Christ's Law

.
● 1Pet 3:14b . . And do not fear their intimidation, nor be shaken,

Peer pressure, mob rule, cultural influences, group-think, censoring, ostracism,
changing customs, and political powers are always at work seeking to manipulate
Christians and tone down their moral values.

This is especially true in communist countries like North Korea and China. Their
governments do not tolerate attempts to correct their unholy management
practices consisting of cunning, duplicity, bad faith, theft, dishonesty, cruelty,
abuse, thought control, unjust legal practices, gulags, murder, beatings,
kidnapping, political prisons, media control, and dissent suppression.

In addition: Christianity seeks to unify families whereas communism seeks to
splinter them, even to the point of family members spying on each other and
reporting each other to the authorities. Christians value God as an ally, whereas
communism regards God as an enemy of the State who despises their way of doing
things and wants them taken down.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 3:15a . . Dedicate your hearts to The Lord God

A word not commonly heard in Christian circles is loyalty; variously defined by
Webster's as allegiance, faithfulness, and fidelity.

This goes much further than just merely believing in God; it includes following His
instructions.

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46)

The Greek word for Lord in that passage is a title that applies to just about anybody
considered a superior and/or an authority figure. People often called Jesus "master"
and sometimes "rabbi" which refers to teachers, especially spiritual counselors.

We might paraphrase Luke 6:46 to say: If you are convinced that the words I
preach are true and reliable, then why are you not complying with them?
_
 
.
● 1Pet 3:15b . . Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a
reason of the hope that is in you.

The only requirement there is to always be ready; we are not required to always
give an answer. In point of fact Christ restricts our responses to sincere folks rather
than any John Que and/or Jane Doe pumpkin that happens along.

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they
may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." (Matt
7:6)

Anyway: the Greek word for "hope" in that passage basically pertains to
expectation, viz: it isn't wishful thinking, nor crossing your fingers; no, this kind of
hope is a confident looking forward to taking possession of something that's already
in the bag, viz: it's an anticipating hope, i.e. it doesn't pray for the best, while in
the back of its mind dreading the worst.

When people are uncertain what the future has in store for them-- if there is even
the slightest anxiety or unease --then of course they can't possibly comply with
Peter's instructions for the simple reason that the hope that is in them, if any, is the
wrong kind of hope.

"Rejoicing in hope." (Rom 12:12)

People have absolutely no cause for rejoicing when they're unsure of their afterlife
destination, no, but they do have plenty of cause to fear the unknown.

* Know-so hope is a calling.

"You were called to one hope when you were called" (Eph 4:4)

FAQ: What is this so-called one hope?

REPLY: One of its components is a new body. (Acts 2:26-27, Acts 23:6, Rom 8:23
25, and 1John 3:2)

Having a new body to look forward to is comforting, and helps me cope with my
current one's deterioration. Death is bad enough, but the aging process to my
thinking is worse. Thank heavens we only have to get old just the one time and
never again.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 4:1-2 . .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, 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.

The Greek word for "flesh" basically pertains to the meaty parts of either man or
beast; i.e. the body. The meaty parts of course consist of not only muscle and fat;
but also the brain, the blood, and nervous system along with the body's chemistry,
e.g. its hormones and such; and according to 1John 2:16, our bodies are listed
among the three of mankind's worst enemies.

The "lusts of men" is speaking of lusts that are common to human nature. (cf. 1Cor
10:13)

The Greek word for "lusts" basically pertains to longing, defined by Webster's as a
strong desire, i.e. a craving.

Cravings aren't necessarily bad. Problems arise when we let our cravings rule us to
the point of acting contrary to good scruples and/or our better judgment especially
when it comes to making God frown upon our conduct as unbecoming, i.e.
inappropriate for His son's followers.

NOTE: It offends some Christians to even so much as suggest that Christ might've
had human longings just like everybody else. They truly believe he should have
been above all that-- he wasn't. Much of Jesus' suffering in the flesh came from
suppressing his body's natural cravings. (Heb 5:7-8)

The Word in heaven above knew by omniscience that it's not easy to live the life of
an h.sapiens down here on the ground; but now he knows for himself as a human
being by personal experience just how tough it is because the Word didn't come to
Earth in the likeness of divine flesh, rather, in the likeness of Jewish flesh. (cf. Rom
8:3, Heb 2:16 18, Heb 4:15)
_
 
.
● 1Pet 4:7 . . The culmination of all things is approaching; therefore be serious, and
watchful in your prayers.

I think we can safely apply some of the parable of the ten virgins to this passage.
(Matt 25:1-13)

The big mistake made by the five foolish virgins was abandoning their watch to go
in pursuit of something far less important than the arrival of the bridegroom.

Seeing as how nobody knows either the date or the hour of Christ's arrival spoken
of in 1Thess 4:13-17, then everyone would be well-advised to avoid getting too
absorbed in worldly pursuits lest the Lord suddenly appear unexpected right over
their heads yelling: All aboard! and they be unprepared to go with him;
consequently getting themselves left behind.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 4:8 . . Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love
hides a large number of sins.

A person easily provoked is not a loving person.

One Saturday morning I and another man at church were moving some furniture
from one place to another inside the main building where, completely unknown to
us, a wedding rehearsal was being conducted.

