1 PETER 2 SILENCE THE IGNORANCE OF FOOLISH PEOPLE

Описание: January 23
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1 PETER 2
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. – 1 Peter 2:13-20
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1 PETER 2 SILENCE THE IGNORANCE OF FOOLISH PEOPLE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you have truly believed in Christ, you no longer live in the old life
You seek the truth constantly and you no longer speak lies
You fear God and submit to every human authority given to you
When you are mindful of pleasing God, you will endure sorrow
You no longer avoid suffering unjustly for the sake of Christ
It becomes an occasion to endure and grow your faith
You learn to silence the ignorance of foolish people
You expose their minds that are captured by the devil.
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In this letter, Peter emphasizes the importance of submission to authorities. He says it is the will of God.
When we obey those leaders whom God has put in our lives to follow, we are also exercising obedience to God himself. But Peter mentions an interesting value of obedience and doing good in verse 15, he says that it silences the ignorance of foolish people. When we live obedient lives, we become free from many sins. We do not let ourselves be enticed by rebellion, entitlement and bitterness. We also learn to think less of our own beliefs and preferences. It makes us humble and lessens our pride.
In 1 Samuel 15:23, the prophet Samuel rebukes King Saul for disobeying God. It is self-will that made him disobey God’s will. There was idolatry in the form of controlling situations, so he can get to do what he thinks is better than what is being asked by God from him. Samuel calls the sin of rebellion the same as witchcraft. Witches manipulate to control events or people whom they want to submit or bow down to them or to their whims. When we rebel, we don’t want the control of God but we want that control for ourselves. We defy what is good and do what we want to attain or achieve. When we disobey, it clearly shows that we do not fear the Lord or honor him. We love ourselves so much that we do not want to bow down to authority. Peter gives us a way out of rebellion or disobedience in verse 19. It is to keep your eyes on the Lord and be mindful of him. By doing so, you will endure sorrow and suffering.
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REFLECTION
• Why should Christians silence the ignorance of foolish people?