We are to be different from the world. Peter mentions in chapter two of I Peter that we are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession". We have been called out of this world to proclaim the good news. Because we are to be different Peter urges his readers to abstain from the "passions of the flesh". We need to be careful how we live in this world. Peter sums up how we should deal with others by saying, "Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."
Christians should be the best citizens, best neighbors, best friends, best spouse, best parents. Our example could impact others. How we react to others could either be a help or a hindrance to them. Peter mentions that we should "live as people who are free, not using . . . freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." Why is our example so important? Peter wrote, "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." Some commentators have suggested that the reference to them glorifying God on the day of visitation could be a reference to those in the world coming to know the truth. Many a preacher has commented that we are the only Bible some people will ever read. Our example may cause someone to come to a knowledge of God and his will. We should never underestimate how God can use us in someone's life.
Because of the importance of our example Peter tells servants to be subject to their masters and even went as far to say to be subject to both the just and the unjust. The ultimate example of suffering unjustly is our savior -- Jesus Christ. Peter reminds how we should follow after the example of Christ and "follow in his steps."
Paul also encouraged his readers to have the mind of Christ and to be concerned with others. Below are three passages from the epistles that emphasize the importance of looking out for others.
Philippians 2:1-16 (ESV) So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Romans 15:1-7 (ESV) We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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