Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Suffer for Righteousness’ Sake

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1Peter 3:14-18 But and if you suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are you: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit 

‘Suffer for righteousness’ sake,’ all sufferings for doing right will work to your good (Rom. 8:28), providing you take the right attitude (Matt. 5:10; Luke 6:22-23). ‘Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled’ quoted from Isaiah 8:12-13.

‘Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts’ another proof that sanctification means to separate from a profane to a sacred purpose. We are to give God His rightful place; hold Him in reverence.

‘Good conscience’ one can always have a good conscience if he maintains good behaviour. ‘Conscience’ [Greek: suneidesis] joint knowledge of God and man; knowledge of our acts, state, or character as to right and wrong; the faculty, power, or principle which decides the lawfulness of our actions and affections, and approves or condemns them; the moral faculty or sense; consciousness of actions; the eye, judge, and guide of the inner man. Twelve kinds of conscience are described in the Word: Awakened (John 8:9); seared (1Tim. 4:2); purged (Heb. 9:9, 14; 10:2); pure (Acts 24:16; 1Tim. 3:9; 2Tim. 1:3); weak (1Cor. 8:7, 12, 13); defiled (Tit. 1:15); witnessing (Rom. 2:12-15; 9:1; 2Cor. 1:12); good (Acts 23:1; 1Tim. 1:5, 19; 1Pet. 2:19;  3:16, 21; Heb. 13:18); convicting or healthy (Matt. 27:3); satisfied (1Cor. 10:25-29); evil (Heb. 10:22); perfect (Heb. 9:9).

‘Conversation’ [Greek: anastrophe] behaviour or manner of life; the whole conduct of life in domestic and public relations. Always translated “conversation” (1:15, 18; 2:12; 3:1, 2, 16; Gal. 1:13; Eph. 4:22; 1Tim. 4:12; Heb. 13:7; Jas. 3:13; 2Pet. 2:7; 3:11).

‘That you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing’ six things to do in view of suffering: Be happy in suffering (3:14; Matt. 5:10). Be not afraid of man (3:14; Matt. 10:28). Be not troubled by trouble (3:14). Take suffering as unto God and hold Him sacred in your heart (3:15). Be ready to give an account of your life, conduct, and hope (3:15). Maintain a good conscience by good behaviour (3:16).

‘Christ also has once suffered for sins …’ eight facts about Christ (3:18-22): He suffered (3:18); He was put to death (3:18); He was resurrected by the Spirit (3:18); He went to Sheol/Hades (Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:27); He preached to fallen angels while in Sheol/Hades (3:19; 2Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6-7); He ascended to heaven (3:22); He sits on God’s right hand (3:22; Eph. 1:20; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 12:2); He exalted above all others (3:22; Eph. 1:20-23; Php. 2:9-11; Col. 1:15-18).

‘Once suffered for sins’ three purposes of Christ’s sufferings: He suffered for sins (2:24; Gal. 1:4; Matt. 26:28; Eph. 1:14; 1Cor. 15:3). He suffered for the unjust (Rom. 5:6-8). He suffered to bring us to God (Col. 1:20-22; 2:14-17; 2Cor. 5:14-21).

‘Death in the flesh’ He died in the flesh but did not die in the spirit, proving immortality of the spirit (3:4). Only the body dies at the time of physical death. This is caused by the soul and spirit leaving the body (Jas. 2:26). The body returns to dust and the soul and spirit of the righteous go to heaven to await the resurrection (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 6:9-11). The soul and spirit of the wicked go to hell to await the resurrection (Luke 16:19-31; Isa. 14:9; Rev. 20:11-15). The soul and spirit are spiritual and immortal. They cannot go back to dust.

‘Quickened by the Spirit’ His dead body was resurrected by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:11).

Let Him Refrain

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1Peter 3:8-13 Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you are thereunto called, that you should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if you be followers of that which is good?

‘Be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous’ twelve commands are given here for Christians: Be one of mind (3:8; Eph. 4:1-3). Have compassion on one another (3:8). Love as brethren (3:8; 1Cor. 13:1-13). Be pitiful (tender-hearted, 3:8). Be courteous (friendly, 3:8). Not rendering evil for evil (3:9). Not railing for railing (3:9). Be a blessing to others (3:9). Control the tongue (3:10; Jas. 3:1-18). Do not be deceptive (3:10). Shun evil and do good (3:11). Seek peace and pursue it (3:11). ‘Be one of mind’ to take the Word of God as the final authority and not have one’s own opinion or ideas of what you think He could have meant.

