dependence on god’s word & practical...

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1 Peter Chapter 2 Klaus G. Schiessel Copyright © April 2018

1 PETER 2 Dependence on God’s Word

& Practical Holiness

vv. 1-3� CHRISTIANS ARE TO CRAVE THE WORD OF GOD: DESIRE FOR SPIRITUAL MATURITY [1 Therefore, all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes,

desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [into salvation] thereby, 3 if indeed you have

tasted that the Lord is gracious.]

[Therefore, laying aside…..] “Therefore”— because you have been begotten again according to

the abundant mercy of God to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the

dead {1 Pet. 1:3}, called to holiness in all your conduct {1 Pet. 1:15}, redeemed by the precious

blood of Jesus Christ so that your faith and hope are in God {1 Pet. 1:19}, you have purified

your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren {1 Pet. 1:22}

and you’ve been born-again through the word of God (which lives and abides forever) {1 Pet.

1:23}—now “lay aside” the following sins.

The exhortation to “lay side”, which is an allusion to taking off clothes; and the meaning is, that

we are to cast off these things entirely; that is, we are no longer to be identified by them.

Therefore, rid yourself of, cast off those things which are mentioned next…………….

[…..all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking] Peter gives us a ‘grocery list’

of five sins that originate in the heart and eventually come out of the mouth. These all go back to

one’s behavior and speech.

Note that these are all “fruit” of the flesh, which war against the spirit, and the “fruit” spirit wars

against them. See Gal. 5:16-18. Taken individually, any one of these sins has the potential to

destroy the fellowship between believers and drive a wedge between them. But together they

form a “perfect storm” of spiritual destruction within a body of believers.

Peter makes a strong point to address this issue because, after all, he is interested in Christians

living godly, holy lives so that believers are edified and God is glorified. He is interested in

Christians maintaining their “holiness”, being set-apart for serving the Lord and representing

Him in a godly fashion to the world {ref. 1 Pet. 1:13-16}.

In his letter to the Christians in Colossae, Paul echoes a similar sentiment and we get the

impression that this is an important and common theme related to Christian conduct:

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.—Col. 3:8-9

These are all sins that a Christian should take off like dirty old clothes. The five sins that Peter

lists here can be classified under “deceitful desires”, which Christians are to put-off because that

was a part of their former conduct—before being “born-again”:

But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts…..—Eph. 4:20-22

Elsewhere we are told what a Christians should “put-on” instead:

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For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.—Gal. 3:26-27

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. —Rom. 13:14

…..and be renewed in the spirit of your mind and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.—Eph. 4:23-24

See also Col. 3:8-17, which includes the following admonition to Christians:

…..and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him…..Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Love is the key to putting on the spiritual clothes. Jesus said that; “By this all will know that you

are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” {John 13:35}.

Now here are the things that Peter tells Christians they need to lay or put aside:

MALICE is the evil desire or intention to cause physical and/or emotional harm, including death,

to someone; it is to wish for bad things happening to others. The source of malice can be

prejudice or resentment. It is the antithesis of love; love thinks no evil {1 Cor. 13:5}.

DECEIT is the action or practice of deliberately deceiving someone by concealing or

misrepresenting the truth; it is dishonesty. The KJV renders this word as “guile”. The Greek

word refers to a “decoy” that is meant to bait a person through trickery. Deceit may be used to

manipulate someone. It is the antithesis of love; which rejoices in the truth {1 Cor. 13:6}.

HYPOCRISY is pretending to make others believe you are something that you are not; it is hiding

or disguising one’s true beliefs and motives with contrary words and actions. The Greek word

[hupokrisis] used here means “acting a theatrical part”, derived from another Greek word

[hupokrinesthai] meaning “play a part, pretend”. The term was used in the Greek theater to

describe the masks that actors would use to convey the nature of the character they were playing.

ENVY is a feeling of discontent and resentful longing [coveting] aroused by someone else’s

status, popularity, possessions or qualities. It describes an obsessive desire for having what

someone else has and is characterized by an attitude that thinks; “I deserve it—they don’t”,

which is motivated by pride. Envy is the antithesis of love; love does not envy {1 Cor. 13:4}.

Envy was the primary sin that motivated the religious rulers [the scribes, Pharisees and

Sadducees] to bring up Jesus on false charges with the intention of having Him crucified. But

their actions also indicated that they were motivated by the other sins on Peter’s list: malice,

deceit, hypocrisy ad evil speaking.

But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. —Mark 15:9-10

It should be noted that Bible’s definition of “envy” is not the same thing as “jealousy”. For if

that were true, it would cause God to sin since jealousy is not only one of the attributes of the

LORD—it’s also one of His names!

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“You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”—Exodus 20:4-6

“For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God”— Exodus 34:14-15

Jealousy, motivated by love1, can actually be a virtue, and was actually protected under the “law

of jealousy” when a husband desired marital fidelity from his wife2.

ALL EVIL SPEAKING is slander, gossip and backbiting lies. This would include foolish talking and

crude jesting {see Eph. 5:4} that makes fun or mocks someone, albeit in a humorous or clever

way3.

Evil speaking causes discord and division within the Body of Christ4, the Church {James 4:1-

10}. Here is what James says about this:

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?—James 4:11-13

These attitudes and behaviors all fall into a category of things that God hates!

These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.—Prov. 6:16-19

None of these sins are becoming those who have been redeemed by the precious blood of the

Lamb and been born-again. A Christian should renounce all these sins and make a conscious

decision not to “wear them” any longer.

These sins may have characterized a person before they were “born-again”, but now a Christian

should not be seen “wearing them”. The attitude should be one of, “I wouldn’t be caught ‘dead’

wearing those dirty, filthy things”.

[…..as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word…..] Instead Christians are to “desire the

pure milk” of God’s Word. The Greek word rendered “desire” here doesn’t mean to just “want

it”, the word refers to an “intense craving for”—“I’ve got to have it or I’ll die!”

After a believer lays aside the evil desires and motives {v.1}, they are to feed on the

unadulterated and nourishing spiritual food found in God’s Word that produces growth and

maturity.

1 See also Deut. 4:24; 5:9; 6:15.

2 “This is the law of jealousy, when a wife, while under her husband's authority, goes astray and defiles

herself, or when the spirit of jealousy comes upon a man, and he becomes jealous of his wife; then he shall stand the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute all this law upon her. Then the man shall be free from iniquity, but that woman shall bear her guilt” {Num. 5:29-31}. 3 The Greek words rendered “foolish talking” and “crude jesting” in Eph.5:4 [used nowhere else in the

New Testament] literally mean “moronic logic” and “well-turned”; referring to speech which is stupid and clever; meant to be humorous at another person’s expense. 4 As defined in Col. 1:18.

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It is interesting to note that the Greek word rendered “pure” or “sincere” in v.2 is the negative

[direct opposite] of the word rendered “deceit” in v.1 and refers to something being

uncontaminated by impurities.

In other words, it is now expected that those who have been born-again [i.e., believers] to lay

aside the sinful attitudes and behaviors mentioned in v.1 and crave the pure nourishment of

God’s Word. This is speaking about spiritual dependence.

SPIRITUAL DEPENDENCE VERSUS SPIRITUAL MATURITY:

However, elsewhere Paul exhorts Christians to:

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” —1 Cor. 3:1-3

And the author of Hebrews tells us:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.—Heb. 5:12-14

These scriptures are emphasizing that believers should desire to mature in their faith by

diligently studying the Word of God. The context in those scriptures is spiritual maturity.

Peter is not drawing such a contrast here. For him the issue is complete, exclusive spiritual

dependence upon God’s word so a believer can strive for spiritual maturity.

What Peter is emphasizing is that a Christian should crave the pure nourishment that the Word of

God provides just as an infant craves the unadulterated milk from a mother’s breast! This speaks

of humility and absolute dependence on God’s spiritual provision found in His Word.

The Bible is full of this kind of admonishment:

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.—Psalms 119:9-11

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.—Psalms 119:105

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.—Psalms 42:1-2a

In v.23 of chapter 1 Peter told us that we “have been born again, not of corruptible seed but

incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever”. Christians have been

born-again by the Word of God [the Gospel] and as children of God they should never stop

hungering after that “Word” because when they do they are actually hungering after Christ:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men…..And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.—John 1:1-5, 14

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[….that you may grow |into salvation| thereby……] The goal is growth and spiritual maturity.

But this cannot happen without laying aside the sinful attitudes and behaviors mentioned here.

This is what Paul is talking about in Phil. 2:12-13.

[.....if indeed you have tasted that the LORD is gracious] The Greek word rendered “tasted” is a

primary verb, which means “to taste”. But the implication is “to eat” after tasting. This is

referring to something that has been personally experienced and savored.

This is an allusion to the previous statement that Christians are to crave the pure milk of God’s

Word like new-born infants. Through it they have tasted that the LORD is full of grace and

mercy.

If you have “tasted that the LORD is gracious”, then you can’t get enough and will want more.

We see the word “tasted” used in a similar way in Job 12:11; “Does not the ear test words and

the mouth taste its food?”

In the Psalm that David wrote [after he pretended madness before king Achish5] he also uses

“tasted” in similar fashion:

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”—Ps. 34:8

In this context Peter uses the term to indicate the experience of receiving the grace of the LORD

in being saved; in the sense of Eph. 2:8-9:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Paul refers to the process of salvation as “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy

Spirit”. Note:

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly [lit., “lavishly”] through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.—Titus 3:4-7

Peter is reminding us that those who have been redeemed have experienced, i.e., “tasted”, the

lavish mercy and grace of the LORD.

We see then that the usage of the word “tasting” is a metaphor for the salvation of one’s soul

which is a result of God’s grace [and mercy] working through our faith.

This definition has important implications in the proper interpretation of Heb. 6:4-6, which is

often used by those who believe one can lose their salvation. Please refer to the APPENDIX: THE

SECURITY OF A BELIEVER’S SALVATION for a full discussion related to this.

vv. 4-5� OFFER UP SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES: HOLINESS [4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,

5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up

spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.]

5 The Philistine king of Gath with whom David sought refuge from Saul. The servants of Achish soon

recognized David as the successful champion of Israel against Goliath. But David, well-knowing that the insane were held sacred as “smitten but protected by the gods", escaped capture only by pretending madness after which the king drove David away. {1 Sam. 21:10-15}.

