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1 Peter 1:21 – Exemplary Suffering

Posted on December 18, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:21

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

Truth to Learn

We have been called by God to follow Christ’s example.

Behind the Words

The word “called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to call out an invitation or a command” or “to give a person a name.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense implying past action completed at a point in time. It is also expressed in the passive voice indicating action done to the subject.

Meaning Explained

Continuing on from the previous verse, the reason we are to remain patiently enduring when we suffer wrongfully is because to this very end we were called.

So, what does it mean that we were called? There are many Scripture passages that deal with our calling. Let’s look at just two of them:

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; (1Cointhians 1:26, 27)

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, (2Timothy 1:9)

From these verses we see that our calling from God is associated with God’s choosing us and God’s saving us. The other thing we see is that the choosing, the saving, and the calling are based wholly of God’s work and none of our own. God chose us to be saved, doing all the work of salvation for us. He purchased us as His own possession, and He adopted us as his children. He also called us to serve Him as his servants.

We were not called to be Christians so we could be rich and famous and enjoy all the blessings of this world. Instead, we were called to be Christ-like. This should be our constant overriding desire, as Paul stated:

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; (Phillippians 3:10)

Christ didn’t simply die for us, He suffered! Not only did he suffer physically, but He suffered emotionally in the worst way. He felt deserted! He even felt deserted by God the Father with whom He had enjoyed constant fellowship from eternity past. Yet for three hours on the cross, He suffered the agony of complete isolation, and He did it patiently for you and me.

Application

Are you saved? If so, then you have been called by God to be Christ-like in every way. Are you willing to suffer the same way for Him as He did for you? Are you desirous of following His example? Do you want to really know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering?! Let us all examine how committed we are to God today. Is our Christianity simply a free ticket into heaven? Are we only looking for the blessings of being Christ-like? Or do we want to really be like Him… even to the point of suffering for Him and enduring it patiently like He did for us?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:20 – Patient Suffering

Posted on December 17, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:20

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.

Truth to Learn

When we patiently endure unjust punishment for having done good deeds, God is pleased.

Behind the Words

The word translated “credit” is kleos, which is derived from a shortened form of kaleō, meaning “to call.” Kleos refers to “calling out the goodness” of someone. Hence, it is often translated as “renown,” “glory,” or “credit.”

“Beaten” is translated from kolaphidzō, which means “to strike with the fist.” The word “faults” is hamartanō, meaning “to miss the mark.” It is often translated as “transgress” or “sin.” Both of these words are expressed as present participles indicating current ongoing activity. Hence, the phrase “if when you are beaten for your faults …” is literally, “if sinning and being beaten …”

The expression “you take it patiently” is translated from hupomenō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” and menō, meaning “to remain.” It literally means “to remain under.” It is a picture of a beast of burden remaining under a heavy load and is often translated as “persevere” or “endure.”

“Do good” is from agathopoiōn, a word we looked at back in verse fourteen. It refers to doing good deeds.

The word “suffer” is from the Greek word paschō, which refers to an intense emotion, usually suffering.

As pointed out in the previous verse, the word translated “commendable” refers to gladness and joy.

Meaning Explained

Peter is making a very profound statement that should be taken to heart by all who call themselves Christian. If you do wrong, are punished for it, and take it with patience, there is no glory or recognition given to you except that you got what you deserved. If, on the other hand, you have done good deeds, are falsely punished for it, and you take it patiently, this is joyous, or well-pleasing, with God.

When we suffer wrongfully, our Heavenly Father is aware of it. If our attitude is right, He is pleased with us. Peter says nothing of God’s attitude toward our actions when we complain and raise a ruckus because we have been falsely accused or punished unjustly. But he says that God is pleased when we endure it patiently. Peter is clearly thinking back on the unjust beating and suffering endured by Jesus Christ when he paid for our sins. In the following verses Peter will refer to Christ’s wrongful suffering as a perfect example of how we should act. He was innocent and was supremely punished by men and accepted it patiently. We, on the other hand, are guilty before God and do not receive the just punishment for our offenses.

Application

Every Christian has experienced situations where we did what was good and ended up suffering for it in one way or another. Can you remember such a time? How did you handle it? Did you endure it quietly and patiently, or did you fuss and complain to God about how unfair it was? How will you react the next time this happens to you? Quietly and patiently, I hope!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:19 – Joyful Suffering

Posted on December 16, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:19

For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

Truth to Learn

We should rejoice when we suffer for doing what is good.