‘For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile’ quoted from Psalm 34:12-16 where eighteen conditions of a long life are given: Freedom from fear (Ps. 34:4); quickening from God (Ps. 34:5); boldness – freedom from shame; freedom from troubles (Ps. 34:6); divine deliverance (Ps. 34:7); partaking of God’s life (Ps. 34:8); absolute trust in God; fear of God (Ps. 34:7-9); freedom from want (Ps. 34:9-10); seeking God first (Ps. 34:10, 15; Matt. 6:33); godly teaching (Ps. 34:11; 2Tim. 3:15); control of tongue (Ps. 34:12-13); godliness – departing from evil [sin] (Ps. 34:14-16); consecration to doing good (Ps. 34:14); seeking and pursuing peace; brokenness and humility (Ps. 34:18); salvation of the soul (Ps. 34:22); prosperity – freedom from worry.

Three warnings about speaking evil: Commands against it (Ex. 22:28; Eph. 4:25-31); shortens life (3:9-10; Ps. 34:13); brings sure judgment (Ps. 12:3-4; Matt. 12:36-37; 1Cor. 6:10). Death and life are greatly determined by the power of the tongue, and he who uses this power rightly shall live because of it (Pro. 18:21).

‘For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil’ three blessings are noted here for the righteous: God’s eyes are over them; He hears their prayers and defeats their enemies.

‘But the face of the Lord is against them that do evil’ God will look upon the wicked to abhor and to punish them for their sins.

‘And who is he that will harm you, if you be followers of that which is good?’ No one can harm us when we are IN Christ – in union with Him. ‘Followers’ [Greek: mimetes] imitator – we must be imitators of Christ: live as He lived while on earth (1Thess. 1:6: 2:14; 1Pet. 2:21-23; 1Jn. 2:6).

The Hidden Man

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1Peter 3:4-7 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, as long as you do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 

‘Hidden man of the heart’ this is the inner man of Romans 7:22; 2Corinthians 4:16 and Ephesians 3:16 where it refers to the spirit of man which knows (1Cor. 2:11; 2Cor. 4:16; Eph. 3:16) and which is immortal (3:4). It also takes in the soul, that is, the seat of the feelings, emotions, and desires, for Paul not only knew and willed to do the will of God, but he delighted in it (cp. Ps. 1:2).

‘Is not corruptible’ [Greek: aphthartos] translated “not corruptible” of man’s soul and spirit (3:4); “incorruptible” of man’s crown (1Cor. 9:25), of the future resurrected body (1Cor. 15:52), of our heavenly inheritance (1:4), and of the Word of God (1:23); “uncorruptible” of God (Rom. 1:23); and “immortal” of God (1Tim. 1:17). Thus, we have definite proof that the inner man is just as immortal as God. People have immortality of soul and spirit and will have immortality in body in the resurrection (1Cor. 15:51-58).

Twenty-five proofs are given in Scripture of the immortality of man’s soul as we can see from the following quotes: the hidden man of the heart is not corruptible (is immortal, 1Pet. 3:4). Hell from beneath is moved to meet thee at thy coming (Isa. 14:9-11). They have eternal life (John 3:15-16; 6:54, 58; 17:2-3). They are passed from death unto life (John 5:24; 6:40, 47). He shall live forever (John 6:51) and they shall never perish (John 10:28). They shall never die (John 11:25-26). Man is not able to kill the soul (Matt. 10:28; Luke 12:5). There appeared Moses talking with Him (Matt. 17:3; cp. Deut. 34:6). Their worm dies not (Mark 9:43-49). In hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments (Luke 16:19-31). All live unto Him (Luke 20:37-38). Though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is renewed day by day … The things which are not seen (the soul and spirit) are eternal (2Cor. 4:16-18). To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2Cor. 5:8). To depart (die, the inner man leaving the body, Jas. 2:26) is to be with Christ (Php. 1:21-24). Whether we wake (live) or sleep (die), we shall live with Him (1Thess. 5:10). You are come unto the spirits of just men and made perfect (Heb. 12:22-23). The souls of the dead live according to God in the spirit (1Pet. 4:6). He that does the will of God abides forever (1Jn. 2:17). We know we have passed from death unto life because we love (1Jn. 3:14-15). God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son (1Jn. 5:11). He that has the Son has life (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:12). Your heart shall live forever (Ps. 22:26). The path of the just shines more and more unto the perfect day (Pro. 4:18). I saw under the altar the souls . . . they cried, saying (Rev. 6:9-11).

