Studies from 1st Peter - 10b

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

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

           Not only our ‘ownership’ (whose we are), but also our ‘citizenship’ (from where we are) demands a distinct way of life.

           ‘Sojourners’ –refers to ‘aliens’, ‘expatriates’- those who live in another country-away form homeland. They have no rights as citizen, but temporarily stays for certain purposes.

           That exactly is our position. Our citizenship is in heaven and we are here for a specific purpose. John 17: 18; Phil 3:20. We ought to live as if we are in a foreign land, keeping away from the fashions and style of this world, but vigorously fulfilling our responsibilities.

           “Pilgrims’ – refers to travelers – visitors- especially to holy places. They are away from their home for a brief period. Such is our state. We are away from our heavenly home.

           Both the terms show our temporary stay here. We are not of this world. We should not be attached to the life style of this world. Heroes of faith lived such a life. Heb. 11:13—16.

3. The ongoing war inside. V.11c

           “Fleshly lusts …..war against the soul’. There is a fight going on within us between flesh ( Old sin nature) and Spirit ( New Nature) Cf. Galatians 5:17. Both lusts /desires against each other.

           Before conversion we loved and walked according to the desire of the flesh. Ephesians 2:2, 3. After conversion we got a new nature- a divine one- yet practically speaking the old sin nature still dwells with in us and fights with our new nature! (It is true that our old man has been crucified with Christ, we ought to know and reckon that. We should never yield to the flesh, but submit our members to Christ. Cf. Romans 6)

           Devil is using our flesh to demand what it craves for. That is exactly against the desire of our new nature. Cf. Galatians 5:19; 22. That results in a war. “War’ is not just a fight; it is a military campaign, series of battle, making every effort to defeat the enemy.

           So our enemy –Satan- is engaged in a war using our flesh within us. It is not just for a while. It is a struggle we have to face with much caution. It is not an isolated experience of few. Every Christian faces it. Apostle Paul says ‘that which I want to do, I am not able’. Romans 7:14—23. But he never yielded himself. He thanks God for the victory he has through the Lord Jesus Christ.

How to be victorious in this struggle? It is by our commitment to live a right, godly conduct.

           When evil forces are trying to trap us with lust of the flesh, pride of life etc (1John 2:16), our honorable, godly behaviour will defeat it.

4. People are watching us. V. 12

           “They observe” – not just ‘seeing’ but others are carefully watching our every movements. Why do they observe so keenly? To speak against us. So not only ‘war’ inside, there is ‘war’ outside too! The world will try the best to blame us, to stamp us as ‘evil doers’. Cf. 3:16; 4:4.

           What shall we do? We can not fight with them. No need to argue with them or try to justify ourselves. But the best option Peter presents is to maintain an admirable behaviour. If there is nothing in our life as unlawful, unworthy and unscriptural we don’t need to fear the criticisms of others.

           H. A. Ironside has rightly said, “ If what they say about you is true, mend your ways, if it isn’t true, forget it, and go on and serve the Lord”.

           So the best answer for criticism is our right behaviour. That was the way the Lord responded.1Peter 2:23. People who accuse us will see our good works and slowly understand the truth. Cf. Matthew 5:16f. 1Peter 2:15.

           On the contrary a failed life will discredit the name of the Lord. Any effort to show oneself as saint or spiritual will become useless as the day go by. People are watching our life more than they listen to our preaching! So conduct accordingly.

II. The route

How to live such a life? Two things are essential:-

a. Self-discipline. V. 11 “Abstain”
           Consciously – firmly- say ‘No’ to fleshly lusts. Cf. 1 Corin 9:25—27. We must be away from things that can harm our spiritual life, disturb our walk with Christ. Any provision for flesh will only strengthen the fleshly lusts. Rom. 13:14. Remember, it is inside us that we need to win first of all. Jam 1:14, 15.
b. Spirit-controlled life. Galatians 5:16, 18.
           Yield to the Spirit of God who helps us to live an honourable life. We have no strength in ourselves. Though there is conflict inside as well as outside, no need to fail. The indwelling Holy Spirit can help us to win, if only we submit to Him.

III. The Result

           What is the outcome of an honourable life? “they may……glorify God in the day of visitation.” V. 12b. Two meanings possible:-
a. At the time of judgment they will have no excuse.
           Not only they heard the gospel message, they have also seen changed lives. No one can blame God.
b. Souls will be saved.
           People who see such transformed godly life, gradually attracted to the gospel. One day when the Lord visits them to save them, they will glorify God for those ideal Christians who became an example for them to follow the Lord.
c. Accusers will be silent. V. 15
           One thing is sure, more than our preaching or other form of communication of the gospel truth, gospel lived is more effective. Let the world see Christ see in our life. That is possible only by maintaining an admirable life style. Sad, many a times it is our inconsistent life that hinders others from coming to Christ.

Conclusion:-
           We are different, our way of life / behaviour is special. Our ownership and citizenship demand it. The Spiritual fight inside as well as outside should force us to live a respectable Christian life.

Is our life an honourable one? Does it help or hinder others in their walk with Christ?