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[Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men] The allegory of Jesus being a

“living stone” or, more precisely, the “chief cornerstone” {v.6}; which was rejected by men [the

“builders”; v.7], i.e., the religious leaders; is a major prophetic theme in the Bible; which Peter is

about to demonstrate in the next few verses.

Jesus Christ was a living stone who was rejected by men; i.e., man’s wisdom. But God’s

“foolishness is wiser than men” {1 Cor. 1:25}. Peter is about to tell us that the Stone that was

rejected by the “builders” is now, by the will of God; become the head, or chief, cornerstone, of

the building!

The metaphor of a “rock” being used to describe the LORD is prominent throughout scripture

{Deut. 32:3-4, 15, 18, 30-31; 2 Sam. 22:47; 23:3; Isa. 17:10; 44:8; Hab. 1:12; Matt. 7:24-25};

especially in the Psalms. For example:

“The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.”—Ps. 18:46

“To You I will cry, O LORD my Rock: Do not be silent to me, lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to Sheol. Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.”—Ps. 28:1-2

“In You, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline Your ear to me, and save me. Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my Rock and my Fortress.”—Ps. 71:1-3

“Then they remembered that God was their Rock and the Most High God their Redeemer.”—Ps. 78:35

“He shall cry to Me, 'You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation’.” —Ps. 89:26

“To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”—Ps. 92:15

“But the LORD has been my defense and my God the Rock of my Refuge.”—Ps. 94:22

“Oh come; let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God and the great King above all gods.”—Ps. 95:1-3

“Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle—My loving-kindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.”—Ps. 144:1-2

The imagery of the Messiah being “the Rock” was near-and-dear to Peter’s heart because after

he acknowledges Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God”, Jesus responds by telling him:

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this Rock [confession that Jesus is the Savior Christ] I will build My Church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”—Matt. 16:17-19

[…..but chosen by God and precious,] Although rejected by those who pridefully thought they

were in charge; God chose Jesus, His precious and beloved Son, to become the foundation stone.

Although rejected by the builders, Jesus Christ is now glorified and seated on the throne in

Heaven!

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This is so like God. His ways are not man’s ways, and His wisdom is not man’s wisdom for He

does not value the same qualities that man does; in his prideful ignorance.

[…..you also, as living stones,] This is truly amazing—as believers we have been given the

wonderful “right” of being part of the “structure” that the LORD is building—His Church!

This is because that as many as receive Jesus as personal Lord and Savior, “He gave the right to

become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of

the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” {John 1:12-13}.

Collectively, believers are unified in one Church but God still sees us as individual stones,

“living stones”, of that building. Refer also to 1 Cor. 12:4-14, 27: DIVERSITY WITHIN UNITY.

These stones are “alive” because it is made up of those who have been “born again”, not of

corruptible things, but by the precious blood of the Lamb of God—Jesus Christ!

[…..are being built up a spiritual house,] A “spiritual house” is a temple. The apostle Paul puts

it this way:

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's…….You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men”.—1 Cor. 6:19-20; 7:23

Christian, have you ever thought of yourself as being part of a spiritual house? How about a

holy priest? How about your body being “the temple of the Holy Spirit [who is in you]? If not, it

is time to acknowledge this and change any habits or behaviors unbecoming to a priestly

position. We need to be offering up spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to God to the glory

of Jesus Christ.

This means (1) we are to live our lives by faith, because without faith it’s impossible to please

God {Heb. 1:6}, and (2) we are to be holy, separated from the world to God, not to partake in

ungodly practices of the world {1 Pet. 1:14}.

Paul uses the same metaphors:

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.—Eph. 2:19-22

[…..a holy priesthood,] Christians are a made a “holy priesthood”. This means that they serve

in the capacity of a priest. What exactly is this?

Well, it means that a Christian is first of all (a) to serve the LORD with all their heart, mind and

soul, (b) they are to represent the living God to people through the godly example of Love, (c)

intercede on the behalf of others to the living God through prayer and (d) participate in the

worship of God by putting Him first in everything they do and say in life.

So that now a Christian acts in the role as “priest” to a lost and dying world.

[…..to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ] Christians are

“wired” by God to serve Him and worship Him. This is what we see the angels constantly doing

in Heaven.

Note that the writer of Hebrews tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God” {Heb.

11:6}. Therefore, the spiritual sacrifices of serving, living, loving, praying and worshipping are

only “acceptable to God” when they are done through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

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How is this done you might ask. Again, the scriptures don’t leave us fumbling for an answer on

our own. Note:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”—Rom. 12:1-2

The Greek words rendered “reasonable service” in this passage literally mean, “logical ministry

to God”, which evokes a picture of a priest leading worship.

Such a process is driven by an attitude of humility in light of the Lord’s power, glory and grace:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”—Phil. 2:5-9

And we can only do this through faith—the same faith that saves a person:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”—Heb 11:6

Since we are now “IN CHRIST JESUS” through faith in Him, we should now live accordingly, as

being a “temple of the Holy Spirit”, as “holy priests” and built together with other Christians as a

“spiritual house”!

vv. 6-8� HOLINESS IS A PROPHETIC LEGACY [6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame6”. 7 Therefore, to

you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone7”, 8 and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense8”. They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.]

In chapter 1 Peter quoted from Isa. 40:6-8; here, in vv.6-8, he quotes Isaiah two more times {Isa.

28:16; 8:14} and also the Psalmist {Ps. 118:22}.

These verses present a sharp contrast between those who believe in Jesus Christ as LORD and

Savior, and those who do not. Note again the sharp identification of unbelief with disobedience.

Jesus Christ is “precious” [the word means to have value, to have honor] to those who are

obedient and have accepted Him.

But in contrast, He is considered worthless [lit. unacceptable, disapproved] by those who are

disobedient and have rejected Him. Jesus Christ becomes both a “Rock of offense” and a

“stumbling Stone” to those who do not believe.

This disobedience characterized the chief priests and Pharisees when Jesus quoted Psalms

118:22 after recounting the parable about the “Wicked Vinedressers” {ref. Matt. 21:42-46}.

The full passage reads:

6 Quoted from Isaiah 28:16.

7 Quoted from Psalms 118:22.

8 Quoted from Isaiah 8:14.

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The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.—Ps. 118:22-24

The LORD has done this!

Note that Jesus, in the context of quoting from Psalms 118:22-24, teaches9 us that a person’s

eternal destiny is dependent on what they do with this “Rock/Stone”:

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?’ Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation10 {1 Pet. 2:9} bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”—Matt. 21:42-44

Peter is effectively contrasting those who “fall on this stone” [Jesus Christ] and those who don’t.

Those who fall on the “Stone” are broken, that is, they have humbled themselves and repented of

their sin and have turned to the living God and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Stone in this case is a

means for justification and salvation to eternal life.

Those who don’t humble themselves and repent are those who refuse to fall on the Stone and are,

in the end, crushed because the Stone [Jesus Christ] will roll over on them and grind them to

powder. The Stone in this case is a means for judgment and sentencing to eternal condemnation.

Another way to look at this is: those who repent are justified, those who reject are judged.

The same Rock which is precious to those who believe is a rock of offense to those who do not.

That is one powerful Rock!

Those who believe on Jesus Christ [His substitutionary death for the forgiveness of sins] will

never be ashamed—they will never regret it. Note that Paul quotes the same verse in this

context:

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”—Rom. 10:9-11

Isn’t it wonderful to know that whoever believes in the Lord Jesus Christ will never have their

faith misplaced—they will never be ashamed of believing in the Messiah Jesus! This also

implies that a believer will never have to worry about losing their salvation11

.

His listeners being Christian Jews, Peter relies heavily on quoting the Old Testament to support

his emphasis that Christians, as “living stones”, are built on the CHIEF CORNERSTONE, which is

the Messiah Jesus.

The imagery of a chief cornerstone is significant. The word literally refers to the “extreme”

stone that is positioned in the corner of the foundation. This stone determined the starting

position and direction for building the walls of a building.

Jesus Christ is the starting point and basis for building up the “living stones”, Christians, into His

body—the Church!

9 This is in the context of the parable of the “Wicked Vinedressers” found in Matt. 21:33-39.

10 This is the “holy nation” referred to by Peter in v.9, which is the Church universal, the Body of Christ.

11 “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” {Joel 2:32}; also quoted in Rom. 10:13.

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Thus, a Christian is to imitate Jesus Christ in “holy living” and “priestly service” of

representation and intercession in proclaiming the Gospel message.

Jesus Christ, the Living Stone rejected by men but glorified in honor and power, becomes the

“chief cornerstone”; who is elect [chosen] and precious.

“He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken, be snared and taken.”—Isa. 8:14-15

As “living stones”, believers too become “stumbling stones” and “rocks of offense” to those who

are disobedient and reject the Gospel12

:

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master’. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”—John 15:18-21

[They stumble, being disobedient to the word,] The analogy is that those who reject Jesus Christ

are like those who stumble over the Stone.

They stumble because their pride was offended and they are disobedient to the message of the

Gospel—they refuse to believe! In this case disobedience is synonymous with unbelief.

[…..to which they also were appointed.] Is Peter saying that it was predetermined who would

reject the Gospel message and they would have no choice in the matter? No! An example here

will be helpful. Jesus alluded to this in the context of the betrayal of Judas when He said,

“The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” —Matt. 26:24

“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me

I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture13 might

be fulfilled.”—John 17:12-13

It is the same order found in Rom. 8:29; (1) those “whom God foreknew” and then (2) of that

specific sub-group He “predestined to be conformed into the image of His son”.

God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge does not negate man’s responsibility and accountability!

In 1 Pet. 4:17 Peter tells us that “the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God;

and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

To reject the message of the Gospel is to disobey it.

People do have the freedom to choose among many different options. But it’s also true that every

choice has a single consequence particular to that choice. A person does not get the option to

choose the consequences of their choice—the consequence is fixed as soon as a choice is made.

As a consequence of a personal choice to willfully disobey and reject of the Gospel message, and

not receive Christ as their Savior, a person in this sense is “appointed” to “stumble” over the

Rock of salvation because it is an “offense” to them. This decision leads to their eternal

condemnation.