Behind the Words

“Commendable” is translated from the Greek word charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice” or “to be glad.” Hence, charis refers to the joy or gratification one feels for a kindness or a favor granted. It is often used to refer to that kindness or favor, especially when it is undeserved (as the grace which God showed to us in forgiving our sins). In the current verse, however, it refers to the joy that we should feel.

The word translated “conscience” is suneidēsis, a form of suneido which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and eidō, meaning “to perceive” or “to know.” Hence, suneidēsis literally refers to joint knowledge or joint perception. In this verse it refers to the joint knowledge of what is right and what is wrong, hence the translation “conscience.”

“Endures” is from hypopherō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” and pherō, meaning “to bear.” So it literally means “to bear under” or “to endure.”

The expression “if … one endures grief” is an expression of the first class condition, which in Greek means that it is assumed to be true. Hence, Peter is assuming that each one of us does occasionally endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

The word translated “wrongfully” is adikōs, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of dikē, meaning “justice.” Hence, it means “unjustly” or “wrongfully.”

Meaning Explained

Peter is telling us in this verse that if we do what is right because it is what God has told us to do and we end up patiently suffering for it, then it is a joyful thing. James told us a similar thing in his letter:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (James 1:2)

The word James used for “joy” is chara, which is also from the verb chairō, meaning “to be glad.” God does not promise us that obeying Him will always result in blessing and happiness; quite the contrary, in fact. Christ told the disciples:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation … (John 16:33)

We are not told that we may suffer for Christ but that we will suffer for Him. But Peter is telling us that if we endure it, even though we may be suffering unjustly, we can be glad.

Application

The ruler of this world (Satan) is the enemy of God. If we are ambassadors of our Heavenly Father in this world, obeying Him and representing him by our conduct and actions, His enemy will not like it. Let us not be surprised, therefore, when we suffer for doing good.

Are you suffering for your testimony and obedience to Christ? Be glad! Rejoice! And give God the praise!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:18 – Submit to Bosses

Posted on December 14, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:18

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

Truth to Learn

Submission to others is necessary, but not always easy.

Behind the Words

The word translated “servants” is the Greek word oiketēs, which means “one of the household” but not necessarily a member of the family. The Greek word for a member of the family is oikogenes. The Greek word that refers to a slave owned by his or her master is doulos. Hence, the word oiketēs is most commonly a reference to a household worker who does so by choice and gets paid for it. The fact that Peter uses this word indicates that this message is to all of us who have a boss. It means that we cannot conveniently side-step this command, claiming that it does not pertain to us.

“Be submissive to” is the translation of hupotassō, which is a compound of hupo or hypo, meaning “under” and tasso, meaning “to arrange in an orderly manner” or “to rank.” It is a military term meaning to place in rank under someone else’s authority. It is expressed in this verse in the passive voice indicating action done to the subject (servants).

The word translated “masters” is despotēs (from which we get our English word despot), meaning “one who possesses authority” or “a master.”

The word “harsh” is translated from the Greek word skolios, which literally means “crooked.” In reference to a person, it means “unjust” or “wicked.”

Meaning Explained

The words “be subject to” are also translated as “submit to” in the following verses:

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22)

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

In these verses wives are told to place themselves in rank under their husbands’ authority and we are all commanded to place ourselves in rank under God’s authority. Here in 1 Peter we are told to place ourselves in rank under the authority of our boss and, therefore, do as he or she directs us.

Our God has established order in the world for the purpose of peace:

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace … (1Corinthians 14:33a)

For the sake of peace, He has established that we should all voluntarily place ourselves under the authority of others. And, we are commanded to do so, not only to a good and gentle boss, but also to one who is unreasonable or unjust. This is a difficult task for anyone who has an unreasonable boss, but it is what Peter instructs us to do.

Application

Placing ourselves under the authority of someone who doesn’t deserve it is a difficult task at best. Anyone who has had a corrupt or incompetent boss knows how difficult it can be. Nonetheless, that’s exactly what God instructs us to do.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:17 – Christ-like Behavior

Posted on December 11, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:17

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Truth to Learn

Treating others respectfully is not an option for Christians; we are commanded to do it! Jesus Christ is our example.

