Silencing the Critics
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
Introduction:
-Review
a. Chapter 1-Is God a Cosmic Killjoy
b. Chapter 2-The Crucial First Step
c. Chapter 3-The Frizzies Principle
d. Chapter 4-The Priority of Purity
Submission
Submission
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
-Touch of History
-Authorship-Peter
-Time Period-62-63 AD
-Situation-Roman Persecution by Emperor Nero
-One of his grandest plans was to tear down a third of Rome so that he could build an elaborate series of palaces that would be known as Neropolis. The senate, however, objected ardently to this proposal. It was Nero way of forcing them to build his city.
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-10 of 14 Districts of Rome were destroyed
-2/3 of Rome were destroyed
-The Roman Historian Tacitus reports that during the fire he played the fiddle on a Roman Patio
-After the fire subsided he needed someone to blame so he blamed this little group of lower-class people worshipping in house called the Christian.
-Nero laid blame for the fire on the Christians. The emperor ordered the arrest of a few members of the sect who, under torture, accused others until the entire Christian populace was implicated and became fair game for retribution. As many of the religious sect that could be found were rounded up and put to death in the most horrific manner for the amusement of the citizens of Rome. The ghastly way in which the victims were put to death aroused sympathy among many Romans, although most felt their execution justified. This persecution lasted from 64ad-68ad
-"Therefore, to stop the rumor [that he had set Rome on fire], he [Emperor Nero] falsely charged with guilt, and punished with the most fearful tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who were [generally] hated for their enormities. Christus, the founder of that name, was put to death as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea, in the reign of Tiberius, but the pernicious superstition - repressed for a time, broke out yet again, not only through Judea, - where the mischief originated, but through the city of Rome also, whither all things horrible and disgraceful flow from all quarters, as to a common receptacle, and where they are encouraged. Accordingly first those were arrested who confessed they were Christians; next on their information, a vast multitude were convicted, not so much on the charge of burning the city, as of "hating the human race."
In their very deaths they were made the subjects of sport: for they were covered with the hides of wild beasts, and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses, or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights. Nero offered his own garden players for the spectacle, and exhibited a Circensian game, indiscriminately mingling with the common people in the dress of a charioteer, or else standing in his chariot. For this cause a feeling of compassion arose towards the sufferers, though guilty and deserving of exemplary capital punishment, because they seemed not to be cut off for the public good, but were victims of the ferocity of one man."
-You will notice that the major persecution started after Peter wrote the book, but there was some minor persecution that had already started.
-One of the reasons was that this little small group of destitute Christian were always talking about this Returning King who would bring Justice and Equity. This made the Jews Irate, and it made the Romans suspicion. So they did many things to them prior to this great persecution.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9
13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;
-Now let’s reread our scripture with context in mind
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
-(v.13) Submit-hupotasso- to place in order. to place under in orderly fashion
What does he tells us to submit to?? to every human institution
-(v.13-14) Then he spells out those human institution:
a. National-Kings
b. Regional-Governors
c. Local-Mayors
What is the primary purpose of government based on this text?? Government are primarily for the purpose of maintaining order. Protecting the weak by punishing evildoers, and rewarding those who do right.
Why should be submit to government? For such is the will of God
What does that show the world when we submit to authority? that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men
Our God is a God of order-In the family, in the church, and in the world
16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.
-(v.16) Peter tells us to enjoy our life, and live it to the Lord. But be careful when you use that freedom to cover evil desire. Meaning there may be something that God says you are free to do, but the government restricts. I am not talking about prohibition in the scripture. I am talking about areas of freedom in the text. Like prohibition in the 1920’s when it was made illegal in America. Although scripture permit it, the government made it illegal, so Peter would say don’t do it.
a. Or Guns
-(v.16) “Act as free men” Places that the bible is relatively silent.
-(v.16) “but use it as bondslaves of God” which means that ultimately you are a slave to God. Who just said “Submit to Governmental Authority.”
17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
-(v.17) Honor- timao- to respect
1 Peter
a. Fear God
b. Honor(Respect) the King
Work Relationship
Work Relationship
1 Peter 2:
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.
-(v.18) Servants(Household Slaves) you remember when we talked about the Christian during 1st Century Rome were often from the slave class of people most of them destitute and having to sell themselves off to others, or they were former prisoners of war.
20 Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.
1 Corinthians 7:
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
What’s Peter argument from verse 18?
-(v.18) He uses the same word again from ‘Submissive (v.13) but now to your master with all respect.
What two types of Master does Peter describe? good & gentle, and the unreasonable
Does the Standard Change? Not at all
Why do we endure this type of injustice?
-(v.19-20) “For this finds favor” this type of behavior pleases the Lord
What Type of Behavior Pleases God?
-(v.20) When we are persecuted for doing the right things and we bear up under it. And submit to authority anyway. “But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God”
-(v.21) “For you have been called for this purpose” let’s just explicate this phrase right here. What is Peter saying right here?? We have been called to be put in adverse, tough and hard situation. God knows what he has in store for us. There must be crucifixion before Glory. God knows where he is taking us, so he is pouring us out in this world. This is not a time for ease and paradise that is coming later.
-For this is the Will of God, That we Submit to:
a. Government
b. Our Bosses
c. All Human Institution