12

See also John 16:33; 17:14; Rom.8:7-8; 2Tim. 3:12; James 4:4; and 1 John 3:13. 13

See Psalms 69:25; 109:8 with the interpretation given in Acts 1:20. Refer also to Jer. 32:6-9; Zech. 11:12-13.

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From this fall there will be no recovery—rejection of Jesus Christ is eternally fatal. Those who

have chosen not to believe and instead reject God’s offer of grace, forgiveness and salvation, will

one day face Him as their Judge.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”—John 3:16-20

vv. 9-10� GOD’S SPECIAL PEOPLE: CHOSEN, ROYAL AND HOLY [9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,

that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous

light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained

mercy but now have obtained mercy.]

Here Peter is drawing a parallel between the relationship that Israel enjoyed with the LORD

under the Old Covenant [the Law14

; given through Moses] and the New Covenant given through

Jesus Christ [Grace; given through Jesus Christ]. Note the similarity in language:

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.—Ex. 19:5-6

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.” —Deut. 7:6; 14:2

Before the New Testament, the term “chosen” was used to apply only to the nation of Israel but

now under the New Covenant [the blood shed by Christ for the forgiveness of sins15

] it applies to

the Church, the Body of Christ, made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers {Rom. 8:33; 11:7;

Col 3:12}. Note:

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the Cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off [the Gentiles] and to those who were near [the Jews]. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.—Eph. 2:14-18

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. —Gal. 3:26-29

14

Which Jesus Christ’s sacrifice made obsolete. See Heb. 8:7-13. But the promises made to the nation of Israel are NOT obsolete {e.g., Isa. 11:11-12; Jer. 30:6-11; Ez. 37:21-28; 39:25-29; Dan. 12:1-3; Hos. 3:4; Joel 3:16-21; Amos 9:11-15; Obad. 1:17-21; Zech. 12:3-14; 14:1-5, 16-21; Rom. 11:11-15, 25-28}. 15

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” {Matt. 26:27-28}.

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Christian, are you aware of the awesome status you enjoy in the eyes of God?!

This New Covenant was prophesied in the Old Testament; so it is not a radically new idea16

:

“Behold, the days are coming”, says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days”, says the Lord: “I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”—Jer. 31:31-34

Peter then uses the same four wonderful adjectives [CHOSEN, ROYAL, HOLY and SPECIAL] to

collectively describe all the believers who make up the CHURCH, Christ’s “BODY” {e.g., see

Rom. 12:4-5; 1Cor. 12:27}.

But it is very important to note that “Israel the Elect” and the “Church the Elect” are not the

same; they are distinct and separate17

prophetically. Similarity does not mean identity18

.

Christians are a special people because God has preserved them for Himself; both of the Jews

and the Gentiles. While the attributes Peter uses to describe the Church are the same as those

used of Israel in the Old Testament, this in no way implies that the Church replaces Israel and

assumes the national blessings promised to Israel [to be fulfilled during the Great Tribulation and

in the Millennium]. Peter just uses similar terms to point out similar truths. As Israel was “a

chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God”, so too are

Christians chosen, are priests, are holy, and belong to God.

[But you are a chosen generation,] First, Christians comprise a generation chosen by God.

The Greek word rendered “generation” means “kin”, that is, we the “offspring” of the seed of

God’s word, the Gospel and born-again into the family of God as His children.

The Greek word “eklektoís”, rendered “chosen” here, is the same word rendered “elect”

elsewhere in the New Testament, including 1 Pet. 1:2, referring to believers; and v.4, referring to

Jesus Christ.

We are “elect”, chosen by God not only to be His special object of attention, love and grace but

also of His promises. It means God will never fail us nor forsake us.

[…..a royal priesthood,] Second, Christians are a “royal priesthood”. This speaks both of the

royalty and the priesthood of the believer. Note:

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood [the New Covenant] out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”—Rev. 5:9-10

As “kings” Christians have the authority to lead and as “priests” they have the responsibility to

represent the Lord to people and also to intercede through prayers on their behalf.

16

Quoted in Heb. 8:8-12. 17

This can be seen in Paul’s rationale for why he’s willing to suffer for sharing the Gospel: “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” {2 Tim. 2:8-10}. 18

See especially 2 Tim. 2:8-10 where Paul refers to unsaved Jews as the “elect”.

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[…..a holy nation,] Third, Christians are a “holy nation” that is in-this-world but also not-of-

this-world because they are set-apart, sanctified and holy. The “holy nation” is the Church, the

Body of Christ {e.g., see Rom. 12:4-5; 1Cor. 12:27}. Jesus puts it this way:

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”—John 18:36

Now at one point the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God was coming, so he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’. For indeed, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”—Luke 17:20-21

[…..His own special people,] Fourth, Christians are God’s “own special people”. Believers are

not only a chosen generation, a royal priesthood and a holy nation, but they are God’s special

people. This means that they are unique and a treasure.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. —Titus 2:11-14

As God’s special people Christians have an obligation to be passionate in serving Him through

ministering to other believers by exercising their spiritual gift(s) that the Church might be

edified.

[…..that you may proclaim the praises of Him] The purpose of a Christian is to worship the

LORD who created all things and saves us by the shedding of His blood on the cross.

Above all, the LORD God Almighty is Holy—“Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD Almighty.....” {see

Rev. 4:8-11; 5:11-14}.

[…..who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;] Before their salvation a Christian

was not only in the dark but was part of the darkness—part of the problem.

[…..who once were not a people] Christians begin as unbelievers, enemies of God and at war

with Him. Their thoughts, attitudes and behaviors were contrary to the righteous standards of

God.

Gentiles especially had been alienated from God; but now, Christ Jesus makes it possible for

them to be saved even as for the Jew. Note:

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision [the Jews] made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.—Eph. 2:11-12

[…..but are now the people of God,] But after their conversion, Christians are the “people of

God”. They are the “children of God” {Rom. 8:16; 1 John 3:1-2}, “sons of God” {Gal. 3:26}

and “friends of God” {John 15:14-15}.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were ‘far off’ [the Gentiles] have been brought near by the blood of Christ.—Eph. 2:13

�14


[…..who had not obtained mercy] Since even the unjust receive “mercy” from God, although

they don’t acknowledge it [e.g., the life-sustaining rain falls on the just and unjust; {i.e., Matt.

5:43-48}] the “mercy” that Peter is talking about here is special. Peter is talking about the kind

of mercy that can only be experienced through the forgiveness of sins. That kind of mercy, the

FORGIVENESS OF SINS, comes only through repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as LORD and

Savior, believing that His blood was shed in place of our punishment for sin {Eph. 1:7}.

[…..but now have obtained mercy.] By putting their faith in Jesus Christ’s blood shed for the

forgiveness of sins, a Christian has now obtained mercy. After being born-again God’s mercy is

abundant and liberal.

There is no better summary of this than that given by Peter himself:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.—1 Pet. 1:3-5

THE CHURCH. Those who have obeyed the Gospel message, and received the grace of God

[forgiveness of sins] through faith, by confessing with their mouth that Jesus is LORD and Savior

and believing in their hearts that God raised from the dead19

, are now, collectively as the Church,

a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God’s own special people.

This can be thought of as the result of a “BEFORE AND AFTER” process:

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”—Eph. 2:1-3

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light [for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth], finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”— Eph. 5:8-12

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”—1 Cor. 6:9-11

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.....”—Col. 1:13-14

This is why Peter makes such a big deal about Christians being strangers and pilgrims in this

world—we represent a chosen generation and royal priesthood of God—we are a holy nation

living within, but not of, this world.

Now the Church, this holy nation, as God’s own special people, is expected to proclaim praises

to the God who took them out of the darkness of sin and disobedience and placed them into the

marvelous light of His Word and grace.

19

Refer to Rom. 10:8-13.

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vv. 11-12� IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD CHRISTIAN WITNESS: LIVING BY FAITH [11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against

the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against

you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of

visitation.]

This part of Peter’s letter marks a major change. He switches from expounding on the position

Christians enjoy in Christ and a call for their personal holiness, to practical Christian living and

relationships. He moves from “theology” to “do-ology”.

He will cover the topics of culture—Christianity, government—citizens, overseers—servants and

finally husbands—wives.

In this passage Peter’s utmost concern is for believers to present a good Christian witness. Their

testimony needs to be above reproach as they strive to be blameless in this world. That they be

“wise as serpents, but harmless as doves” {Matt. 10:16}.

[Beloved…..] In prefacing his exhortation, Peter addresses believers as “beloved”; a word

related to unconditional love [Gk. agape]. This is a term of deep endearment.

Peter wants the recipients of his letter [persecuted Christian Jews] to know that he loves them

dearly and wants the best for them. He’s for them, he’s on their side.

It is the same word used by the Father in referring to His Son, Jesus Christ at His baptism and

transfiguration:

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”—Matt. 3:16-17

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother and led them up on a high mountain by themselves and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light…..While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”—Matt. 17:1-3, 5-6

[I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims…..] Peter pleads with believers whom he refers to as

sojourners and pilgrims. Here he uses the same Greek word [parepideemois = foreigner/pilgrim]

he used earlier {1 Pet. 1:1} but also a different one [paroikous = nomad/sojourner] effectively

meaning homeless.

Thus, in addition to being foreigners/strangers in the world, Christians should also consider

themselves without a permanent home until they get to their final destination—Heaven!

It’s a matter of our testimony—our behavior needs to match our belief. In the common

vernacular, we need to “walk the talk”.

Because this world is not our final home, Peter admonishes Christians to live a separated, i.e.,

sanctified life—a holy life; while here on earth. This is one of two of the main motivations for

living a godly life.

The second motivation for living a godly life is that this world and everything in it is passing

away {1 John 2:17; Rev. 21:1}. Only that which is done for the LORD will last eternally.

Unsurprisingly, Peter will address this motivation in his second letter:

�16


But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.—2 Pet. 3:10-13

Now Peter is going to tell us what Christians must strive to do precisely because they are

foreigners/strangers, without a permanent home in this world.

This serves two purposes: (1) we glorify and give honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and

(2) we silence the critics of the Gospel.