Behind the Words

The word translated “honor” is timaō, which means “to place a value on” or “to revere.” The first use of this verb in the current verse is in the aorist tense and imperative mood, implying the command, “in every case render the honor due.” The other three verbs in this verse (Love, Fear, and Honor) are all in the present tense, imperative mood, indicating continual and habitual action that we are commanded to do.

“Love,” from the Greek word agapaō, refers to the self-sacrificing, God-type love that is more focused on the good of the loved one than on self.

The word “brotherhood” is adelphotēs, a form of adelphos (brother) that refers to a collective of brothers, hence a fraternity or brotherhood. This word is rarely found in Greek writings other than religious texts. It is used as a specific reference to fellow Christians.

The word translated “fear” is phobeō (from which we get the English word “phobia”). It literally means “to frighten.” In the passive voice, as it is here, it means either “to be afraid of” or “to be in awe of.” Peter probably means both.

Meaning Explained

Peter here continues the discourse that he started in verse eleven. This is how we should conduct our lives while here on this earth. We are not to be contrarians, against everything everyone else stands for, rather we are to live as obedient servants representing well the One who has called us and to Whom we belong.

We are to honor each person with the specific honor due him or her. We are to continually demonstrate self-sacrificing love to other Christians, being more concerned for their welfare than we are for our own. This characteristic has distinguished Christians from all other people throughout the centuries since the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

We are also to continually fear God (both in the sense of being in awe of Him and fearing His position and power). And we are to continually honor those in civil authority over us. The apostle Paul said a very similar thing in his letter to the Christians in Rome:

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. … Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1, 7)

Challenge

Let me challenge each of you to stop right now and take stock of how you behave toward others. Do you treat all people with respect, independent of their appearance? Do you demonstrate that special self-sacrificing love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you have a holy fear of our God? And do you show respect to civil authorities? Hmmmm!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:16 – Free to Submit

Posted on December 10, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:16

as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

Truth to Learn

We are free from the penalty of sin, but we are God’s servants.

Behind the Words

The word translated “free” is eleutheros, meaning “unrestrained” or “able to move about freely.” It is used primarily in reference to a person who is not a slave (not owned by anyone) but free to go where he pleases. It is expressed here in the nominative case, which ties it back to the word translated “submit” is verse 13.

“Using” is translated from a form of echō, meaning “to possess” or “to hold.”

The word “cloak” is translated from epikaluma, which is made up of epi, meaning “on” or “over” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to cover.” Hence, it means “that which covers over.”

“Vice” is translated from kakia, which means “badness” or “that which is evil.”

The word “bondservants” is translated from doulos, which refers to “a slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now touches briefly on a subject that was the root of one of the earliest heresies of the church and which is still misunderstood today. That heresy was called antinomianism, which literally means “no law-ism.” Some in the early church believed that since we have been set free from the penalty of sin, we can live however we want, since all of our sins have been forgiven. Because of the sacrifice of Christ, we are free from the law of commandments contained in ordinances and free from sin, this is true. Being free from sin does not mean that we are free from all laws (as Peter just pointed out) nor does it mean that we are free to sin.

To be a free man and not a slave (or servant) in the first century was a very privileged position. It meant, as the word eleotheros implies, that one was free to come and go as one pleased. Peter’s use of this word, however, is in reference to the bondage of the Law of Moses. Many of the early converts to Christianity were former Jews who were bound heavily by the Law and who have now been set free from that as well. Peter is warning that this freedom is not to be used as an excuse to do evil things.

According to Greek grammar, the word “free” (literally, free ones) is tied back to the word “submit” in verse thirteen. So, what Peter is telling his readers is that Christians are to voluntarily submit to the civil authorities even though we have freedom in Christ. We are not to use that freedom to resist authority or to do evil deeds. Instead, we are to do good deeds in submission to the authorities over us, because our freedom from the penalty of sin also means that we are permanent slaves of God.

Application

Our Christian lives are not to be characterized by “being free to live like the Devil,” rather they are to be characterized by voluntarily subjecting (submitting) ourselves and our will to the one who purchased this freedom for us.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:15 – Good Works = God’s Glory

Posted on December 9, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:15

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

Truth to Learn

God will use our good works to bring glory to Himself.

