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CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY (WEEK THREE AND FOUR)
CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY
Bible Ref: 1 Pet.1:13-17; 2:9-25; 4:1-19
INTRODUCTION:
The gospel of Jesus Christ requires the adherents to put into action in their daily lives the gospel values. It demands practical manifestations of the teaching of Jesus in our daily dealings with our neighbor. This will not only help in spreading the gospel but will also promote positive interpersonal relationship among Christians and between Christians and non-Christians. In what follows, we will be considering Peter’s advice to the Christians living in gentile land and to Christians in general
CHRISTIANS LIVING AMONG NON-CHRISTIANS
- SUBMISSION TO THE CIVIL AUTHORITIES
(1Pet.2:9-19)
In addressing the Christians concerning their attitude to civil authorities, Peter reminded them of their Christian identity. He described them as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, who are called out of darkness into the marvelous light of God, and who have received his mercy. With this in mind, Christians, God’s own people, we are charged to conduct themselves well while in exile, in the midst of Gentiles. They should conduct themselves properly so that those who might speak against them could see their good deeds, and glorify God in the end.
Christians are to be loyal to the constituted authorities such as the emperor (president), or governors since God instructed them to discipline offenders and praise those who do right. They were to honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God and honor the emperor.
- SERVICE AND ATTTUDE TO SUFFERING
(1 Pet.2:18-25)
Peter admonished servants to be submissive to their earthly masters in every aspect. They owe obedient to kind and gentle masters as well as the difficult ones. In his opinion, there is no gain in suffering for an offence one has committed, but should one suffer for a just course, such a person as approved by God.
He urged the Christians to emulate Christ who underwent great suffering through innocent; he committed no sin and uttered no evil words. He bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might be free from sin and live in righteousness.
- CHRISTANS TO LIVE EXEMPLARY LIVES
(1 Pet.4:1-11)
Christians were called upon to live above the sinful and worldly lives of the gentiles; they are to abstain from such sins as licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, reveling carousing, lawlessness and idolatry. They should always remember that those who indulge in such acts must give account of their lives to the creator of us all.
Peter enjoined all Christians to love one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. They Nshould be charitable to all, employing their talent for the benefits of all. He charged them to practice hospitality without complaining to any one in all, they should aim to glorify God through Jesus Christ.
- THE PRIVLEDGE OF SUFFERING FOR CHRIST
(1 Pet.4:12-19)
Peter disposed Christians on the possibility of experiencing serious suffering for God’s sake. Though it may appear strange to them, they should however realize that it is their own share of Christ’s suffering would qualify them to rejoice and to be glad where his glory would be revealed.
They were warned against suffering for wrong doing. If one is to suffer for community criminal offences such as murder, theft, mischief-making and the likes, there s no merit for it but should one suffer for the name of Christ, one should glorify God.
(B) INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AMONG CHRISTANS
(1 Pet.5:1-11)
The apostle Peter at this point admonished the elders in the church, the shepherds of God’s flock; on the right attitude towards those entrusted to their care. They are to tender the flock entrusted to them with loving and caring heart, not counting the material gains therein. The shepherds are to provide spiritual guidance for the younger ones, tend and direct them, as to overcome the evils of the society. In discharging their duty, the church elders are to emulate Christ who is the chief shepherd, so that they might obtain the unfading crown of glory when Christ would be made manifest.
The younger ones in the community were advised to be subject to the elders and humble towards one another for God opposes then proud, but gives grace to the humble. They should respect the elders, hearken to their advice and see them as their spiritual models.
- GENERAL ADVICE TO THE CHURCHES IN DISPERSION
The Christians living in the gentile world were advised to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, so that they might be exalted. They should abandon their lives to God who cares for them. They were to remain steadfast in faith, resist the devil, and bear patiently the sufferings that will come their way in life. God who called them to eternal glory in Christ will surely restore, establish them and strengthen them for the life journey.
- PAULS STATEMENT ON CHILDREN OF LIGHT
Bible Ref: Rom.13:11-14
St. Paul, writing to the Romans emphasized the urgent need for Christians to spread every moment of their lives as if it is their last in this world. In his own words, they should wake from sleep, discard everything that belongs to darkness and put on the armor of light. As people who live in the full light of the day, they should know be decent in their behavior, avoid orgies or drunkenness, prostitution, fighting and jealousy. They are to put on Jesus Christ and never allow themselves to be led by the flesh or its desires.
- SOCIAL VICES AND WITNESSING TO CHRIST
In our generation, there exist so many social ills, as the churches multiply on daily basis so also do crimes of various kinds abound. This contradicts our identities as Christians who are charged to be Christ bearers. St. Peter in his letter as observed above instructed Christians to avoid suffering as a result of one’s wrongdoing such sufferings even when patiently borne, has no merit. Christians must avoid such social ills like: murder, stealing, drug addiction, excessive intake of alcohol, prostitution, law offenders, tax evasion, embezzlement of public funds, corruption, bribery, injustice, fraudster, cultism, exam malpractice, among others. They should witness to Christ with their lives.
- TOLERANCE AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE
These two virtues promote love among people. A Christian should ensure that he/she is peaceful both in his/her private and public life. A chaotic personality will end up externalizing the conflict within to his/her environment. A peaceful person will accommodate others despite their weaknesses, he does not condone evil but at the same time, he can tolerate.
