![\"\"](\"\/Banner-MOG-60.gif\" "\\"Ministry")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
1 Peter 2:12<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by<\/span> your<\/span><\/em> good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Truth to Learn<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Our good conduct will bring glory to God.<\/p>\n Behind the Words<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cConduct<\/span>\u201d is translated from anastroph\u0113<\/span><\/em>, which literally means \u201cto turn again.\u201d By implication it means \u201cto move around.\u201d It\u2019s a reference to the way we behave as we move back and forth through this life on earth.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201chonorable<\/span>\u201d is kalos<\/span><\/em>, which literally means \u201cbeautiful\u201d but by figure, as used here, it means \u201cgood in quality or character.\u201d<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cvisitation<\/span>\u201d is episkop\u0113<\/span><\/em>, which is made up of epi<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201con\u201d or \u201cover\u201d and a form of skope\u014d<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201cto give attention to.\u201d 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 \u201csaved.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Meaning Explained<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 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 \u201chonorable\u201d 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWait a minute,\u201d you say, \u201cI thought Gentiles were non-Jews?\u201d The word translated Gentiles in this verse is ethnos<\/span><\/em>. Back in verse 9 we talked about the fact that God has made us a \u201choly nation\u201d The word translated \u201cnation\u201d in that verse is this same Greek word, ethnos<\/span><\/em>. It means \u201ca race of people\u201d or \u201ca nation of people,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Application<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 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!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/p>\n – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –<\/p>\n <\/span>If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to:![\"signature\"](\"..\/..\/signature.gif\")
<\/p>\n![\"e-mail](\"..\/..\/Will_e-mail.gif\")
<\/p>\n