A Living Hope That Produces a Godly Lifestyle  

Topic: A Living Hope That Produces a Godly Lifestyle (1 Peter 2:11-25).

Illustration: Share the illustration of how Rabbi Chaim told a visitor to his home that he lived simply because his home was not in this world, but in heaven.

Introduction: In this passage, Peter refers to how the Christian should live in the dark and dangerous times they faced. He emphasizes that they should face suffering and persecution joyfully by understanding the full value of their eternal purpose and the living hope they had.

Trivia:

Peter – His name is referred to around 210 times in the New Testament. He is called the ‘apostle of hope’.

Suffering – The word is mentioned 16 times in 1 Peter.

In this chapter, the believers are reminded that they are a ‘chosen people’ and a ‘royal priesthood’ who have passed from “darkness to light”, because of their living hope (1 Peter 2:9). He therefore tells them that they should live as foreigners, exiles, and pilgrims (aliens) in an ungodly world (vs 11). He is however not referring to the aliens we see in modern-day movies, but saying that they should consider themselves to be pilgrims and strangers in this wicked world

Refer to the lyrics of the well-known gospel song that shows our living hope for further emphasis – “This world is not my home, I’m only passing through.”

So, what should the lifestyle of the Christian be in this sinful world? In this outline, we will cover 3 points on the topic. “A Living Hope That Produces a Godly Lifestyle”.

1) The Christian’s lifestyle should be holy because of the living hope he has (vs 11-12/15)

*1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Peter highlights that we are at war (in a battle) in this ungodly world, and therefore need to live exemplary and holy lives that honor God. This should be seen in the following areas.

Our Conduct

Through Good deeds

In our Speech

In how we respond to injustice

In how we control our passions  

He reiterates that our focus should be on heaven and on the finish line. That’s why we need to live God-honoring lives, contrary to the world’s values. Let’s look at a few more scriptures.

*1 Peter 2:11- “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”

1 Peter 2:1 – “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

*Why is such a lifestyle encouraged by Peter? The answer is found in verse 12. It is so that we could silence those who try to bring false accusations against us. This is what it says.

*1 Peter 2:12 –  “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (refer also vs 15).

At different times, Christians were wrongly accused of various things, such as:.

*Belonging to a cult

*Being unruly

*Creating social and religious unrest

*Being enemies of the state

*Immorality 

*Belonging to a fanatical sect

They overcame such false accusations through their godly lifestyle and testimony. They kept their focus always on heaven and their eternal hope. They showed the transformation Jesus had brought by being godly, helpful, having stable marriages, taking care of the sick and unloved, and lovingly welcoming people of all social levels. 

Illustration: Share a meaningful illustration of someone who made an impact in society through a godly lifestyle. Such a lifestyle will surely shine brightly in this dark world!

Thought: “At night, a candle’s brighter than the sun” ( Lyrics from the song “I’m an Englishman in New York” by Sting). 

2) The Christian’s response to authority and suffering should glorify God because of the living hope he has (vs 13-20)

Peter 2:13-14 – “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”

Verses 13-14 show us how we should respond to all authority, including the government, and other institutions. it talks about submission, even though we may see many shortcomings. But we should do so only as long as our faith and commitment to God is not compromised (refer Acts 5:29). (Remember that most of the believers lived in strongholds of emperor worship).

In other words, Peter was saying that although they were free from the evils of the state, they should use their freedom to uphold the laws of the state, and to submit to the codes of governance.

As citizens, we should be thankful that things function in a disciplined and systematic manner when proper governance is evident.  Just imagine if there was no law and order or governance in our society. There would be chaos!

Scripture also asks to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4). In other words, complain less and pray more. Let’s pray and also look at ways we can help bring positive change in society and impact our neighborhoods.

In this passage, Peter also deals with our work ethic when working under or when facing injustice through employers. Peter specifically asks slaves to submit to their masters before God, even the harsh ones. In that culture, slaves were considered as owned property by their masters.

 “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God” (1 Peter 2:18-19).

What about us in today’s world? Thankfully, if we face injustice in our work today, unlike then, we could either take a principled stand against it, or leave gracefully. But we should do it in a God-honoring way because of the living hope we have.  Injustice has been faced by God’s people throughout history and Peter would have remembered how Jesus faced injustice at His trial. He reminds us that God is always impartial (1:17). We can therefore be godly through injustice because we are looking for God’s approval and towards our eternal reward.

Thought: “Our reaction is more important than the circumstance“

(For another sermon on godly living click here.)

3) The Christian’s living hope is anchored in Jesus: his role-model (vs 21-25)

1 Peter 2:21-21 says, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

Peter refers to our Lord Jesus as a clear example we can follow when dealing with injustice. Although a king, Christ was identified with those who were considered inferior (like slaves), by their masters. He’s the model (example) we need to always emulate. Men will fail us. Even good leaders can fail us but only Jesus is our perfect example. The word “example” in this passage apparently is taken from the example of how a teacher’s writing was supposed to be copied perfectly by the student.

Illustration: Share an example of a leader who impacted your life through godly leadership and lessons you learned through him/her.

In verses 22-23, focuses on the writings of Isaiah 53 to show the humility of Jesus, the One who had no sin and no deceit. He didn’t insult or threaten others in suffering but entrusted Himself to the righteous judge (vs 23). Instead, He died for the sins of all sinful mankind to bring us to God’s righteousness (vs 24). 

So, how did Jesus react to injustice? “He entrusted himself to the just Judge”. We too should reflect His attitude at all times. 1 Peter 2:25 urges us to return to the living hope we have in Him, “the Overseer and Shepherd of our souls”.

Closing: Close with a time of soul-searching, asking God to help us lead a godly lifestyle because of the living hope we have.

For an article on overcoming temptation, click here.