What do Christians do?

INTRO: We are an individualistic people; we want our rights! But, Luke 9:23 calls us to pick up our cross daily . Christianity calls us to live very differently than the rest of the world because of how Jesus loves us. So, what are we to do in relation to us and the world?

Abstain from sinful desires. (11-12)

V. 11 is negative, 12 is positive.

Give up the stuff that is sinful and terrible for you.

Beyond that, live in such a way that other people will only be able to say good things, even when they are judging you.

Joke about at judgement people can’t come up with anything bad to say. =

Submit to human authority (13)

Even though we are “aliens and strangers (1 Pet. 1:1)” we are supposed to honor the authority.

Keep in mind, Peter is writing during the reign of Emperor Nero, who absolutely hated Christians.

This doesn’t mean that we as Christians have to “roll over” on everything, but it does mean that, as long as the government or authority isn’t commanding sin, we’re not called to be divisive.

Ex. of protesting abortion vs. killing a doctor.

Submit to those over you (18)

THIS IS NOT TALKING ABOUT THE SLAVERY OF THE 1800’S AND BACK.

More like servanthood, or working for someone.

Be respectful and honor those over you, even if you don’t want to.

Teachers, parents, youth pastors

“A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all” - Martin Luther

Why do we do this?

Because Jesus did!!

He dealt with the worst injustice, pain, and persecution that you can imagine, and He forgave them while they did it! Luke 23:34

Luke 23:34 NASB95

But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.

He took all of your sins and never even retaliated out of love, so we should do the same!

Questions.