[…..abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul…..] “Fleshly lusts” are the natural

desires that drive a person to gratify/fulfill their carnal appetites; which invariably lead to sinful,

immoral behavior. These tendencies came about because of the original sin of disobeying God

and now have been woven into the “spiritual DNA” of every person born since then.

There is a war going on between a Christian’s flesh and their soul/spirit. Note that fleshly

desires come from our flesh, which is corruptible and is corrupting—someday our bodies will

die20

. But a Christian’s soul has been redeemed and has been given a desire for the things of

God. Obviously, these two goals, these two desires are contradictory to one another.

This is why Peter reminds us that the old nature, which dwells in our flesh, is constantly

struggling with, at war [lit. strategizing] against the soul that has been born-again. The temptation

to disobey authority, especially God, is unfortunately a constant battle. If you don’t believe that,

ask yourself if you’ve ever touched the paint where there was a sign which read, “WET PAINT—

PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH”.

Christians are to abstain from indulging in “fleshly lusts” which —but what are they? Paul lists

some of them:

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. —Gal. 5:17-21

This is why James tells us:

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.—James 1:13-15

But Christians have another source of temptation—Satan, who accuses us before God

continually. He is actually called the “tempter” in Matt. 4:3 and 1 Thess. 3:5.

20

This is why the Bible speaks of our physical bodies someday also being “redeemed”, this is, resurrected: “Not only that, but we also who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” {Rom. 8:23}.

�17


Satan uses the “buttons” of our flesh to tempt us, and he always does so in the same manner that

he tempted Eve. Although he is a formidable enemy, he is no match for the power of the Holy

Spirit!

The apostle John tells us “why” Christians are to abstain from fleshly desires: they are to love

God more than the things of the world; and they are to worship the LORD God and Him only:

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—(1) the lust of the flesh, (2) the lust of the eyes, and (3) the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.—1 John 2:15-17

Solomon tells us that there’s nothing new under the sun {Eccles. 1:9} and John is only repeating

the three-pronged temptations of the first sin; when Eve “saw that the tree was (1) good for food,

(2) that it was pleasant to the eyes and (3) a tree desirable to make one wise”; she disobeyed

God’s word and took of the tree’s fruit and ate {Gen. 3:6}.

Note the one-to-one correspondence of these three categories of temptation: (1) good for

food=lust of the flesh, (2) pleasant to the eyes=lust of the eyes and (3) desirable to make one

wise=pride of life. All sin falls within one or more of these three categories of temptation21

!

The non-believer does not have the power of the Holy Spirit to abstain from these natural

desires—but a believer does!

How does a Christian abstain from “fleshly desires”? Peter tells us next.

[…..having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles,…..] The Greek word rendered

“conduct” here refers to the way a person orders or arranges their life. Since the words which a

person speaks are oftentimes representative of a person’s attitude and motives, this word is

sometimes also rendered “conversation”. Today we might use the expression, “Get your act

together” for doing good!

The purpose of abstaining from fleshly desires is so that a Christian can live in a honorable

manner among non-believers [here referred to as “Gentiles”].

A Christian is meant be a living example of the power of the Gospel to transform lives for glory

of the God; who created all things.

For those to whom Peter is writing this letter, this admonition is in the context of suffering. The

ever-present danger in the face of suffering is for a Christian to become so discouraged that

he/she gives-in to temptation to give-up or compromise their faith:

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.—Phil. 1:27-30

God puts a premium on the honorable conduct, or the virtuous behavior, of a Christian. 21

Note that when the Devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness after He had fasted for 40 days, Jesus was tempted in these same three categories: (1) make bread out of stones (desire of the flesh—hunger), (2) ruling over all the world kingdoms (desire of the eyes—ambition and power) and (3) jumping off the Temple roof (pride of life—ego: look what I can do).

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This can only be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit as Paul tells believers to “Walk in

the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” {Gal. 5:16}. Obviously, this is impossible

for a non-believer because they don’t have the Holy Spirit to help them.

A non-believer can try to live in an honorable manner, but they are ultimately doomed to failure

because they do not have the power to do it.

In the same passage of scripture that Paul describes the fruits of fleshly desires he also describes

the fruits of living by the power of the Holy Spirit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.—Gal. 5:22-26

A Christian who yields the fruit of the Spirit will always exhibit honorable conduct to the world.

In v.12 Peter tells us the purpose of this is so that even unbelievers “glorify God”.

[…..that when they speak against you as evildoers,] It’s not “if” but “when” unbelievers speak

against believers and call them “evildoers”. The word carries with it the idea of one who

engages in criminal activity which brings harm to society. Peter is the only writer who uses this

Greek word [here, in v.14 and again in 1 Pet. 4:15; where “evildoers” are lumped together with

murderers and thieves].

Christians need to be prepared for the opposition and slander of the unrighteous. Even to this

day, Christians are the targets of all kinds of vile accusations, slur campaigns and insults.

Peter will pick up this theme again later in this letter; also in the context of suffering:

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled22”. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.—1 Pet. 3:13-17

Christians are not to respond “in kind” to personal attacks leveled against them, but instead are to

continue to conduct themselves in a blameless and honorable manner.

[…..they may, by your good works which they observe,] By continuing to live by the principles

of love, mercy and grace, despite personal attacks leveled against them, a Christian’s good works

will be observed by unbelievers as being genuine.

There is no credible contradiction to the demonstration of authentic Christian love.

[…..glorify God in the day of visitation] The Greek word rendered “visitation” literally refers to

an “inspection” and is actually rendered “office of overseer” [i.e., office of bishop] in 1 Tim. 3:1.

The word is also used in Luke 19:44 the context of describing Jesus’ visit to Jerusalem riding on

the back of young donkey [the peaceful mount of royalty] and His chastisement23

of the religious

rulers for their rejection of Him: “because you did not know the time of your visitation”.

Eventually, there comes a day when an unbeliever is “visited” by the Holy Spirit bringing the

Gospel message and they repent, believe and are “born-again”. On that day they will glorify God! 22

Quoted from Isaiah 8:12. 23

Refer to Luke 19:41-44.

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He comes to faith in Jesus Christ, “the day of visitation”—the day the Holy Spirit comes to

realize the Gospel is true and they believe it. On that day they will be visited by the living word

of God, repent, believe and are “born-again”. On that day they will glorify God!

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”—Luke 19:41-44

vv. 13-17� SUBMISSION TO GOVERNMENT [13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the

king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of

evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing

good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—16 as free, yet not using liberty as a

cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear

God. Honor the king.]

Peter now gives practical exhortation [more than just advice] on exactly how Christians are to

live in an honorable manner in various relationships in the world {v.12}. He first addresses the

relationship between a Christian and the government. This is very similar to what Paul says in

Rom. 13:1-5:

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.—Rom. 13:1-5

[Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake,] First, Christians are

expected to obey the laws established by government [the “kingdom of men”]; whether that’s

local or national.

Why? Peter tells Christians they are to do it for their Lord’s sake. It is God’s will.

This exhortation is to all Christians—irrespective of where they live. So this would include

obeying the laws of the governments that a Christian is visiting, either as a tourist or as a

missionary.

Note that in a “fallen world”, laws are necessary to restrain evil:

But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.—1 Tim. 1:8-11

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The Lord’s sake? Yes! Because elsewhere we learn that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of

men, gives it to whomever He will and sets over it the lowest of men” {Dan. 4:17} and “there is

no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore

whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God and those who resist will bring

judgment on themselves.” {Rom. 13:1-2}.

Jesus Christ, God in the flesh {John 1:1-2, 14}, confirms this when He was being tried before

Pontus Pilate when He said to him, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had

been given you from above” {John 19:11}.

Notice that in one of the apostle Paul’s last letters he connects prayer and the giving of thanks for

those in authority, to the possibility of their salvation, and adds that “this is good and acceptable

in the sight of God our Savior”:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.—1 Tim. 2:1-4

Note also that obeying the laws and ordinances in the “kingdom of men” contributes to Christians

leading “a quiet and peaceable life—in all godliness and reverence”.

When you really stop and consider this, the laws and ordinances of almost all the countries and

nations in the world are not grievous nor are they unreasonable. They are meant to restrain evil

and maintain order within society.

However, in today’s world more and more laws are being made that unrestrain evil and instead

of restraining evil. Many of these actually promote immorality [so-called “gay rights”, abortion,

so-called “gender neutrality”, legalization of psychotropic drugs] and mock the moral standards

of God [removal of Ten Commandments and crosses from public places].

But what about laws or ordinances that are in direct opposition to God’s laws and commands?

Christians of all ages have had to deal with this issue and we can take our lesson from those in

the early church.

When confronted by Jewish religious establishment24

, who threatened the disciples with death

for teaching and preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Peter had first-hand experience in

dealing with such a situation:

But Peter and John replied, “Whether it is right before God to obey you rather than God, you decide, for it is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.....”—Acts 4:19-21

.....But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” When they [the religious rulers] heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.—Acts 5:29-33

After suffering the consequences of their actions, the disciples went back to what God had called

them to do—proclaiming the Gospel:

24

The ruling Jewish Council known as the Sanhedrin made up of the high priest, the chief priests, scribes, elders, Pharisees and Sadducees.

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And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.—Acts 5:40-42

If a Christian does decide to engage in “civil disobedience” by disobeying a governmental law or

ordinance, it should only be done under the following conditions: (1) the law/ordinance is in

direct opposition to God’s will and/or command and (2) the consequences [prison, torture and/or

death] of obeying God rather than man must be accepted without complaint.

Otherwise, in every case, a Christian must “submit themselves to every ordinance of man for the

Lord's sake”.

[…..whether to the king as supreme or to governors,] Here “king as supreme” refers to the

highest authority25

in a nation or country. Who is not “supreme” in the sense of being superior to

God or not being subject to him, but in the sense of being sovereign over all subordinate

officials. In the original context of this letter referred to the Roman Emperor26

.

However, the spirit of what Peter is saying would also apply to the equivalent positions in

modern times such as presidents and prime ministers.

“Governors” here refer to those who serve in chief positions under the supreme authority, and

would apply to the powers geographically subdivided into provinces or states.

Almost two millennia separate Peter’s admonitions from modern times but amazingly they are

still applicable for today. When Peter wrote his letter the Romans were in control of government

and although the supreme ruler was Caesar Nero, Peter is making no exceptions to “honoring the

king”.

