Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 2:15

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.   (1Pe 2:15)

Doing good

silences

the ignorance

of foolish people

this is the will of God

I didn’t include this with verses 13-14 on purpose, though it certainly can be applied there.  However, I think that it is important that we consider this verse apart from or rather in a broader application than just the civil government.

This, “doing good,” is specific to those in whom He lives.  For me, that makes it a good of eternal significance.  It’s not “just” good, it is very good.

But we have to ensure that the good we do is distinctly His good.  Not only do I mean that it is a good thing we are called to in the Word, but that it is a good thing in the Spirit as well.

I can do a lot of good things with unbelievers and that is a good thing.  But I am convicted that when I do these good things, He must be glorified – not obscured as my motive.  I have a problem with “stealth” good works.  Not good works where “I” am anonymous, but works in and for Him where He is anonymous.

I’ve been told that this obvious expression of motive can be offensive to those who are not believers – but – well – uhhhh.  What’s the point if He is not glorified - ?

Our good doings need to be seen as coming from Him – not us – Him.  Are we to put the light under a basket so people won’t have to squint at the light?

No – I’m not saying you obnoxiously push Him in their faces, but you do need to let it be known, somehow, that you are there because you are His.  We are to be known as His and our doings are to be known as His.

On the lite side:

I’m considering a lapel pin or hat that has “4X,” on it – “For Christ.”  I know some folks object to the “X” being used for Christ but it is a valid historical idea.  “X” is the first letter in the Greek Xristos (Christ).  I just think it would be a subtle question raiser.

Remember, it is our good behavior (doing and talking) that will silence those who do not know Him.  

Michael Sanders, Chaplain

ms@tc2v1.com

www.tc2v1.com

Other writings and lessons on tc2v1 site.

Peter's Pen 1st Peter 1:8&9

1Pe 1:8-9  Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,  (9)  obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

I once had someone tell me that the gospel was unbelievable.  I agreed.  For the “world,” it does seem unbelievable.  When you and I were dead in our sins, blind to the things of God, the Gospel seemed unbelievable.

But – God didn’t let that remain the case for you and me.  He made us alive, restored our sight and we believed.  Now we are His forever.

In this passage Peter is acknowledging the unbelievableness of the Gospel.  We have never seen Jesus and yet we love Him.  We don’t see Him now yet we believe in Him.  We aren’t in heaven yet – but we rejoice at the firm promise of it.

Oh yeah – we’re nuts.  Folks even thought Paul was nuts:

Act 26:24  And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind."

Paul even writes:

1Co 1:27-29  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;  (28)  God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not to bring to nothing things that are,  (29)  so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

Do you ever feel alien?  Do you ever have a sense that you aren’t meant for here?  That is very appropriate.  Even more so to feel a little godly "foolishness."

But this passage does not stand alone.  We haven’t “seen” Him yet we love Him.  We don’t “see” Him yet we rejoice in His promises and faithfulness.

But Peter goes on in the next section -