Be a Good Example
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Key Verse: “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.” Selected Scripture: |
CHRISTIANS ARE ALWAYS to be a good example to the world. That is why the Apostle Peter wrote, “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe [them], glorify God in the day of visitation.” (I Pet. 2:11,12, New American Standard) The early church was composed of many Jews, who, though a chosen race, lived among the Gentiles who spoke against them as evildoers. In turn, Christians opposed pagans and Peter suggests that they conduct themselves honorably so that they maintain a good name in society. Noah was a good example when he “prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world.” (Heb. 11:7; I Pet. 3:20; II Pet. 2:4,5) Jesus was an example to those angels of Noah’s time that sinned, and by his example preached to them.—I Pet. 3:18-20
Peter continues saying, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors. … For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.” (I Pet. 2:13-15, NAS) “Even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye 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 judgeth righteously: 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 ye were healed.” (I Pet. 2:21-24) He also said minister one to another anything by which you can benefit another. (I Pet. 4:10) Regard what you have, and they have not, as a gift bestowed upon you by God for the common good, and as good stewards be ready to impart it as the needs of others require.
How do Christians live according to God’s will and at the same time live in a human world bound by social customs? Peter writes in our Key Verse, conduct yourselves honorably so that ‘they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.’
He concludes by saying, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”—I Pet. 5:6-11