Today, things are perhaps a little more complicated27

. Most, if not all, of the western nations

typically have authority and power divided between two or more sectors of government. But this

was actually also true of the ancient Roman Empire, which was ruled by a “supreme king”

[Caesar] but also a senate.

Regardless, the message of Peter is that Christians are to submit to every ordinance of man, that

is, give respect and esteem to, those who have the power to arrest, judge and imprison us.

[…..as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers…..] This is the key qualifier

for those offices mentioned previously: to punish evildoers.

Peter reminds us that those who are in positions of authority over us are sent by God to keep

order and serve up justice by punishing those who commit crimes.

This would most directly refer to judges in courts of law—which is the final stop for disobeying

the ordinances of man. Without laws and the means to exact justice, society would be reduced to

anarchy in which anything goes and each person is a “law unto themselves”.

25

In the introduction it was stated that Peter probably wrote his two letters sometime in late 64 AD to early 65 AD. This means that the “highest authority” was the reigning Roman Emperor; Caesar Nero, who died in 68 AD. Nero was an especially evil ruler and his rule is usually associated with extravagance and tyranny (he had his own mother executed). 26

For example see John 19:15 and Acts 17:7 where the Roman Emperor is referred to as a “king”. 27

For example, Great Britain has a king or queen, a prime minister and members of parliament, as well as a separate judicial system. In the United States there is the executive branch [elected], the legislative branch [elected] and the judicial branch [typically appointed].

�22


This alone is reason enough to obey the governing authorities.

[…..and for the praise of those who do good.] By “those who do good” Peter is referring to

those who “submit themselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake”.

Although “western world” cultures for the most part have become highly secularized, governing

authorities continue to respect and honor those submit to the rules, laws and ordinances. Thus,

when Christians obey the laws, despite being generally looked-down upon, the governing

authorities typically respect them for it.

Part of the responsibility of governing authorities is to reward those who are upright and virtuous

as citizens. We see this happening all the time as “heroes” are praised and honored for saving

lives or performing some selfless act to help other person(s).

[For this is the will of God,….] This is God’s will—and how will a Christian argue against that?

[…..that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men…..]

Pliny28

, in his report to Trajan29

[~112 AD] about the Christians in Pontus and Bithynia, two of

the provinces mentioned in 1 Pet. 1:1, speaks of the ‘crimes clinging to the name’ of Christian.

Although coming at a considerably later time than Peter’s letter, this is illustrative of the ignorant

and unfair way in which Christians were associated with criminal activities.

The best defense to false accusations will always remain a life consistently lived by “doing

good”; meaning exhibiting love, respect, self-control, honor and humility towards others.

The apostle Paul puts it this way to his young protégé, Titus:

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded in all things, showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility and sound speech that cannot be condemned, [so] that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.—Titus 2:6-8

[…..as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice,] The Greek word rendered “free” here

emphasizes the condition of being ‘without restraint’; that of “liberty” implies “freedom to act”.

The Greek word rendered “cloak” is used only here in the New Testament and refers to anything

that covers or conceals. It is the opposite of the Greek word rendered “revelation = to reveal”

that used in the book of Revelation; and elsewhere in the New Testament.

The Greek word rendered “vice” is derived from a primary word which literally means

“worthless” and can refer to “evil”, “wickedness” or “immorality”; with an emphasis on causing

injury, i.e., malice or maliciousness.

28

Pliny the Younger [61-113 AD] was a Roman lawyer, author, and magistrate of Ancient Rome. Pliny's uncle, Pliny the Elder, helped raise and educate him. Both Pliny the Elder and the Younger were witnesses to the sixth and largest eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, in which the former died while on a rescue mission. Pliny the Younger wrote hundreds of letters, which are of great historical value. Some are addressed to reigning emperors or to notables such as the historian Tacitus. Pliny served as an imperial magistrate under Roman Emperor Trajan (reigned 98–117), and his letters to Trajan provide one of the few surviving records of the relationship between the imperial office and provincial governors. 29

Trajan (Imperator Caesar Nerva Trajanus Divi Nervae filius Augustus; 53 – 117 AD) was the Roman emperor from 98 to 117 AD. Officially declared by the Senate optimus princeps ("the best ruler"), Trajan is remembered as a successful soldier-emperor who presided over the greatest military expansion in Roman history, leading the empire to attain its maximum territorial extent by the time of his death. He is also known for his philanthropic rule, overseeing extensive public building programs and implementing social welfare policies, which earned him his enduring reputation as the second of the Five Good Emperors who presided over an era of peace and prosperity in the Mediterranean world.

�23


It is possible that in using this term Peter is collectively referring to the sins he lists in v.1 of this

chapter; all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking

as these are all evil and depraved sins meant to cause injury to others,

However, it is also likely that Peter may have been warning against a particular form of

Gnosticism that had infiltrated some of the churches. Peter is one of three authors [Jude and

John are the other two] who uses the case of “Balaam” to drive home this point; “way of

Balaam” {2 Pet. 2:15}, “error of Balaam” {Jude 1:11} and “doctrine of Balaam” {Rev. 2:14}.

With his emphasis on Christian holiness, Peter seems to have been especially concerned that

Christians do not abuse the liberty they have in Christ; as being “children of God” [i.e., having

been ‘born-again’].

This is probably the #1 reason/excuse that people give for either not accepting the Gospel or of

not attending a church—they have a well-founded perception that Christians subscribe to the

notion “do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do”; that Christians don’t “walk-the-talk”. It is a spiritual cancer that

eats away at the Church, distorts and dilutes the Gospel message and gives the enemies of God

an excuse to mock Him.

Using Christian liberty as a “cloak for vice” is evidently related to the “way of Balaam” that

Peter mentions in his second letter:

They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the WAY OF BALAAM the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey30 speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit31”," and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire32”.—2 Peter 2:15-22

Note the characteristics of a person that follows “the way of Balaam” in their abuse of Christian

liberty:

• They allure through lusts of the flesh, through lewdness

• They promise liberty but they themselves are slaves to corruption

• They are entangled again in the pollutions of the world

• They have known the way of righteousness but have turned from the holy commandment delivered to them

Jude seriously addresses the subject of using Christian liberty as cover to justify immorality in

Jude 1:1-22; note especially:

30

This sordid story of Balaam, prophet for hire, is recounted in Num. 22-24. See also Num. 31:8, 16. 31

Quoted from Prov. 26:11. 32

Or; “A sow, after allowing to be washed, returns to her wallowing in the mire”. The source of this quote remains uncertain although it is probably a reference to a Greek idiom.

�24


But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the ERROR OF BALAAM for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever…..These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage…..there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.—Jude 1:10-13, 16, 18-19

Note the characteristics of a person that promotes “the error of Balaam” in their abuse of

Christian liberty:

• They are in Christian ministry because of greed, for profit

• They serve only themselves

• They are bankrupt of providing any spiritual nourishment

• They knew the truth but now pervert it (“twice dead”)

• They are grumblers and complainers

• They pontificate with flattering words to gain an advantage

• They live according to their own ungodly desires

• They are immoral persons

• They cause divisions

• They don’t have the Holy Spirit

Furthermore, the “doctrine of Balaam” is associated with the false teaching of the Nicolaitans33

mentioned in Jesus’ message to the church at PERGAMOS [in Asia Minor; 1 Pet. 1:1]:

“But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the DOCTRINE OF BALAAM, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the

DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS, which thing I hate34”.—Rev. 2:14-15

Note the characteristics of a person that teaches “the doctrine of Balaam” and “the doctrine of

the Nicolaitans” in their abuse of Christian liberty:

• They put “stumbling blocks”, i.e., false teachings, in a believer’s spiritual path

• They encourage Christians to participate in idolatrous [i.e., worldly] practices

• They encourage Christians to commit sexual immorality

The perverted doctrine of Balaam and the immoral doctrine of the Nicolaitans were personified

in a false prophetess known as “JEZEBEL” [which may have been a pseudonym] mentioned in

Jesus’ message to the church at THYATIRA [In Asia Minor; 1 Pet. 1:1]:

“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds”.—Rev. 2:20-23

33

This term is derived from the Greek “Nicolas” [‘conqueror of the people’] which is equivalent to the

Hebrew “Balsam” [‘destroyer of the people’, bela’ ‘am]. 34

The “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” is something that God also hated. Refer to Rev. 2:6.

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Note the two defining characteristics35

of using Christian liberty as a “cloak for vice”:

• Teaching and seducing believers to commit sexual immorality

• Teaching and seducing believers to participate in idolatrous [i.e., worldly] practices

They are the same as the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans!

What is significant about this is that these two false teachings36

represent the core issues that had

kept Jews and Gentiles separated and also are important hurdles to overcome in evangelizing the

Gentiles.

These two issues have historically been the source of “the middle wall of separation” that divide

the Jews and Gentiles, which Jesus Christ broke down {refer to Eph. 2:14-16}. Only in Jesus

Christ are Jewish and Gentile believers brought together. Note:

Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment—it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.—Acts 15:24-29

Unfortunately, we still have those who profess the name of Jesus Christ but who follow, promote

and teach Gnosticism with us today. Some examples of this include Unitarianism, Christian

Science, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, the Unification Church, and the Theosophical Society.

More recently, another serious and disturbing source of the blending of Gnosticism and

Christianity is the “Emergent/emerging Church” Movement [ECM], which attempts to blend the

teachings of New Age Thought, post-modernism and Humanism with Christianity37

.

Christians are to be fore-warned38

and fore-armed against the threat of Gnosticism in all its

various facets so they can oppose it with the Truth as they crave the unadulterated nourishment

of God’s word. Whether they know it or not, Christians are in a “spiritual war”!

