When Fools Go Silent

1 Peter 2:11–24 NIV

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 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. 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. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 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. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 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.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

1 Peter 2:11-

1 Peter 2:15 NIV

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

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Introduction

Is there anyone in Washington D.C. that has true integrity and solid character? There must be at least one and probably more than one. There might be quite a few, but where are they? Do they stand out in the crowd? Not from what I can see. Once in a while you catch a glimpse of solid character. And I know there are congress members and staff that meet for prayer and Bible study…thank God for them. But what we see from the outside looking in, for the most part, it’s like a cat-fight - unfettered accusations, name-calling, breaking rules, lying, manipulating the public. Have you watched some of these hearings? Spiteful, sarcastic, dishonest dialogue is what stands out. And nobody is exempt…this is from both parties. And the leadership seems to set the pace most of the time.

This atmosphere is not limited to Washington D.C. It is everywhere, from schools to workplaces to social media - especially social media.

Here’s what we’ve been reminded of in Peter’s letter to the churches: true followers of Christ are foreigners and exiles, aliens living among the natives. If this is true…the last thing we want to do is join the crowd and blend in. That is the most comfortable thing to do. But it will lead to compromise and will tarnish the reputation of Christ, the one we represent. Our lives, words, and character should cause people to stop and think.

1 Peter 2:15 NIV

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

Big Idea: Bring the light of Jesus’ love to the unbelieving, the skeptics, and the antagonists by living holy, loving, and honorable lives, even in the face of slander and persecution.

Consider this question:

How does God want believers to conduct themselves in the community, since they are His representatives?

Live Exemplary Lives Among the Natives

Natives — the dark and lost condition of all of us, until we come to know Jesus

1 Peter 2:11–12 NIV

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 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.

Exposition

“Dear Friends” “Dearly beloved”etc. literally “dearly loved-ones of God

“I urge you” “I beseech you” etc., literally “I exhort, I beg of you, please”

When you realize this is God’s message to His people, it’s hard to fathom that the very God that gives us life, humbles Himself to urge and plead.

“foreigners and exiles” “Sojourners” etc. literally “pilgrims” “strangers” “to settle down among pagans” — this is an accurate description of the Christian’s position in this world.

1 Peter 2:11–12 The Message

Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.

…to live exemplary lives among the natives

Live as if today is your last

“I urge you...”

Live as if today is your last

…don’t get too comfortable or cozy — don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul

…don’t get too comfortable — don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul

There’s no tim1 e to waste — tomorrow may or may not arrive

John 9:4 NIV

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

…to live exemplary lives among the natives

…to live exemplary lives among the natives

Live ready to slap down temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13–14 NIV

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.

1 Corinthians 10:13–15 NIV

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.

…to live exemplary lives among the natives

…to live exemplary lives among the natives

Live so they are forced to admit that you are the real deal

Not perfect…but sincere, loving, and humble, living life according to the Lord’s instructions in His word

Some people won’t say it out loud b/c of their own pride or denial…but they will not be able to ignore the facts of how you live…they will see something in you that makes them nervous and/or convicted.

Application

If this were the very last day of your life — would you panic or try to get God to give you more time? Or would you greet it with joy?

People try to satisfy their inner longing with manmade solutions - they never work

What is your game plan for those times when you are tempted to sin or walk away?

Flee idolatry — Draw near to God

Here’s another question for you to consider:

How should believers deal with the persecution and slander they face as followers of Christ?

they face as followers of Christ?

Living to Honor God Shuts Down Attacks

1 Peter 2:13–17 NIV

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. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

1 Peter 2:13-17

Exposition

“Submit” — to put yourself in the position to obey - with an attitude that has committed to obey those in authority

Why is it important to submit to the laws of the land? Because of our testimony of Jesus’ work in our lives

Living to honor God shuts down attacks...

Do good — silence fools

Do good — silence fools

..it is God’s will that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people

Doing good: simply doing the right thing - living by the rules but doing so out of the abundance of your relationship with Christ

Put to silence: graphic word “to muzzle or gag”

Ignorant talk: Refers to their lack of understanding

For so is the will of God, that by doing good you might be reducing to silence the ignorance of men who are unreflecting and unintelligent. - Wuest’s Translation

Living to honor God shuts down attacks...

Living to honor God shuts down attacks...

Be ready to explain your faith — put slanderers to shame

Silence Fools

take your time reading through these verses

1 Peter 3:13–17 NIV

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1 Peter 3

Application

We are challenged to live upright and holy lives - lives that always point to Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith.

CHALLENGE

Bring the light of Jesus’ love to the unbelieving, the skeptics, and the antagonists by living holy, loving, and honorable lives, even in the face of slander and persecution.

What is God talking to you about with regard to how you are living your life?

In your personal life — purity, integrity, health, finances, marriage, business, hobbies, etc.

Especially your time alone with the Lord and His Word each day - prayer, worship, etc.

The more your actual words and deeds line up with the faith you profess, the more the naysayers will be faced with the fact that Jesus is real and that He died for them also

In your life as a representative of Christ —

The more your words and deeds line up with the faith you profess, the more the naysayers will be faced with the fact that Jesus is real and that He died for them also