‘Even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit’ meekness so as not to be provoked by others and a quiet spirit so as not to provoke others. ‘Of great price’ all the ornaments placed on the heads of all females are of no value compared to the meek and quiet spirit. One is passing; the other is eternal. Proverbs 11:22 states: “As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.” a jewel in the swine’s snout is as becoming as a beautiful woman who lacks moral discretion.

‘Whose daughters you are, as long as you do well’ as Abraham is the father of all that believe (Rom. 4:12, 16), so Sarah is here spoken of as being the mother of many daughters who walk in her footsteps. ‘Afraid with any amazement’ fear of detection for infidelity. If you do well, being faithful wives, as Sarah, you will not live under fear of being found guilty of infidelities.

‘Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife’ two commands are given here for husbands: Likewise – be just as faithful to your wives, as you want them to be to you; give them no excuse for sin and give honour to the wife, using your superior strength in protecting her and as being heirs together of life.

‘Weaker vessel’ even though more beautiful, they are delicate and frail.

‘That your prayers be not hindered’ many prayers are hindered because of the unfaithfulness of husbands and wives. Husbands must make sure they honour their own wives by giving them the necessary honour and support as to not being cut off from above (Isa. 59:1-2).

Chaste Conversation

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1Peter 3:1-3 Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel

‘Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands’ wives are to be in submission to their husbands, (not to all men alike as some people like to misquote) like Christians submitting to rulers (2:13) and servants submitting to their masters (2:18).

‘Without the word be won’ if husbands will not hear preaching of the gospel, they will hear the preaching of the chaste behaviour of the wives. If the wife will conduct herself chastely, in reverence to her husband and in the fear of God, her husband may be won (3:2-3).

Eight ways to win a husband to God (3:1-6): Submit to and obey the husband [always in the Lord] (3:1, 5-6). Obey the Word (3:1). Have chaste conversation (3:2). Let not the outward adorning be the chief aim in life (3:3) no shameless attire. Let the inner man be adorned more than the outward man (3:3-4). Trust in God (3:5). Do well (3:6). Live faithful to the husband, so there will be no fear of being found guilty of infidelity (3:6). These are not only duties of a wife, but are the eight things which make a model wife. How can one who is constantly breaking these laws win a husband or anyone else?

‘Conversation’ [Greek: anastrophe] behaviour or manner of life; the whole conduct of life in domestic and public relations. Always translated “conversation” (1:15, 18; 2:12; 3:1, 2, 16; Gal. 1:13; Eph. 4:22; 1Tim. 4:12; Heb. 13:7; Jas. 3:13; 2Pet. 2:7; 3:11).

‘Adorning’ [Greek: kosmos] behaviour; fashion; ornament; decoration. ‘Let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel’ outward adorning consists here of hairstyle, wearing gold and wearing apparel. It is not the total condemnation of these three things that Peter intends here, but rather he’s stressing the importance of inner adorning over outward adorning. Many go to extremes classing as sin all wearing of rings, bracelets, and other ornaments, but this is not the purpose of the passage. It says nothing of any one of these things being sinful or unbecoming to Christians, and in this respect is in perfect accord with Paul who rebukes extravagance in ornaments and garments when women adorn themselves to bring any form of attention to their bodies or themselves.

We are to pay more attention to the inward man than to the outer man (3:4). Peter here gives the examples of holy women of old who adorned the inner man by being quiet and meek before their husbands, but who wore jewellery and outward adorning (3:5-6; Gen. 24:22, 30, 47, 53). All these came from Abraham and Sarah who were rich in silver and gold (Gen. 24:35).

You Were Healed

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1Peter 2:24 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 you were healed. 

One of the conditions of healing was given as a warning by Christ: “Behold, thou are made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” (John 5:14) Many more facts are given regarding healing: Health was natural and eternal before the fall (Gen. 1:26-31; 2:17). Both death and sickness originated with sin and are now being propagated by satan (Job 2:6-7; Luke 13:16; John 10:10; Acts 10:38; Rom. 5:12-21; 1Jn. 3:8). The first prophecy and promise of redemption included healing (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 53:5; Matt. 8:16-17; 1Pet. 2:24). The first recorded bodily affliction came through wrongdoing (Gen. 20:1-18). The first recorded healing was by the prayer of a prophet (Gen. 20:7-17).