Behind the Words

The word translated “will” is thelēma, meaning “a desire or disposition toward something,” but it also implies action taken based on that desire. This is derived from the verb thelō, meaning “to wish, to will, implying volition and purpose with a determination or execution of that which is desired.” Hence, it is sometimes referred to as “determined will.” This is different from the Greek word boulomai, meaning “to desire something, not necessarily implying the execution of that desire,” which is sometimes referred to as “desirous will.”

The expression “doing good” comes from the Greek agathopoieō, which, as we learned from a similar word in the previous verse, means “to do good things.”

“Put to silence” comes from the Greek word phimoō, which means “to muzzle” or “to silence.”

“Ignorance” is translated from the Greek word agnōsia. This is compound word made up of a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of gnōsis, meaning “knowledge.”

The word “foolish” is translated from aphropon, made up of a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of phren, meaning “understanding.” Hence, it literally means “mindless” or “stupid.”

Meaning Explained

“For this is the will of God…” What is Peter referring to? The punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do well? That’s what he said in the previous verse. The grammatical rule of immediate antecedence would seem to dictate that’s what he meant. However, it is not what was said before, but what is said after that defines what Peter means. He says that “putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men” is the will of God (what God has determined). And he does that through our good works. Now, let me remind you what he said in verse twelve:

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. (1 Peter 2:12)

Do you see it? Do you see who Peter is talking about? As you will recall, in verse twelve we learned that the “Gentiles” are non-Christians. They are unsaved. They are unbelievers. They are the foolish ones who are “without understanding.” And since they don’t understand the truth of the gospel message, they speak out of ignorance. They speak out against Christians, calling us evil doers when they are the real doers of evil.

Not only will God silence (muzzle) their evil speaking about us, as Peter tells us in this verse, but they will glorify God on that fateful day when they stand before Him as their judge, as Peter told us in verse twelve.

Application

When all your efforts to do good make you feel like a salmon swimming upstream, remember that we are doing it for His glory! And though we may not see the fruit of our labors on this earth, someday we will see our Savior, and He is worthy!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:14 – All Authorities

Posted on December 8, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:14

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.

Truth to Learn

We are to submit to all authorities over us at all times, not just when it is convenient, or when we feel like it.

Behind the Words

The word translated “governors” is the Greek noun hēgamōn, which is derived from the verb hēgeomai, meaning “to lead” or “to rule.” The noun form refers to a person who leads or governs and can be translated as “governor, commander, or ruler.”

“Punishment” is from the Greek word ekdikēsis, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of dikē, meaning “justice.” Hence, it refers to handing out a judicial decision. Since it is used here in reference to “evildoers,” it can be interpreted as “punishment or retribution.”

The word “praise” is from epainos, which is made up of epi (shortened to ep), meaning “over” or “upon” and ainos, meaning “praise.” Hence, it means to “lay praise upon someone.”

The words “evildoers” and “those who do good” are kakopoiōn and agathopoiōn. Kakos means “evil” and agathos means “good” or “benevolent.” The second half of both words is a form of poieō, which means “to make” or “to do.” So you can see that these two words literally mean “those who do evil things” and “those who do good things.”

Meaning Explained

Peter continues the thought from yesterday. We should submit to Kings, but we should also submit to other government officials. The point is that we need to submit ourselves to anyone who has been set up by the king as a sub-ruler. In the first century these would include such people as Pontius Pilate and Herod, whom Christ submitted himself to, and Felix and Festus, whom the Apostle Paul submitted himself to.

The purpose of human government, according to Peter, is to maintain law and order. It is their responsibility to punish those who do evil things and to lay praise upon those who do good things. We are not to take these matters into our own hands; we are to submit to government, whether we like it or not.

In the next verse Peter will tell us that this is God’s will, and as Christians, we should all strive to do God’s will.

Submission is something that is frowned upon by our society, and the message proclaimed by the media today is to do your own thing, to stand up for your rights (after all, I’m worth it). That, according to the world system, is the way to happiness and peace. The Bible, on the other hand, says that the way to happiness and peace is to submit, first to God, then to others. What is seen as weakness by the world is the way to peace and happiness with God. Christ, Himself, was the supreme example of this as Peter will point out later in this chapter.