The Bible gives believers ample instructions on how to engage in this spiritual warfare:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.—2 Cor. 10:3-6

35

The rationale was based on the assumptions that God is more concerned with the spiritual state of a Christian and therefore He’s not particularly interested in what they do with their bodies. These kinds of Gnostic doctrines teach that Christians can indulge in sensual pleasures without fear of divine repercussions. However, the false assumptions underlying these belief systems are easily refuted by scriptural passages such as 1 Cor. 3:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:14-18. 36

Ironically, there was even a form of this in Israel’s past history; see Isaiah 65:1-5; 2 Kings 17:3, 41; and Zeph. 1:3-5. 37

For an excellent primer on this refer to Warren Smith, A “Wonderful” Deception, (2009) Lighthouse Trails Publishing, LLC; Roger Oakland, Faith Undone, (2007) Lighthouse Trails Publishing, LLC; and Ray Yungen, A Time For Departing, (2002), Lighthouse Trails Publishing, LLC. 38

A Biblical example of this was Paul’s warning about the false teachings of Hymenaeus, Alexander and Philetus; see 1 Tim. 1:18-20 and 2 Tim. 2:14-19. It appears that near the end of their lives both Peter and Paul were concerned about the serious threat posed by Gnosticism to the pure teaching of the Gospel.

�26


Amazingly, Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit anticipates this problem and tells us:

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the LORD who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.—2 Pet. 2:1-2

Appropriately, Peter closes his last letter, just prior to his martyrdom, with these final last words:

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.—2 Pet. 3:17-18

Peter’s chief aim seems to be in preventing a Christian from abusing their freedom in Christ;

which is a constant threat, by overcoming this tendency through faith, by the grace of God and

the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s ultimate purpose was to prevent the spread of Gnosticism

by Christians rationalizing a sensual and immoral lifestyle because of the liberty they enjoy in

Christ Jesus39

.

This is what Paul is referring to when he writes; “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not

under the law” {Gal. 5:1}.

In other words as Paul writes, “all things are lawful” for a Christian but “not all things are

personally beneficial nor do they build others up” {1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23}.

Earlier, in vv.9-10, Peter mentions the exalted position of liberty that Christians enjoy:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”

Christians are not to “hide” as-it-were behind their special position in Christ. Their liberty in

Christ should not be used as “cover” as it were to justify attitudes and behavior that in reality are

evil.

Christians must remember that although they have been set free in Jesus Christ, they have also

become the servants, in reality slaves, to God. They are not to be “enslaved” by the false

teachings of men. Note:

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.—1 Cor. 6:20

For he who is called in the LORD while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. —1 Cor. 7:22-23

39

The pretence of those who use their liberty in Christ as a justification for all kinds of sin [a “cloak for vice”] was that, to them, the freedom found in salvation implied deliverance from all kinds of prohibitions. Thus, they teach that in Christ they are no longer under the “yoke” of any kind of bondage and therefore bound by no moral laws and that, being the children of God, they have the freedom to partake in all kinds of physical enjoyment and indulgence. They also falsely reason that since God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit, that He is only interested in the spiritual things that concern us, thus it matters little to God that a Christian indulges in sensual pursuits. As a consequence, they give themselves up to the two basic forms of sensual indulgence, worldly pleasures and sexual gratification.

�27


Christians are forgiven and free from the guilt of sin; but they should not use their special

position in Christ as God’s children to engage in evil actions; either to themselves or others.

[but as bondservants of God.] Christians are “free” but they have been bought by the blood of

Jesus Christ and so are now to live voluntarily as “slaves of God”.

[Honor all people.] This means to literally value/prize other people because they are precious

souls in God’s eyes; irrespective if they are believers or not.

[Love the brotherhood.] Christians are to demonstrate love to other believers. This command

cannot be overstated—the furtherance of the Gospel depends on it.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”—John 13:34-35

In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.—1 John 3:10-15

[Fear God.] This is vitally important. This means that Christians are to fear God more than man.

In doing so a believer will avoid entanglements that would compromise his/her faith.

Putting this into perspective, Jesus said; “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill

the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [i.e., Gehenna]”

{Matt. 10:28-29}.

[Honor the king.] This goes back to submission to the supreme authority in the land. In Peter’s

day this was referring to the Roman Emperor24

, who was Nero.

Christians are to value the highest authority they are living under. This would include refraining

from crude jesting and mocking the person.

Prov. 24:21 exhorts us to; “fear the LORD and the king; do not associate with those given to

change.”

This is so unlike what is happening in our nation today and I imagine it grieves the heart of God

to see the highest office of the United States mocked so unashamedly even by those claiming to

be “Christian”.

vv. 18-20� SUBMISSION IN BUSINESS [18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but

also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures

grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you

take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable

before God.]

Secondly, Peter addresses the relationship between masters and servants; that is, between

“bosses” and “workers”, between “employers” and “employees”.

However, as we shall see, this correspondence is not completely appropriate to modern times

and the application to modern times becomes figurative {i.e., v.20}.

�28


[Servants, be submissive to your masters…..] The Greek word rendered “servants” in this verse

is not the common one used to refer to “slaves”, but one that refers to a household or domestic

servant. It emphasizes someone hired to perform domestic work [cook, clean, wash, etc.]

To bring this command up to modern times, and application, it could be restated; “Employees, be

submissive to your employers/supervisors with all fear”.

Employees are to be subject to their employers as long as they are not asking you to do

something that is illegal or unethical; such as stealing or being dishonest.

The compound Greek word rendered “submissive” here literally means “to arrange under” and

was used as a military term. It refers to being “subject to” or “subordinate to”. The idea here is

an orderly arrangement intended to provide mutual benefit.

An example of this would be the dynamics of a football team. Each member of the team is

equally important to winning the game and each one has an assigned and unique position and

task. But there can only be one “captain”; the one who calls the plays and coordinates what will

happen. There can’t be multiple “masters” on a successful football team. When each team

member arranges their actions around the leadership of the captain and executes their assigned

task, points are scored and the goal of putting more of them on the board than the other team is

achieved.

The apostle Paul had this to say about the subject of subordination. [Please note that I have

taken the liberty of substituting the terms “employers” and “employees” for “masters” and

“bondservants”, respectively to make this more relevant for today]:

Employees, be obedient to those who are your employers according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as employees of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is employed or owner. And you, employers, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.—Eph. 6:5-9

And of course, Jesus Himself was subservient to the Father’s will. So by being subservient to

one’s employer, a Christian is following a very good example:

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken. And they made His grave with the wicked—but with the rich at His death because He had done no violence nor was any deceit in His mouth.—Isa. 53:7-9

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross40.—Phil. 2:5-9

40

This passage goes on to say; “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. {Phil. 2:9-11}.

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“Be subject to” carries with it the idea of freedom of choice. This implies that you do something

voluntarily—not because you necessarily think that your boss is a great person, but because of

your testimony for Christ. Christians are to reveal the glory of God by their attitudes and actions

in labor relationships.

[…..with all fear] That is, with utmost respect.

[not only to the good and gentle…..] This is expected. These are bosses who are fair, kind and

reasonable that are easily submitted to.

[…..but also to the harsh] A Christian is expected to be subordinate even when the

boss/employer is “harsh”. The Greek word used here literally means “curved”, “bent”, i.e.,

“not straight”. The medical term “scoliosis”, referring to curvature of the spine, comes from

this word.

The idea is that some employers will be perverse, unjust or ill-tempered. As a Christian we

are accountable to God for maintaining an authentic witness for Jesus Christ; they are

therefore to be subordinate even to ill-tempered and unreasonable bosses/employers.

It would be beneficial for them, while they remained employed, to perform their assigned

duties faithfully as Christians, and to endure with Christian humility all the wrongs which

they might suffer from those in whose service they were.

This is a lesson I had to personally learn. As in most workplaces I knew the environment could be highly political but I didn’t and never did “play” those kinds of “games”. So when I made a verbal agreement with my supervisor, M____, with the understanding that in return for honoring his request now my request would be honored at a later date, I expected it to happen. Since I had no reason to believe otherwise, I believed he would follow-through on his word.

However, about a year later, when the time came for my request to be honored, my supervisor claimed “ignorance”—he did not remember the agreement. Having maintained my integrity throughout my career, I expected to be rewarded in-kind. I was furious and I was incredulous that this could happen to me! So I sought justice and demanded a meeting with his boss, the department head, D_____, to present the facts in my case.

On Friday we had the meeting. After presenting my case, the department head sided with my supervisor [didn’t see that coming?!]. In hind-sight I realized I should have gotten the agreement in writing! So I had a “melt-down” and my flesh took over. I was enraged and outraged at the same time. I was sitting across the desk from the department head [my supervisor was sitting to the side] and I made a fist and slammed it onto his desk as hard as I could and exclaimed, “This is totally ridiculous, M____ promised my request would be honored and evidently he lacks the integrity to see this through—I demand that my request be honored.” To which the department head responded, “Klaus, your response is totally unacceptable and entirely unprofessional—this incident will go into your personnel folder”. I didn’t care because I knew I was right and I left the meeting fuming. I was upset and unproductive for the rest of the day.

During that weekend I had time to “cool down” and the Holy Spirit began speaking to me. He began by reminding me that I was a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, and my entire behavior was unbecoming of such. He reminded that, “Your Christian witness was at stake and you ‘blew it’.” I had to agree and was so convicted. I knew what I had to do: First thing Monday morning I had to respectfully ask for another meeting with my supervisor and the department head to apologize!

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Monday came, I made the request for another meeting and fortunately neither my supervisor nor the department head had any other meetings that morning. At the meeting I apologized by telling both of them that my behavior was unbecoming of a Christian [although they weren’t Christians, they knew that I was since I led the company Bible Study twice a week]. I was sincerely apologetic and they both graciously accepted my apology. Later that afternoon the department head came to my office and told me; “What you did this morning took a lot of guts and no one else has ever apologized this way. By-the-way, this incident is forgotten and it won’t be going into your personnel folder”. Well that’s not why I did it and I responded by simply telling him, “D____ I’m a Christian and that was no way for me to act. I sincerely regret how I behaved”. He simply smiled and left my office.

If you’re wondering, I finally did get my request honored and got a department transfer and a new supervisor, but it took almost another year.

Years later my ex-supervisor became the lead scientist on a new project I was working on and we developed a fairly good working relationship. When I retired about 5 years after this, M_____ was one of a handful of fellow engineers/scientists that came to my going-away luncheon and he had some very nice things to say about me. What was especially gracious, and somewhat to my surprise, he indicated that he had considered me a “mentor” when he first started work with the company! I reminded myself that I had shared the Gospel with M_____, who was nominally Jewish, and hoped he would some day come to faith in Messiah Jesus!