God made covenants with His people to heal them (Ex. 15:26; 23:23; Lev. 26; Deut. 28; Matt. 8:17; 1Pet. 2:24; Jas. 5:14). God has always kept His covenants and has healed people by spiritual means (Ps. 103:3; 105:37; 107:20; Acts 10:38). Spiritual means to heal is all that God promised and commanded (Ex. 15:25; Ps. 91; Isa. 58; Matt. 8:17; 13:15; Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24). Spiritual means were used in the wilderness by Israel (Ex. 15:26; Num. 11:1-3; 12:13-16; 21:1-9; John 3:14). Healing was promised on condition of obedience (Ex. 15:26; Lev. 26; Deut. 28; Ps. 91; Isa. 58; Jas. 5:14-15).

God permits satan to afflict sinners and even His own people when they go astray, to bring them to repentance (Job 33:12-30; Ps. 38; 103:3; Num. 12:13-16; 21:9; 1Cor. 5:1-5; 2Cor. 2:6-11; Gal. 6:7-8). God always healed when lessons were learned and men repented (Gen. 20:7, 17; Num. 11:2; 12:13-16; 21:1-9; Job 33:12-30; 42:1-12; Ps. 103:3; Jas. 5:14-15). Health as well as healing was promised when men met certain conditions (Ex. 15:26; Lev. 26; Deut. 28; Ps. 91; Pro. 3:1-8; 12:18; 13:3; 15:4; 18:8, 21; Isa. 58; Jas. 5:14; 1Pet. 3:10-11; 3Jn. 1:2).

Christ came to redeem from both sin and sickness (Isa. 53; 61:1-2; Matt. 8:17; 9:5; Acts 10:38; Rom. 8:11; Gal. 3:13; 1Pet. 2:24; 1Jn. 3:8). Healing is in fulfilment of prophecy (Isa. 35; 53; 61:1-2; Matt. 8:17; 13:15; Acts 10:38; 1Pet. 2:24). Jesus proved His Sonship by healing all men (Matt. 4:23-24; 11:3-6; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 10:38; 1Jn. 3:8).

Every disciple called and sent by Christ was given power to heal (Matt. 10:1-8; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 10:1-21; Acts 1:8). Jesus commanded His disciples to become filled with power to heal before they went out (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8). Early disciples did confirm the Word by healing (Mark 16:15-20; Acts 2:43; 3:1-12; 5:2-16; 6:8; 8:7-13; 11:19-22; 14:3, 27; 15:4, 12; 19:11-12; 28:9; Rom. 15:18-19, 29; 1Cor. 16:10; Php. 1:7; 1Thess. 2:13; Heb. 2:3-4).

The Holy Spirit was sent into the world to carry on the healing ministry (Acts 1:1-8; 2:33; 1Cor. 12; Heb. 2:3-4). Gifts of healing and other gifts are promised as the spiritual equipment of the body of Christ (Rom. 1:11; 12:6-8; 15:18-19, 29; 1Cor. 1:7; 12:1-11; Heb. 2:3-4).

Healing is provided as part of Christ’s atonement (Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 8:16-17; 13:14-15; John 3:14; 10:10; Rom. 1:16; 8:11; 1Cor. 11:23-32; Gal. 3:13; Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24; 3Jn. 1:2; cp. Ex. 15:26; Ps. 91; 103:3). Healing is part of the children’s bread and their promised right by virtue of redemption (Matt. 7:7-11; 15:22-28; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Luke 13:16; John 3:14-16; 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; 1Jn. 3:8, 20-22;5:14-15; 3Jn. 1:2).

Healing was not only for the Old Testament days (Exodus 15:26; Psalm 91; Psalm 103:3) and for the Millennium (Isaiah 30:26; Isaiah 33:24; Isaiah 35:1-10). It is also for this age, or the gospel is faulty and the new covenant worse than the old one (1Cor. 12:1-11; 2Cor. 3:6-15; Heb. 2:3-4).

Healing is part of salvation, for the Hebrew and Greek words for “salvation” all imply the ideas of forgiveness, healing, health, and full deliverance from the curse (Rom. 1:16; Gal. 3:13; 1Pet. 2:24). Healing can naturally be expected as part of the infinite care of God over His children (Matt. 6:10; 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-18; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:4-8; 5:14-16).

