THEMES FROM SELECTED EPISTLES (a) Outline Peter's recommendations that believers should interact with unbelievers in...
THEMES FROM SELECTED EPISTLES
(a) Outline Peter's recommendations that believers should interact with unbelievers in the society.
(b) State three ways by which Christians can live above reproach in the society.
Explanation
(a) 1 Peter 2:1-25):
(i) Peter admonished Christians living among non-Christians to put away all malice, guile, insincerity, envy and all slander.
(ii) He said, they should behave like the new born babies and long for the to pure spiritual milk so as to grow up to salvation.
(iii) Peter referred to believers as a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a holy nation.
(iv) Peter again said, Christians were God's own people and as such they should declare the wonderful deeds of Him who has called them from darkness into light.
(v) He remarked that some time past Christians were no people but now they are God's people and have received mercy
(vi) Peter appealed to Christians not to conform to the standards of this world.
(vi) They should also avoid the passion of the flesh and things that hinder their spiritual growth
(vii) Christians must also maintain good conduct among non-Christians so that in case of false accusation people would see their good deeds and glorify God.
(ix) Again, Peter advises Christians to be subject to every human institution and authority set up by God,
(x) And by so doing, they would put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
(xi) Peter advised Christians that as men who live under the freedom of Christ, they must not use their freedom as pretext for evil.
(xii) Again, as servants of God, Christians should honour all men and love the brotherhood.
(xiii) They should also fear God and honour their leaders/emperors/elders.
(xiv) Peter also urged servants to be submissive to their masters both the kind and the overbearing.
(xv) He made Christians aware that they could suffer for doing the right thing but they must not be worried,
(xvi) Finally, he said Christians should follow the good example of Jesus who trusted God even in his suffering.
(b) (i) Practicing good work ethics.
(ii) Avoiding social vices/Disgraceful conducts,
(iii) Being law/-abiding.
(iv) Performing their civic responsibilities,
(v) Reporting criminal activities to law enforcement agencies.
(vi) Being tolerant of others,
(vii) Being the conscience/Mouthpiece of society.
(viii) Practicing the teachings of the Christian faith/Being Godfearing.
(ix) Avoiding corrupt practices.
(x) Engaging in charity works.