By Nathan Harris, Ph. D.
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, University of Mobile
OUR WITNESS
1 Peter 2:11–17, 21–25
Our Good Works (11–12)
We know that salvation comes only through faith in Christ, not by works. (See Rom. 3:21–28, Gal. 2:16, Eph. 2:8–9, Phil. 3:8–11.) However, it is not inconsistent for Christians to claim that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Good works are a fruit of the new life we have in Christ.
Because of faith, we do good works for the glory of God. In our passage today, Peter is reminding Christians of the call to do good works, not as a means of earning anything but as a means to glorify God.
He urges Christians, as strangers and exiles, to abstain from the sinful desires of their hearts that wage war against their souls. We are not at home in this temporary world but look forward to the unshakable and eternal Kingdom to come (Heb. 12:28). While we wait we are to fight off the sinful desires of our flesh. Why is this important? We conduct ourselves honorably before the Gentiles so that our good work glorifies the Lord before the watching world.
Our Freedom (13–17)
Peter continues his letter with another command for Christians of all ages. He not only urges us to abstain from sin and to do good works that glorify God, but he also calls us to submit to all who hold authority — including the government. I know this can be such a touchy subject to talk about these days.
Whether you like your elected officials or not often dictates how well you receive a command like this, but there is an important reminder that Peter gives us that should bring us peace and joy in situations such as this. We are called to submit to all authorities not because of their inherent goodness or ability to serve justly but because of God (v. 13).
It is because of God’s will that we do good works and submit to authorities, living lives of holiness unto the Lord as a means to bring Him glory.
It is our very freedom in Christ that allows us to joyfully submit to human authority, not as slaves to the government but as free people under the lordship of Christ.
Our Example (21–25)
As we submit to all authorities, we also recognize that suffering will come. Unjust treatment, persecution and suffering are not uncommon in the Christian life.
It is not a matter of “if” it will happen but truly only “when.” As Peter recognizes this, he gives the greatest encouragement we can have as believers. Christ, our perfect example, suffered well so that we can follow in His footsteps.
Christ did not commit sin, was not deceitful and did not hurl insults in return, but as He suffered He trusted entirely in the just Judge, God the Father. And it is through Christ’s suffering on the tree that we experience true freedom.
We have freedom to live fully to God and submit joyfully to all authorities — even in the face of suffering. As Peter says, it’s by Christ’s wounds — His suffering — that we have been healed. Though we were once lost sheep, we have returned to the Shepherd of our souls, Jesus Christ.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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