Healing is on the same basis as forgiveness of sins-prayer and faith (Matt. 9:1-7; 13:15; 21:22; Acts 28:27; Jas. 1:4-8; 5:14-16; Heb. 11:6). Healing proves the resurrection of Christ and the descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-8; 2:33; 3:16; 4:12; Rom. 8:11). God has provided all necessary means of healing and complete defeat of satanic powers (Mark 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; 2Cor. 10:4-5; Eph. 6:10-18; Jas. 4:7; 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24; 5:7-9).

Healing is always the will of God for His people who may: “ask what you will” (John 15:7); “whatsoever” (Matt. 21:22; John 14:12-15; 15:16); “anything” (John 14:14); “what things soever you desire” (Mark 11:22-24); and “much more” than earthly parents would or could give their children (Matt. 7:7-11).

Thus, it is clear in Scripture that physical healing is provided for in the Old and New Testaments. The New Testament is based upon better promises than the Old Testament (Heb. 8:6).

Bare Our Sins

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1Peter 2:24-25 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 you were healed. For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 

‘His own self’ Jesus Himself, not another in His place, died for our sins (2:24; 1Cor. 15:3; Gal. 1:4; Matt. 26:28; Acts 20:28).

‘Bare our sins’ He bore the punishment due to our sins. In no other sense could He bear them.

‘Own body’ in the human body prepared by God for Him to become incarnate in (Heb. 10:5).

‘On the tree’ on the cross (Matt. 27:32; Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29; Gal. 3:13).

‘That we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed’ Three reasons for Christ’s death: That we might be dead to sins (Rom. 6:6-7); that we might live unto righteousness [with no sin] (Rom. 3:26); that we might be healed.

‘Should live unto righteousness’ this means that we should live without sin (Rom. 6; 1Jn. 3). No scripture ever sanctions living in sin as many teach today. Without holiness, no man shall see God (Heb. 12:1-29).

‘By whose stripes you were healed’ physical healing is part of the redemptive work of Christ. By His stripes, we are healed (Isa. 53:5; Matt. 8:17). Two bodily references are made in atonement (at-one-ment with God): Wound [Hebrew: chalal] to wound; bore; slay; pierce (Ps. 109:22; Isa. 51:9; 53:5). This refers to the piercing of the hands, feet, and side. Bruise [Hebrew: daka’] to crumble; beat to pieces; break; bruise; crush; destroy; smite (Job 19:2; Ps. 72:4; 94:5; Isa. 3:15; 53:5, 10). This refers to the stripes by scourging, cuts by thorns, and other physical sufferings, and proves this was part of the work of atonement by which blood was shed. It was by this particular phase of punishment that physical healing was provided for all alike (Isa. 53:5; 1Pet. 2:24).

‘For you were as sheep going astray’ quoted from Isaiah 53:5-6. This is the anticipated confession of men, and the very cause for which the Messiah suffered. ‘Like sheep’ sheep are the most helpless of all animals when they go astray.

‘We have turned every one to his own way’ this has been the way of man ever since the fall. Each one pursues his own interests, makes his own plans, and seeks to gratify his own selfishness, regardless of the interest and good of the whole (Jdg. 17:6; 21:25).

‘As sheep’ people are compared to sheep before salvation (Isa. 53:6; Luke 15:4-6) as well as after it (Matt. 10:16).

‘Shepherd’ Christ is the Good Shepherd and the Overseer of our souls (John 10:6-17; Heb. 13:20-21). ‘Bishop’ [Greek: episkopos] A bishop was a preaching elder (Php. 1:1; 1Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 2:25). Bishops and presbyters were the same.

Hereunto Were You Called

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1Peter 2:21-23 For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you 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 judges righteously 

‘For even hereunto were you called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps’ Christians are called to suffer and endure hardships, while being without sin (2:22; 1Jn. 2:6), thus following Christ (2Tim. 3:12; John 15:18-21). If you do not know your calling in life: all men were called to walked with God (have a relationship), and to represent Him on earth by living as Christ did on earth so that others can be saved by seeing the life of Christ in us (Eph. 4; Php. 3; 1Jn. 2:6).

‘Example’ a seven-fold example for us to follow, is given of Christ: Sufferings (2:21); sinlessness (2:22); guilelessness (2:22); love when being mocked (2:23); patience in threatening (2:23); resignation to God (2:23); and living in righteousness – that means without sin (2:24; Rom. 6; 1Jn. 3). These are the example according to which a proclaimed Christian should live; you cannot set your own standards for a true believer, but must follow what is commanded in God’s Word. The Word was not given for as to form our own opinion, religion and ideas of ‘what God wants’ the Word was given as instruction with human and godly examples of what exactly to do to live in obedience to God in all things.