You never know who, when, how or where your Christian witness becomes a testimony to those

who treat you harshly—especially those who are your employers or supervisors. So Christians

need to be consistent in their godly behavior regardless the circumstances.

Now Peter goes into further detail regarding Christian behavior and contrasts the employer—

employee relationship under two different circumstances.

[For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God, one endures grief and suffering

wrongfully] The Greek word rendered “commendable” [KJV; “thankworthy”] here is the word

“charis”, which is usually rendered “grace” or “gracious”; but can also refer to “favor” or

“favorable”. The Greek word used for “suffering” emphasizes emotional and mental stress rather

than physical abuse. “Wrongfully” means “unjustly”.

The context is still the employer—employee relationship.

In one example, a situation might arise in the case where an employer accuses/reprimands an

employee for something they didn’t do and causing them grief; frustration and anxiety.

A Christian employee is expected to graciously endure41

such mistreatment in the workplace

because of their “conscience toward God”—their faithful Christian witness.

In another example such a situation might arise because an employer asks a Christian employee

to do something that is immoral, illegal and/or unethical. A Christian is expected to disobey

such requests or demands and obey God instead “because of a conscience toward God”—that is,

maintaining a credible Christian testimony.

If the employee is mistreated or disciplined as a result of such disobedience, they are to endure it

with grace and dignity as a testimony to their Christian beliefs.

41

This would not necessarily include withholding of wages since in our modern society there are legal remedies and restrictions for this and other kind of mistreatment [e.g., physical or verbal abuse or sexual harassment].

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[For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently?] The Greek

word rendered “credit” is actually better rendered “notoriety”; the notoriety you would receive.

The Greek word “beaten” refers to being “buffeted or hit with fists”; so this definitely refers to

physical abuse.

And the Greek word rendered “faults” here is actually the word that literally means, “to miss the

mark” and is usually rendered as “sin” or “has sinned”. Peter actually uses this word again in 2

Pet. 2:4 when he writes, “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to

Tartarus and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment”.

So we’re talking about serious stuff here—we’re talking about sinful behavior; which includes

stealing from the employer [i.e., the business], lying about one’s actions [i.e., falsifying

attendance records], etc. This doesn’t have anything to do with one’s Christian witness.

However, if we take this figuratively we can apply the principle to modern society, the “beating”

could be a verbal “beat down”.

Of course in our modern society there are safeguards and laws protecting an employee against

this type of abuse. The consequences of physically striking an employee will actually lead to

much grief on the part of the supervisor and employer. The employee may not have to “take it

patiently”.

But during the time that Peter wrote this letter, and in many other places of the world, this is still

a real possibility. A Christian who is beaten because he/she has done something wrong and

deserves the punishment gets no credit for taking the physical abuse patiently.

In other words, if you deserve to be punished because of sinful behavior in the workplace and

you endure it patiently, it is of no credit, will not add notoriety to your Christian character. You

deserved it, you “had-it-coming” and accepting your punishment graciously is expected.

[But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.] In

this case a Christian who strives to live righteously is wrongfully punished or mistreated and

they are NOT expected to endure their unjust treatment patiently, that is, graciously.

In other words, if a Christian behaves in a moral and ethical manner but is still mistreated42

and

suffers grief and anxiety and takes it patiently, then he/she finds favor with God and their

Christian testimony gains notoriety. Such a gracious response can only be based on love, grace,

mercy and, in some situations, even forgiveness. Note:

For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. —1 Cor. 7:22-24

This is a perfect segue to what Peter writes next! He will now give the underlying reason for a

Christian to endure mistreatment with grace and patience—to follow the example of Jesus

Christ!

42

Although, as mentioned previously, in today’s modern society there are legal remedies for mistreatment [physical and verbal abuse, sexual harassment, etc.] in the workplace.

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vv. 21-25� FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST’S EXAMPLE [21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that

you should follow His steps: 22 “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23

who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but

committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own

body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—“by whose stripes

you were healed”. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the

Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.]

Peter now recounts the Gospel message but he draws practical application from it intended to

motivate a Christian to live a holy life dedicated to their Lord and Savior.

[For to this you were called…..] In context, this speaks to those who are in positions of

domestic servitude; Peter is saying that they were “called out” to this.

Peter has used this term before and applies it to all believers when he writes, “…..but as He who

called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” {1 Pet. 1:15}.

Therefore every Christian, not just those who serve as “domestic servants”, has a “calling” to

live in a way that brings glory to God. Why? Because we have been bought with a price and we

belong to the LORD—Christians are His bond-servants! Note:

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.—1 Cor. 6:19-20

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.—2 Thess. 2:13-14

See also Rom. 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 1:2, 9; Gal. 1:6; 5:13; Eph. 4:1-5; 2 Tim. 1:8-12.

[…..because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example…..] To the extent that Jesus

Christ suffered wrongfully and how He endured grief is given as an EXAMPLE for Christians to

learn from. Jesus left behind an “example”, literally “an under-writing”, for us to follow.

Christ loved us so much that He suffered and died for us, independent of our attitude toward

Him—even when we were still “ungodly” [i.e., “dead” to God in sin and iniquity; see Eph. 2:1-

10; Col. 2:13-15].

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.—Rom. 5:6-8

In turn, Christians leave behind their own “under-writing” as living letters:

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.—2 Cor. 3:1-3

Christians are to learn how to live out their lives from examining Jesus Christ’s under-writing

and Peter will now explain what we learn when we do this.

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[…..that you should follow His steps:] This does not mean we are to die by crucifixion, but it

means we are to emulate the attitude Jesus had. Paul in writing to the Christians at Philippi puts

it this way:

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.—Phil. 2:5-9

Christians are to endure suffering and grief the same way that Jesus did—they are to follow in

Jesus’ steps. So what are those “steps”?

Peter will now show us how, step-by-step:

[ “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”] This is a quote from Isa. 53:9;

which is in the context of a Messianic prophecy. The Messiah committed no sin, either in word

or deed and there was no deceit, hypocrisy or insincerity in anything He said.

The point is that Jesus, who committed no sin and spoke no deceitful words worthy of any

punishment/mistreatment, let alone death, bore our grief and suffered and died for our sin. This

is the fundamental truth of the Gospel message.

[…..who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return;] Not only was Jesus’ suffering physical,

but it was also psychological, it was emotional and metal as well43

{i.e., John 1:11}.

The Greek word rendered “reviled” here means any kind of “verbal abuse”; the Bible says,

“those who passed by blasphemed Him” {Matt. 27:39}. When Jesus was taunted, ridiculed,

laughed at and generally blasphemed on the cross He did not respond in-kind.

Here are some of the things passers-by, the religious leaders and even the men crucified with

Jesus said44

to Him as He hung on cross; dying for the “sins of the world”:

“You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself!”

“If You are the Son of God come down from the cross.”

“He saved others; Himself He cannot save.”

“If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross and we will believe Him.”

“He trusted in God let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him for He said, ‘I am the Son of

God’.”

FIRST LESSON, a Christian is not to return verbal abuse when he/she is verbally abused. This

goes along with the idea of “turning the other cheek” {Matt. 5:39; Luke 6:29} and forgiving 70

times 7 fold {Matt. 18:21-22}.

[…..when He suffered, He did not threaten,] Jesus suffered a gross “miscarriage of justice”; yet,

because He loved us, Jesus endured the suffering and shame for a higher purpose—our

redemption! He didn’t threaten retaliation or destruction—even though He had the right, the

authority and the power to do so!

Jesus could have come down off that cross and destroyed His enemies, but it would have

defeated the purpose of His death—our redemption. 43

Jesus was actually accused of being in league with Beél-zebub, the “prince of demons”; Matt. 12:24. 44

See Matt. 27:40, 42-43

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Ironically, as Jesus was being arrested in the garden Peter drew his sword and struck the high

priest’s servant and cut off his right ear {see John 18:10}; after which Jesus said to Peter:

“Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will die by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” —Matt. 26:52-54

SECOND LESSON, although it may be in their power to retaliate, a Christian is not to threaten those

who cause their suffering.

[but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;] Jesus trusted Himself to the Father

when He spoke to Pontus Pilate and from the cross:

Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”—John 18:36

Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”—John 19:11

And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit45’.” Having said this, He breathed His last.—Luke 23:46

Christians too can trust their LORD and Savior in similar circumstances for He has said to us:

“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”—Luke 12:11-12

Christian history is full of examples of men and women who refused to compromise their faith

and rather suffered torture and death than to deny their savior. It can truly be said of them that;

They overcame him [i.e., Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives to the death.—Rev. 12:11

THIRD LESSON, a Christian needs to commit themselves whole-heartedly to the LORD; knowing

He will always judge righteously and will never let them down.

[…..who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree,] GOSPEL: Jesus took the “death

sentence” for OUR sins: “All have sinned” {Rom. 3:23}; “The soul that sins will die” {Ezek.

18:4, 20}; and the “wages of sin is death” {Rom. 6:23}.

Jesus personally carried our sin to the cross made from a tree when He was crucified. God did

not leave the work of redemption to an angel or some other person. “He made Him who knew no

sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” {2 Cor. 5:21}.

According to the Old Testament Law, anyone who was hung on a tree was cursed {see Deut.

21:22-23}. Christ fulfilled this in the sense that during His crucifixion He became a “curse” for

us that we might be saved46

!

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us [for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"], that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.—Gal. 3:13-14

45

Quoted from Psalms 31:5. 46

See also Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29.

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So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.—Heb. 9:28

At this point Peter is being directed to Isaiah 53; this chapter that describes the coming Messiah

and His suffering and death for the forgiveness of our sins.

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.—Isa. 53:4-6

FORTH LESSON, a Christian witness should be taken seriously should take personal responsibility

for their actions, including the ministry God has given them. A believer needs to take personal

responsibility even if it means great personal sacrifice and cost.

[…..that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness] As Jesus died on the cross;

Christians die to themselves; that is, who and what they once were before being “born-again”.

Note:

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?.....For he who has died has been freed from sin…..Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Rom. 6:1-3, 7, 11

But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.—Rom. 7:6

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.—Col. 3:3

Peter will elaborate on this in the 4th

chapter; 1 Peter 4:1-6.

