:-

1. We are God’s beloved Children. V. 11a

          In versus 9 & 10 writer gave some valid reasons why Christian’s should have a distinct life. Now he gives four more reasons that should prompt them to behave well.

          ‘Beloved’ – ‘agepetos’ – refers to the love of God for His son, now extended to us. In Christ we have been accepted as His beloved. Cf. Romans 1:7. We are the object of God’s special, infinite love. Cf. 1 Peter 2:9 We are His own special people. As God’s own dear children we ought to imitate God. Eph. 5:1.

          That’s why our life style must be different and honorable. It must be worthy of our Heavenly Father who loved us so much. To behave in a way that will bring dishonor to God is unfaithfulness, ingratitude and rebellion.
Bible says much about our walk. Let us consider few from the New Testament:-

Coloss 1: 10:- Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him
Phil. 1:27:- Conduct worth of the Gospel.
1Thess. 2:12:- Walk worthy of God who called us.
1Thess 4:1, 12:- Walk properly to please God.

Our conduct shows who we are and whose we are! Appearance and attitude of an employ should always be worthy of the reputation of that employer.

As God’s beloved children how much respectable and lovely way of life we ought to maintain.

2. We are sojourners and pilgrims. V.11a

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