Honorable Living as Exiles

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at 1 Peter 2:11-17.

[Scripture introduction] Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ writes his letter to the group of spiritually displaced Christians who are living in their homeland and yet they are publicly ostracized and physically harassed by their community. Their faith in Jesus Christ as brought on a collection of new issues and yet these believers are expected to live honorable live as foreigners in their own society.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these words on what spiritual exile living an honorable life in 1 Peter 2:11-17.

[Prayer for illumination] Prepare our hearts, O God, to accept your Word. Silence in us any voice but your own, that, hearing, we may also obey your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Introduction]

Imagine you're at the grocery store and you bump into your neighbor who doesn't believe in God. You're extra kind and patient because you know they're watching. They may not pick up a Bible, but they're definitely reading you!

What would your character reveal about you? Do you possess honorable features of acts of charity and love? Or do unbelievers read you like a book and witness that your integrity isn’t in alignment with what you believe about God.

Here is the corundum, you and I serve a perfect God and yet at times our lives counteracts the grace and goodness of God. We are to well aware that the world is watching us. So I pose this question each of you.

[FCF] How am I live in an unbelieving world that is constantly watching my every action?

[Scripture bond] In Peter’s letter, he raises this concern to us as travelers in this world that we are to live as people who belong elsewhere. So I say this to you.

[Proposition] As beloved exiles we live honorable lives because unbelievers are watching.

[Main point 1] Beloved, sojourners and exiles live honorable lives among the Gentiles.

[Explanation] We are beloved (1:2) sojourners traveling abroad in a hostile unbelieving world and while we’re here, we resist the passion of the flesh (witness) for the purpose of converting sinners through our good deeds.

[Illustration]

In a struggling neighborhood, a church initiated a community clean-up day to demonstrate Christ's love. As they worked alongside their neighbors, relationships were formed, and many individuals were curious about the faith that motivated such selfless service. This led to meaningful conversations and the eventual transformation of many lives.

[Application] The honorable deeds that Peter refers here is clearly evident in our lives of unbelievers. It is our involvement in social work, community service, solving local issues and caring for the ill and abandon.

The early church embodied this by caring for orphans and widows. When children and the elderly was forgotten by the ancient secular world. Christians made it a priority to love and even the governing officials noticed.

This leads us to why we continue living honorable lives.

[Main Point 2] Beloved, sojourners and exiles live honorable lives among the human institution.

[Explanation] Subject for the Lord's sake to those who reign on earth by using your freedom to do good for you are servants of God. Do honorably deeds by respecting your neighbor, loving your brother, and fearing your God.

[Illustration]

In the book of Daniel, we see an example of honorable living among pagan kings. Despite being surrounded by a culture that did not honor God, Daniel maintained his integrity and faithfulness. His commitment to prayer, his refusal to compromise his beliefs, and his godly wisdom led pagan kings to acknowledge the power and sovereignty of the one true God.

[Application] The honorable living among the human is God’s exile people loving another, fearing God through prayer and respecting the current people in office.

1 Timothy 2:1–4 ESV

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

But the primary reason why we live honorable lives of who is with us.

[Main Point 3] As beloved exiles we live honorable lives because our God is watching.

[Explanation] As unbelievers watch we will live honorable lives because of the gospel of Christ, sinners can be saved, God reigns over all. But we do this because Christ has shown us the way.

[Illustration]

Just as the Israelites were in exile in Babylon but still found favor with God by seeking Him earnestly, Christ's time on earth was like an exile, yet He pleased God by His perfect obedience and sacrificial love.

[Application] The honorable lives of Christ is resisting the devil in the desert and subjecting oneself to Pilate in the court. We honor God even in the midst of suffering for God is with us in our exile.

[Conclusion] Honor the Lord your God with everything inside you. He loves you. He is with you during this exile and while you’re here represent his Son who lived perfectly for our sakes to bring us into his kingdom.

As beloved exiles we live honorable lives because unbelievers are watching. Amen.