‘Steps’ [Greek: ichnos] track or footstep. Only used of: Abraham (Rom. 4:12); Paul and Titus (2Cor. 12:18) and Jesus Christ (2:21).

‘Who did no sin’ Christ was the only sinless human being that ever lived. Mary was a sinner, for she rejoiced in God, her Saviour (Luke 1:47). There is no hint in Scripture that she had an immaculate conception. If she did have, then her parents had to be sinless, and their parents, etc. back to Adam. On the contrary, all men are born in sin aside from Christ, for He is the only one without a human father (Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-21). The reasons Christ have sinless flesh: He had no fall and was therefore sinless; He did not submit to satan and to his spirit and sinful nature (Eph. 2:2; John 8:44; 1Jn. 3:8). He came from the woman but was not of the seed of man (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-23; Luke 1:32-35; Rom. 8:3; Gal. 4:4; Php. 2:5-11; John 1:14; 1Tim. 3:16; Heb. 2:9-18). Man is recognized as the head of the race in all Scripture (Gen. 2:20-22; 2Cor. 11:3; Rom. 5:12-21). The iniquity of man, not woman, was passed as a curse upon children (Ex. 20:5; Num. 14:18; Deut. 5:9; Jer. 31:29-30; Ezek. 18:2-4). Mary was merely the means of God in bringing His own Son into a human body. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, not by man who could not produce sinless offspring. God is holy and cannot produce sinful offspring. This is according to the law of reproduction in Genesis 1:22-28. Thus by means of a woman, God could send Christ in the likeness of the flesh controlled by sin, and yet not of sinful flesh controlled by sin and satan (2:22).

‘Neither was guile found in his mouth’ the 5th and last Old Testament prophecy in 1Peter (2:22; Isa. 53:9). ‘Reviled’ He did not rail on His tormenters or threaten them, but committed His cause to the righteous Judge who will always do right (Gen. 18:25). Four things are noted that Christ did not do: He did not sin (2:22); He did not use guile to cover up (2:22); He did not rail on His enemies (2:23), and He did not threaten His enemies (2:23). Four things are noted that Christ did: He suffered as our example (2:21); He committed His cause to God (2:23); He bore our sins in His own body (2:24); He submitted to stripes to heal men (2:24; Isa. 53:4-6; Matt. 8:16-17).

Endure Grief

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1Peter 2:18-20 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when you be buffeted for your faults, you shall take it patiently? but if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 

‘Be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward’ three commands are given to servants (all of us serving in work and at home): Be subject to masters with fear, not to the good ones only (2:18). Suffer wrongs patiently (2:19-20) and follow Christ’s example in suffering for righteousness (2:21).

‘Froward’ the Greek word skolios translated froward (the contrary, 1Pet. 2:18); untoward (i.e., stubborn, Acts 2:40); and crooked (Luke 3:5; Php. 2:15). Your time belongs to your master. If he wastes your time, let him answer for it.

‘For conscience toward God endures grief, suffering wrongfully’ let them that suffer for well-doing endure it and commit themselves to God who is faithful to avenge all such (Heb. 10:30-31). All sufferings for doing right will work to your good (Rom. 8:28), providing you take the right attitude (Matt. 5:10; Luke 6:22-23).

‘For what glory is it, if, when you be buffered for your faults, you shall take it patiently?’ there is no honour in suffering with patience when guilty of wrongdoing because the honour lies in not to transgress at all. ‘But if, when you do well and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God’ if we do, however, suffer for no wrong-doing, we should do it with patience, for this is the attitude Christ had when crucified (2:21-23).

Six things to do in view of suffering: Be happy in suffering (3:14; Matt. 5:10); be not afraid of man (3:14; Matt. 10:28); be not troubled by trouble (3:14); take suffering as unto God and hold Him sacred in your heart (3:15); be ready to give an account of your life, conduct, and hope (3:15); maintain a good conscience by good behaviour (3:16).

Submit Yourselves

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1Peter 2:13-17 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. For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 

‘Submit yourselves’ Be subject, as in Romans 13:1-7. Christians commanded to obey human laws and civil rulers as long as they do not transgress the laws of God. Ten duties of citizens are required: To be subject to civil government (2:13-17; Rom. 13:1; Tit. 3:1); to be afraid to disobey civil rulers (Rom. 13:3; Pro. 24:21); to do good (Rom. 13:4; Tit. 3:1); to pay taxes (Rom. 13:1-7; Matt. 22:17-21); to render dues to all people (Rom. 13:7); to honour civil rulers (2:13-17; Rom. 13:1-7; Acts 23:5); to pray for civil rulers (1Tim. 2:1-2); to obey civil laws (Rom. 13:1-7; Ezr. 7:26); to do not curse rulers (Eccl. 10:20); to work for peace (Rom. 12:18).