Application

One of the problems with submitting to human government is the fact that it is made up largely of unsaved men and women. Some of them are even openly opposed to the ideals which we hold so dear. Nonetheless, we are to submit to them and give them the honor that is due their position.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:13 – Submit to Authority

Posted on December 7, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:13

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,

Truth to Learn

We are to submit to whatever government we might live under.

Behind the Words

The word translated “submit” is hupotassō, a compound word made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and tassō, meaning “to place in order” or “to place in an orderly fashion.” Hence, it means to place something in an orderly manner under something else. This is a military term that implies being placed in rank under the authority of someone else. It is expressed here in the passive voice indicating action done to the subject, and it is expressed in the imperative mood indicating a command. Putting this all together we see that Peter is ordering us to be submitted.

“Ordinance” is translated from the Greek word ktisis, meaning “that which has been formed or created.” Given the context, it is clear that Peter is referring to laws and authorities created by man.

Meaning Explained

Throughout history the Israelites have refused submission to any monarch, whether called king, emperor, caesar, or any other name. Theirs was a theocracy ruled by God rather than a monarchy ruled my man. Peter, however, is telling the early believers (many of them new converts from Judaism), and those of us in the following millennia, that it is God’s will for us to submit to human government. Even Christ, Himself, declared this in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke when asked whether it is lawful to give tribute to Caesar:

Give therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and unto God the things which are God’s.

The thing that makes Peter’s message all the more important is the fact that Nero was ruling over the Roman world at the time he wrote this, and Nero hated Christians. Peter does not declare that we are to submit only to the laws that are fair to Christians, but to every ordinance of man.

The only exception to this type of submission is when human government orders us to do that which is contrary to the commands of God. For example, when Peter and John were commanded by the rulers of the Jews to cease preaching Jesus as the Messiah, they refused:

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:18-20)

This is a hard lesson for us to hear in a society where morality is declining and many (perhaps most) in our government officials have no fear of God. What we need to keep in mind is that God is in control and He will prevail.

Application

Jesus willingly submitted himself to the ruling authorities of His day and it resulted in His being crucified. Are you willing to submit yourself that completely?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:12 – For His Glory

Posted on December 4, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:12

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.

Truth to Learn

Our good conduct will bring glory to God.

Behind the Words

“Conduct” is translated from anastrophē, which literally means “to turn again.” By implication it means “to move around.” It’s a reference to the way we behave as we move back and forth through this life on earth.

The word translated “honorable” is kalos, which literally means “beautiful” but by figure, as used here, it means “good in quality or character.”

The word translated “visitation” is episkopē, which is made up of epi, meaning “on” or “over” and a form of skopeō, meaning “to give attention to.” Hence, it primarily refers to an inspection. Some scholars believe this refers to the day that God visits a person to open his or her eyes to the truth of the gospel. That is, the day they are “saved.” Others, however, believe that this refers to the day when God will judge the unbelievers. Since the term primarily refers to an inspection, it is more likely that Peter is referring to the Day of Judgment.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that Peter is telling us we need to exert our will to keep ourselves away from (or abstain from) fleshly lusts. Now he tells us that we should exhibit “honorable” behavior. Not only do we need to avoid letting our lusts control us, we need to behave in a manner that is generally regarded as good. And in whose presence are we to behave this way? The Gentiles.

“Wait a minute,” you say, “I thought Gentiles were non-Jews?” The word translated Gentiles in this verse is ethnos. Back in verse 9 we talked about the fact that God has made us a “holy nation” The word translated “nation” in that verse is this same Greek word, ethnos. It means “a race of people” or “a nation of people,” and Peter is using it here in the vernacular sense of those who are not of us or, more specifically, those who are not Christians. We are to live an exemplary life, a life without reproach, in front of the unsaved.

The reason, according to Peter, is that in living this way we may, by our good works, cause the unbelievers to glorify God in the day of visitation. These same people who deride us and treat us with disregard or contempt will give God glory one day.

Perhaps our current good behavior will be used as evidence against those who speak evil against us, showing that their attitude toward God was wrong. It does not appear that we will derive any personal satisfaction out of such judgment, and we are not to live godly lives for our own benefit. We are to live this way so that God will receive praise and glory.

Application

We are not here on this earth to do great things for ourselves; we are here to serve Him. Let us strive to live humble, godly lives and do good works, not for ourselves, but so that God will be glorified! After all, He is worthy!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog