1 Peter 2:12-14 “Having
your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against
you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify
God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man
for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme, or unto governors,
as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the
praise of them that do well.”
Michael continues that we
submit ourselves as sons and daughters of God with gentleness according to the
love of God. The Spirit of Christ in us will determine the world's reaction to
the Word of God that we witness with our behavior. They don't care that you
know until they know that you care.
Continuing in 1
Peter 2:18-19: “Servants, be
subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but
also to the forward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience
toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”
Why should we be submissive
to an unreasonable master? This finds favor (to God and men who admire
our character) when we for the sake of confidence toward God suffer
unjustly. They don't watch if we seek "just retribution" but
they take notice when we bear up under unjust suffering. This is the mark
of Godly character. This is an example of God's living epistle, known and
read of all men.
Bearing up under suffering
was the example of Jesus himself: 1 Peter 2:20-25: "For what glory is it, if, when ye
be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do
well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with
God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered
for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who
did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was
reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed
himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our
sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto
righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep
going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”
According to 2 Peter 1:10,
Our calling is to give all diligence (with meekness and humility) to make our
calling and election sure. We look unto Jesus the author and finisher of
our faith who for the joy (of our salvation) endured the cross, despising the
shame and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God. Because of
the price he paid on our behalf he has called us to "show forth the
praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light...”
May we ever live to the
praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael
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