As free
These converted Jews might value themselves on their freedom, partly as the descendants of Abraham, and so freeborn, and not to be brought into bondage to other people; and chiefly because of their liberty which they had in and by Christ Jews. The apostle allows that they were freemen, that they were Christ's freemen, were free from sin, its damning and domineering power, and from the curses and condemnation of the law, and had freedom of access to God, and a right to all the privileges and immunities of the house of God; but then they were not free to sin, and to live in the contempt of the laws of God and men, to despise government, speak evil of dignities, and break in upon the rules of civil society:
and not using your liberty as a cloak of maliciousness;
under a pretence of Christian liberty, to hurt the persons, properties, and estates of men, without looking upon themselves accountable for their conduct to their superiors: some think the apostle alludes to the ancient custom of servants, who, when they were made free, walked with a cap, or covering on their heads, in token of it: it follows,
[but] as the servants of God;
for they that are free are the servants of God and Christ, and show themselves to be so by submitting to and obeying those that are under them, and ordained by them; and which is no ways inconsistent with, and contrary to their Christian liberty, which never was designed to thwart and subvert the principles of natural religion, laws of a moral nature, or the rules of civil government; some instances of which are next mentioned.
How are Christians supposed to relate to their government, employer and even close relationships. Peter here in this passage encourages us to emulate Christ. Though it may be radical we do see that Christ lived it to the point of death.
Should I see that movie? Can I have a glass of wine with dinner? You can probably think of a number of questions you wrestle with from time to time, similar to these. As believers, we know that we have an incredible amount of freedom. But there are some things that while they may be permissible, have the potential to stumble a Christian, or even mislead an unbeliever! Today on Sound Doctrine we’re talking about our liberty as followers of Christ, and the right and wrong use of them.
Freedom is something we’ve enjoyed here in America. Soldiers have fought to keep it that way. And God wants us to live as free people. With that said, there is a danger you want to be aware of that goes along with this. We can easily take things too far, and before you know it, we’re starting to use our freedom as a coverup for evil. This warning comes to our attention today on Sound Doctrine, as pastor Jeff Johnson visits First Peter 2:16.
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