In God’s plan He has determined that human governments shall exist to help Him carry on moral government and enforce moral laws. Even though they are appointed by God, He is not responsible for their acts, which is mainly evil and selfish. If they get out of line He will judge them, as He will all others. Some facts about human governments: They were instituted by God (2:13-17; Gen. 9:1-7; Rom. 13:1-6). Their purpose was to execute criminals and enforce law and order among people (2:13-17; Gen. 9:6; Isa. 11:4-9; 65:20; Dan. 2:21; 4:17-25; 5:21; Rom. 13:1-6). Human governments, are not founded upon the arbitrary will of God, but upon the needs of humanity in securing their highest good.

‘Ordinance’ the Greek word ktisis, always translated “creature” or “creation” except here and Hebrew 9:11. It means not only to be subject to every human ordinance, but also to every human creature that has any authority in government. The Jews thought it was unlawful to obey any ruler who wasn’t Jewish.

‘For the punishment of evildoers’ this is the purpose of human government and civil rulers, and it is only right that all good people cooperate to put lawlessness down.

‘So is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men’ when Christians obey the eight commands for pilgrims, they not only do the will of God, “but put to silence” the enemies of Christianity. The eight commands for pilgrims are: Abstain from fleshly lusts (2:11); live honest lives before men (2:12); submit to human civil rulers (2:13-15); be free, but live godly (2:16); honour all men (2:17); love the brotherhood (2:17); fear God (2:17), and honour the king (2:17).

‘Silence’ [Greek: phimoo] translated “put to silence” (2:15; Matt. 22:34); “be speechless” (Matt. 22:12); “hold one’s peace” (Mark 1:25; Luke 4:35); “be still” (Mark 4:39); and “to muzzle” (1Cor. 9:9; 1Tim. 5:18).

‘Ignorance’ [Greek: agnosia] translated “ignorance” (2:15) and “not knowledge” (1Cor. 15:34). This rightly pictures foolish men who do not seem to have intelligence enough to accept Christianity (cp. Ps. 14:1).

‘Foolish’ [Greek: aphron] meaning senseless; witless; crazed or silly.

‘As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God’ Jews considered themselves servants to no one but God. They used this doctrine for a cloak of maliciousness to justify their many rebellions against Rome and other nations. Peter warned them to be subject to civil rulers in all lands proving they were true servants of God.

‘Honour all men’ Romans 13:7 says: “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” Withhold nothing from civil government or its lawful officers that is required of you to pay. Pay taxes, customs, fear, and honour to all people over you in public life.

‘Brotherhood’ this means all true Christians in the one family of God (Eph. 3:6, 14-15) who represents the male (Heb. 2:11-12) body of Christ.

‘Fear God’ – fear [have respect] God who gave these commands lest He punish you for disobedience.

‘Honour the king’ honour the emperor or the highest civil ruler, for human government came from God (2:13-17; Rom. 13:1-7) even though the rulers are of darkness (Eph. 6:12).

Abstain from Fleshly Lusts

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1Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 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. 

‘Strangers and pilgrims’ they were the elect or converted Jews of the dispersion (1:2). Jews lived in all lands and in every city of Europe, Asia, and Africa (Acts 2:5-9; 26:6). They maintained their own laws and synagogues remaining separate from all other peoples.

‘Pilgrims’ eight commands are given here for pilgrims: Abstain from fleshly lusts (2:11); live honest lives before men (2:12); submit to human civil rulers (2:13-15); be free, but live godly (2:16); honour all men (2:17); love the brotherhood [fellow Christians representing the body of Christ] (2:17); fear God (2:17) and honour the king [country leader] (2:17).