Because a Christian has died to sins and is born-again, they are expected to live for

righteousness:

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?”—Micah 6:8

FIFTH LESSON, a Christian needs to consider themselves “dead to sin” and alive in Christ Jesus,

so they might live for righteousness by loving the Lord God with all their heart, soul and mind

{Matt. 22:37-40}. Righteous comes through obedience to the standards of God.

[“by whose stripes you were healed”] This is a quote from Isa. 53:5b. In this is speaking of the

spiritual healing, actually the spiritual rebirth, and our salvation. See Luke 4:18-19.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.—Psalms 147:3

[For you were like sheep going astray,] Another quote from Isaiah, this time from Isa. 53:6;

which states:

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”—Isa. 53:6

The Bible uses the metaphor of “sheep” for people; in this case, before their salvation a person is

straying and roaming about aimlessly, without purpose; because they have no Shepherd.

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[…..but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.] Jesus suffering and

death makes it possible to have a relationship with the One who created us and loves us—

Himself!

God’ people, those who are saved by faith, have always been metaphorically referred to as

“sheep” and their spiritual leaders as “shepherds”. For example, see Psalms 119:176; Isa.

40:11; 53:6; Jer. 23:2; Ezek. 34:6-7; Matt. 9:36; 18:9; Luke 15:4-6 [a parable];

Perhaps Peter was thinking about Psalms 23:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.—Psalms 23:1-3

Since in this analogy we are “sheep”, here Jesus is spoken of as both the Shepherd and Overseer

of our souls. As a shepherd Jesus loves us, cares for us, guides us and feeds us. He is “the Way,

the Truth and the Life”; He is the “going, knowing and growing”.

For the Jews and the nation of Israel this was prophesied in Ezekiel 34:11-16; 37:24-28.

Later, at the end of this letter {1 Pet. 5:1-4}, Peter gives some very practical advice on church

order and leadership [elders and overseers]. He will use the same analogy of sheep and

shepherds and this time refers to Jesus Christ as the “Chief Shepherd”.

Jesus Christ does all of this to strengthen and encourage our souls. Hallelujah!

Perhaps the most practical and tangible steps a Christian can take to follow Christ’s example of

humility and faith is best summarized by Paul when he writes:

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay47,” says the Lord. Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head48." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.—Rom. 12:9-21

I’m sure Peter would agree with this because in his last letter he writes

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.—2 Pet. 3:14-16

47

Quoted from Deut. 32:35. 48

Quoted from Prov. 25:21-22.

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Bibliography

(1) New Unger's Bible Dictionary, Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. © 1988.

(2) Nelson’s Bible Dictionary; Thomas Nelson Publishers, © 1986.

(3) Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament, Cook Communications Ministries;

Copyright © 1983, 2000.

(4) Barnes Notes,

(5) Thru the Bible Commentary: Volume 5 (1Peter); J. Vernon McGee, Thomas Nelson;

Nashville. ©1983.

(6) Vincent’s Word Studies of the New Testament, Hendrickson Publishers, Copyright ©

1886.

(7) Wycliffe Bible Commentary, edited by Charles F. Pfeiffer, Everett F. Harrison, Moody

Publishers, Copyright ©1962.

(8) New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew

Dictionary, International Bible Translators, Inc; Copyright © 1994, 2003.

(9) The NET Bible, Copyright © 1996-2006; Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C., Dallas, Texas.

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Appendix: The Security of the Believer’s Salvation

(Discussion of Hebrews 6:1-6)

In 1 Peter 2:3 see then that the usage of the word “tasting” is a metaphor for the salvation of

one’s soul which is a result of God’s grace [and mercy] working through our faith.

This is an important point to remember in correctly interpreting Heb. 6:4-6, which some

improperly use as “proof text” to show that a Christian can lose their salvation. Ironically, many

who don’t believe that this passage is teaching that one can lose their salvation do so by

misinterpreting the passage themselves! They assume that the people being spoken about must

be non-believers.

But as Peter shows us in v.3 that is not the case—the persons being referred to in the Hebrews 6

passage are indeed believers.

Interestingly, this controversial passage actually teaches the security of the believer! Note:

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. —Heb. 6:4-6

Notice that the writer of Hebrews starts by describing the persons in question as “those who were

once enlightened” and then uses the same metaphor that Peter used, “and have tasted the

heavenly gift”. He then goes on to say, “have become the partakers of the Holy Spirit” and then

uses the metaphor again when he says, “tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age

to come”.

It should be abundantly clear that the usage of the “tasting” metaphor is being consistently used

by both writers. Therefore, we are left with only one conclusion; the passage is describing born-

again believers in Jesus Christ.

But what about the fact that we also told that, “it is impossible for those”; i.e., the ones who are

saved by faith in Jesus Christ, that, “if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance”.

Doesn’t that indicate that they have “lost their salvation”?

There are some who focus on the word “if”, saying that this is a purely hypothetical statement

and so would never happen. A “true believer” would never “fall away” they would argue.

However, this is, as we shall see, this is an unnecessary interpretation because we don’t need to

speculate this way.

Well let’s look at this carefully and scripturally. Interestingly, a major clue here is related to the

context of “milk of the word” {i.e., 1 Pet. 2:2} versus the context of “milk and not with solid

food” {1 Cor. 3:2}. Unlike Peter, who uses the word “milk” to refer to dependence on God’s

word, while Paul uses the word “milk” in reference to spiritual immaturity49

.

49

This conclusion is support by the fact that in Heb. 5:12-14 (the three verses immediately preceding Heb. 6:1-6, the passage under consideration) the writer chides those Christians by telling them that they are spiritually immature in their understanding of scriptures and that they “have come to need milk and not solid food” and they are “unskilled in the word of righteousness”.

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This is an extremely important distinction.

Next, notice that the reference is to those who “fall away”. This phrase renders the Greek word

para+pesóntas and it is the only time it is used in the New Testament.

It is important to note that the word is not “apostasy” [apo + statis] which means “to stand away

from” in this context, the Truth or the Gospel.

I do not believe that a born-again Christian can commit apostasy because they have the Holy

Spirit indwelling them and God to correct and discipline them; even by causing their life to

expire prematurely {see 1 John 5:16-17}. But, ironically, apostasy does not come from outside

the Church—it comes from within the Church50

!

Apostasy occurs when those who have “professed” being Christian deny “the faith once for all

delivered to the saints” {Jude 2:3} and depart from sound Biblical doctrine. They have faked

their behavior and speech to appear as if they are true followers of Christ when in reality they

were not. These are like the religious rulers whom Jesus referred to as “hypocrites” who turned

away from true faith.

Peter actually refers to apostates51

in is second letter when he says:

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.—2 Peter 2:1-3

But the word that is used in Heb. 6:6 is actually from the Greek compound word; para+pipto =

near + to fall/alight upon so an appropriate rendering would be “fall aside” or “fall beside”.

The word conveys the idea of veering off a path and falling into a ditch. This can happen to

Christians when they begin living a carnal life in the flesh—not allowing the Holy Spirit to guide

them. These are those who rarely, if ever, read the Bible or pray any more. Perhaps Paul is

referring to some of them, and how to restore them, when he writes:

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ52.—Gal. 6:1-3

The Greek word rendered “impossible” is also used later in this same chapter in speaking about

God’s attributes:

Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability [i.e., absolutely unchanging] of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable [unchangeable] things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.—Heb. 6:17-18

50

This is especially evident in the so-called “Emergent/Emerging Church Movement” and “Progressive Christianity”, which applies New Age and post-modern [no absolute truth] philosophical ideas to interpreting the scriptures. Refer to Ray Yungen, A Time of Departing, Lighthouse Trails Publishing (2011), Eureka, Montana and Roger Oakland, Faith Undone, Lighthouse Trails Publishing (2008), Silverton Oregon. 51

Refer also to Phil. 3:17-19; 2 Tim. 3:1-9; Jude 1:8-13; 2:3-4. 52

“the law of Christ” is to love other believers as Christ Jesus loves you.

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It is impossible for God to lie. In other words, “no way, no how”, will “renewing them again to

repentance” ever happen!

So if this passage teaches that a Christian can lose their salvation, it must also be said that it is

also clearly teaching that IF a person loses their salvation, it can never be regained. This is

something that those who believe this passage is teaching that’s it’s possible to lose one’s

salvation won’t accept because they also teach a person can be saved again!

What’s the answer? Well, it’s actually quite simple if we understand what the scripture is

actually trying to convey, which is this:

Finally, notice the context of the TYPE of “repentance” spoken of in v. 6. Note that Hebrews

chapter 6 opens up by telling us:

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.—Heb. 6:1-3

So the repentance we are talking about is the “repentance from dead works and of faith toward

God”. This is the repentance that initially occurs when a person believes the Gospel for the first

time and is saved. This is the “first point” or “touchstone” of salvation of a person’s soul.

This is consistent with the meaning of the word rendered “renew” {Heb. 6:6}, which is used

only here in the New Testament and it means “to restore”. That is, restore a person to their

original state of repentance.

Why? Because it’s an once-in-a-lifetime event!

Just like physical birth is! Nicodemus knew this and it’s why he was confused when he was told

by Jesus that he had to be “born-again”, literally, “born from above” or “born anew”. His

response was; “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his

mother's womb and be born?” {John 3:4}.

Well, a person can’t. Neither can a Christian be “re-born”, i.e., “re-saved”, because the

“new/spiritual birth” is a one-time event just like physical birth is!

The repentance that occurs during salvation can only occur once, that is why the writer of

Hebrews emphasizes this by saying that to attempt to relive that experience is tantamount to

having Jesus Christ crucified again and putting Him to open shame.

But Jesus Christ’s crucifixion was a one-time event—He isn’t going to be crucified again and

again for every instance that person falls aside. (just because a Christian “falls aside”.)

Thus, even if they should “fall-away”, wander from the faith, they remain saved because Jesus

Christ is not going to be re-crucified (which is what so neither are re-salvations possible!

Even Peter alludes to this later in this letter:

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.—1 Pet. 3:18-19

So, Hebrews 6:1-6 is actually teaching the truth that once saved, it’s impossible for a Christian

to go back to their starting point—their initial repentance that led them to salvation. It would be

like having Jesus Christ crucified again, which is never going to happen.

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