Christian Witness In Chaotic Times
1 Peter 2:11-17 (ESV)
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
Submission to Authority
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Study Guide Questions:
Observation questions
According to 1 Peter 2:9-10, what are the distinct identities God has given to His people?
What is the desired outcome of keeping our conduct honorable among non-believers, according to 1 Peter 2:12?
Interpretation questions
How does understanding ourselves as sojourners and exiles, rather than primarily citizens of an earthly nation, change our perspective on current events and political engagement?
How does the "war within" – the passions of the flesh like anger, strife, and division – manifest in ways that can hinder our witness, even when we are trying to address external issues?
1 Peter 2:12 encourages honorable conduct so that non-believers "may see your good deeds and glorify God." What is the difference between seeking the approval of the world and living in a way that, by God's grace, might lead them to glorify God?
How does genuine listening, as opposed to simply waiting to respond or argue, reflect the character of Christ and open doors for the gospel?
Life Application
We are called to remember our identity as "beloved" and "sojourners and exiles" in Christ. In what specific ways can you intentionally remind yourself of this primary identity this week, especially when you encounter strong opinions or divisions in the news or social media?
What is one specific "passion of the flesh" (like anger, rivalry, or dissension) that you have noticed in yourself recently, and what is one concrete step you can take this week to actively "abstain" from it?
Honorable conduct among non-believers is presented as a way to make our good deeds visible. Think about your interactions this week with people who hold different beliefs or political views. What is one specific way you can intentionally live "honorably" in those conversations or encounters, even if they speak against you?
Is there a person in your life with whom you have a significant disagreement? What would it look like to intentionally practice patient listening with them this week, seeking to understand their perspective rather than just waiting to respond?
The idea of living in such a way that "life is better because of Christians' presence" is a powerful vision. What is one small, tangible act of sacrificial love or patient service you can offer this week that might make your community or workplace a noticeably better place, even in a small way?
We are reminded that "our goal in living honorably isn't to win political battles." As you engage with the world this week, how can you ensure your actions and words are aimed at pointing to Jesus, rather than simply trying to win an argument or achieve a political outcome?