‘Abstain from fleshly lusts’ studying some of the sins that damn the soul we must look at the following ten: (1) Evil thoughts include evil surmising, imaginations, devising, wanton, lustful, lascivious thoughts – any mind activity not brought to the obedience of Christ as in 2Corinthians 10:4. Examples of evil thoughts: General wickedness (Gen. 6:5; Ps. 64:5-6; Isa. 59:7; 65:2), jealousy – hatred (Gen. 50:20), evading responsibility (Deut. 15:9), false witnessing (Deut. 19:15-21), factless decisions (Jdg. 15:2), murder and rape (Jdg. 20:5), surmising – judging (1Sam. 1:13), plotting to kill (1Sam. 18:25 Neh. 6:2; Est. 3:6), covetousness (2Chron. 32:1; Ezek. 38:10-12; Luke 12:15-21), pride (Est. 6:6; Ps. 10:4), evil imaginations (Job 21:27; 2Cor. 10:4-7), false security (Ps. 49:11), vanity (Ps. 94:11; 119:113; Jer. 4:14), foolishness (Pro. 24:9), cursing rulers (Eccl. 10:20), worry (Matt. 6:25-34; Luke 12:11-26), false accusations (Matt. 9:3-4; 12:24-25; Luke 5:21-23; 11:17), pride in outward religion (Matt. 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-22; Luke 6:7-8), self-exaltation (Luke 9:46-48), wanting God’s power for gain and outward show (Acts 8:18-24), religious zeal without knowledge (Acts 26:9-18), pride over human wisdom (1Cor. 3:18-21), partiality (Jas. 2:1-4), and unbelief – doubt (Luke 24:38). (2) Adulteries are unlawful sexual relations between men and women, single or married (Matt. 5:32; 15:19; Mark 7:21; John 8:3; Gal. 5:19). (3) Fornications is the same as adultery besides all manner of other unlawful relations (Matt. 5:32). (4) Murders – to kill; to spoil or mar the happiness of another; hatred (Matt. 15:18; 1Jn. 3:15). (5) Thefts – taking from others that which is not yours (Eph. 4:28). (6) Covetousness is forbidden in God’s Word (Matt. 6:19-21; Rom. 13:9; Eph. 5:3; Heb. 13:5; 1Jn. 2:15-17). Hatred of it is one qualification of godly leaders, civil and religious (Ex. 18:21; 1Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 5:2). It will damn the soul (1Cor. 5:11; Eph. 5:3-5; 1Tim. 6:9-11; 2Pet. 2:3, 14). It must be killed out entirely (Col. 3:2-6). (7) Wickedness – known characteristics of the wicked are: They seek the destruction of others (Ps. 35:19); they are enemies to the righteous and hope for their destruction (Ps. 35:25); they hate without cause and plan deceitful acts, and they gloat over the hurt of others (Ps. 35:26). (8) Deceit is falsehood (Ps. 119:118); (9) Lasciviousness is wanton desires, sinful lusts and the promoting or partaking of that which tends to produce lewd emotions, anything tending to foster sex sin and lust. That is why many worldly pleasures have to be avoided by Christians – so that lasciviousness may not be committed. (10) An evil eye, meaning an evil, covetous, envious, and corrupt desire and heart that are never satisfied (Pro. 23:6-7; 27:20; Eccl. 1:8; 1Jn. 2:16). An “evil eye” portrays: Hardness of heart (Deut. 15:9); utter depravity (Deut. 28:54-57); immorality (Job 24:15; 2Pet. 2:14; Isa. 3:16; Ezek. 6:9); covetousness (Pro. 28:22); darkness (Matt. 6:22-23; Luke 11:34; John 12:40; Acts 26:18); discontent – murmuring (Matt. 20:15); lusts (1Jn. 2:16); rebellion (Matt. 13:15); blasphemy (Ex. 20:7); pride (Ps. 101:5); foolishness, recklessness and thoughtlessness (Mark 7:21).

‘War against the soul’ [Greek: strateuomai] to serve as a soldier; to be drawn up in battle array either to kill or take captive. Fleshly lusts will do both if they are not conquered (Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 1:29-32; 1Cor. 6:9).

‘Conversation’ [Greek: anastrophe] behaviour or manner of life; the whole conduct of life in domestic and public relations. Always translated “conversation” (1:15, 18; 2:12; 3:1, 2, 16; Gal. 1:13; Eph. 4:22; 1Tim. 4:12; Heb. 13:7; Jas. 3:13; 2Pet. 2:7; 3:11). ‘Among the Gentiles’ what Peter writes to Christians applies to both Jews and Gentiles.

‘Evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God’ at first, the heathen made no distinction between Jews and Christians. And since Jews were so hated by the Gentiles, Christians needed to walk very godly to prove they weren’t Jews, even though many of them were Jewish by nationality.

‘In the day of visitation’ in the day they’re brought to Christ through your lives of suffering and by your good works.