This chapter consists of exhortations, in general, to a holy life; and, in particular, to obedience to superiors. It begins with an exhortation to lay aside various vices, which were unbecoming regenerate persons, 1Pe 2:1 and, agreeably to their character, as new born babes, to express a desire after the Gospel, which is commended from its nature, being comparable to milk; and from its quality, being reasonable, sincere, and unmixed; and from the end and usefulness of it, a spiritual growth; and the argument engaging to such a desire is the experience they had of the grace of Christ in it, 1Pe 2:2,3 whose excellency is declared, under the metaphor of a stone, said to be living, to be chosen of God, and precious to him, though rejected by men; to whom the saints are encouraged to come, as lively stones built up, a spiritual house, for the exercise of the holy office of the priesthood, by offering up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ, 1Pe 2:4,5 and that Christ is such a precious stone, is proved from Isa 28:16 and not only to God, but to all them that believe; though to them that believe not, he is the stone of rejection, stumbling, and offence; to stumble at which, and the doctrine of it, through disobedience, they were of old appointed by God, 1Pe 2:6-8 but the character of the persons the apostle writes to was very different, quite the reverse, being chosen and called, and manifestly the people of God, and sharing in his grace and mercy, 1Pe 2:9,10 and these he exhorts, suitable to their state and condition, to abstain from sin, as an enemy to their souls, and to live an honest life and conversation among the Gentiles, that they, instead of speaking evil of them, might, by beholding their good works, glorify God, 1Pe 2:11,12. And particularly he exhorts them to obedience to civil magistrates, both superior and inferior; partly from the author of them, they being of the Lord; and partly from the usefulness of them to punish wicked men, and to encourage good men; and also from its being the will of God, by such obedience, to silence the cavils of foolish men, 1Pe 2:13-15. And whereas it might be objected, that they were made free by Christ, and therefore should not be the servants of men; it is granted, that they were free; but then it is denied, that they should use their liberty for a cloak of maliciousness: and besides, it should be observed, that they were the servants of God, and therefore ought to do what he enjoined them; and, among other things, yield obedience to civil magistrates, 1Pe 2:16. And to this purpose are various exhortations in 1Pe 2:17, and another particular one is added, which is to servants, to be subject to their masters, and fear them, whether they be good or bad, 1Pe 2:18 and then he comforts such that had bad masters, and encourages them to bear the injuries they received from them patiently; because so to do was grateful to God, and acceptable in his sight; and because they were called unto it by him; and because of the example Christ had left them in suffering for them, 1Pe 2:19-21. And this is further urged from the character of Christ, who was without sin, and yet suffered, and from his conduct, who, when reviled, made no return, but left his cause with God, 1Pe 2:22,23 which leads on the apostle take notice of the nature of Christ's sufferings in his body on the cross, and the ends of them, which were expiation of sin, healing diseases, and holiness of life, as a consequent thereof, 1Pe 2:24 previous to which conversion, which is illustrated by the former state and condition men are in, being as sheep going astray; and by their present one, being returned to Christ, the Shepherd and Bishop of souls, 1Pe 2:25.
Urging you to consider your witness to a watching world, Pastor Raul will challenge you to make sure your actions speak as loud as your words when it comes to representing Christ through your faith. Learn more on Somebody Loves You with Pastor Raul Ries.
Christians must stand for the truth. The only time we are called by God to disobey those in authority is when their commands are in violation of our Biblical convictions, or the violation of direct scripture. With respect and honor we cannot disobey God to obey them.
Those who rule over us are in the hands of the Lord. God puts leaders over us for our learning. He always has a plan, and everything belongs to Him. We only need to trust and obey His authority.
Those who reject Jesus as the Christ might gain the whole world, but will lose their own soul in Satan’s eternal darkness. Christians may be mocked for their beliefs, and criticized for obeying Christ in humbleness. Still, their reward is not of this world, but eternally with Jesus in Heaven’s glory.
Continuing the discussion on the effort by 'Never Trumper-ers' operatives (the Lincoln Project) and the 'Progressive Christian' networks (Vote Common Good). There's the Deep State and the Deep Church, but are the GOP 'Never Trump-ers' operatives and the 'Progressive Christian' networks have joined together to defeat Trump in the 2020 election. Who are they and what do they want?
What represents cracks in our nation's foundations? The only thing that can seal up the cracks is the Truth. Do you feel cracks are happening that affect your life? There's the Deep State and the Deep Church - are the GOP 'Never Trump-ers' operatives and the 'Progressive Christian' networks part of them? Who are they and what do they want?
This feature is for PLUS subscribers only. Join PLUS today to access these tools and more.
JOIN PLUSThis feature is for PLUS subscribers only. Join PLUS today to access these tools and more.
JOIN PLUSThis feature is for PLUS subscribers only. Join PLUS today to access these tools and more.
JOIN PLUSCreate a free account to start a reading plan, or join PLUS to unlock our full suite of premium study tools.