The woman in charge of organizing the wedding came out into the hall and began
scolding us for talking and making noise. When I pointed out that there were no
posted signs in the hallway indicating a function in progress on the other side of the
door, she became sullen, and tightened her lips and narrowed her eyes in anger.

Had that lady exemplified the love about which Peter wrote, she would have
handled her inconvenience with a little more tact and sensitivity, i.e. diplomacy.

BTW: That same lady was also in the choir, and sang doxologies in front of about
2,000 people every Sunday morning. She was good at musical harmony, but
obviously in sore need of some training in the civil kind.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 4:10 . .As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

The Greek word for "manifold" basically means motley, i.e. varied in character. All
that’s really saying is that the gifts of God are multifarious; viz: having a number of
different aspects or characteristics. (cf. Rom 12:5-8, 1Cor 12:1-11)

Unfortunately, people with natural aptitudes generally make up the majority of
those in church capacities for which is supposed to be required a spiritual gift from
God. They may look like they're "on fire" for The Lord, but really all they are is
ambitious.

Now, the important thing is: good stewards of the manifold grace of God use their
gift not for showing off, nor for a feather in one's cap; rather, for the benefit of
others.

Paul encourages gifts (1Cor 12:31) and I would add to that by warning to exercise
restraint because the Greek word translated "serving" refers to attendants, waiters,
and hosts. In other words, if you're not comfortable with the thought of seeing to
the needs of others, then you may not enjoy the life of someone entrusted with a
spiritual gift, i.e. they're not achievements, rather, they're a serious responsibility
with accountability to go along with it. (1Cor 3:11-15)
_
 
.
● 1Pet 4:11a . . If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of
God.

I don't see standing in for God's voice as a privilege; to me it is a heavy
responsibility, and incumbent upon the speaker to experience a very high degree of
confidence that his comments and remarks are not only acceptable, but also
infallible and free of sophistry and natural wisdom.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 4:11b . . Whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God
supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom
belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Serving in the strength which God provides consists of not exceeding that strength,
i.e. stay within your limits because by doing so, you will serve the Lord's best
interests rather than their own.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 4:12-13 . . Beloved, don't be perplexed by the fiery trials you are going
through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad--
because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and
afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed
to all the world.

The USA has recently undergone a period of cultural, political, economic, and
religious disintegration in the hands of some very demonic people. I didn't like it,
but I had to live thru it as best I could; always keeping in mind that for Jesus'
followers; these kinds of disagreeable circumstances are conditioning us to better
associate with Christ.

It's easy to think of his sufferings as only those that occurred on the cross and the
night of his arrest. But it's important to remember that Christ lived on this earth for
about 30 years prior to his public appearances; and during those years did not lead
a sheltered life; in point of fact, during those 30 years he underwent a sort of boot
camp.

● Heb 5:7-9 . . During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and
petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and
he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he
learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the
source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

There aren't many of Jesus' impassioned prayers in the Gospels. The place to look
for those is the Psalms where David did quite of a bit of ghost writing for him. (cf.
Luke 24:44-45)

The Bible says there is no trial taken you but such as is common to the entire
human race (1Cor 10:13). Jesus wasn't shielded from any of those. The Word not
only came as a man, but he also lived as a man.

● Heb 2:17-18 . . It was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his
brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before
God. He then could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.
Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is qualified to help
us when we are being tempted.

● Heb 4:15-16 . .This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced
all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the
throne of our gracious God. There we will obtain mercy, and find grace to help us
when we need it.

So then, when we meet with Christ around the table in God's home, I don't expect
to meet a stranger to my way of life; no, I fully expect to meet a man who's been
around the block a time or two. Not only will he be able to relate to my stories, but
I in return will be able to relate to his. Sharing in Christ's glory would have the
nature of an entourage if not for the fact that I will have the satisfaction of knowing
that Christ, in a manner of speaking, came from the same neighborhood as I to get
to where he is today.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 4:15-16 . . Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a
busybody in other people's affairs. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not
be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

NOTE: The Greek word for "Christian" basically means a follower of Christ. That
word appears in only three places in the entire New Testament. The other two are
Acts 11:26 and Acts 26:28. Peter’s is the only epistle where it appears; and it’s
nowhere in any of the four gospels.

A good example of glorifying God in the midst of one's troubles is Mr. Job.

"At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the
ground in worship and said: Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I
will depart. The Lord gave, and The Lord has taken away; may the name of The
Lord be praised. In all this, Job did not sin by accusing God with wrongdoing." (Job
1:20-22)

"His wife said to him: Are you still clinging to your integrity? Curse God and die! Job
replied: You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and
not trouble? In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." (Job 2:9-10)

James speaks of the "patience" of Job (5:11) which is illustrated by the fact that in
all his trouble, Job remained loyal to God and never once lost his confidence that
God is blameless in all that He does, instead of accusing Him of being a cruel sadist
who enjoys toying with His creations and amusing Himself by making them suffer.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 4:19 . .Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit
their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

In the world of business, it’s sometimes necessary to take a concern to court in
order to force venders of goods and services to honor their commitments. Well, the
Bible’s God is not like that; no, the Bible's God is not a slimy weasel: He's a person
of real integrity.

Peter emphasized that human soul was created rather than produced by a
mysterious interaction of time, space, and matter. In other words: human soul had
both a beginning and a beginner; viz: human soul would not exist at all had not a
higher power willed it into existence.

FAQ: What is meant by souls?

REPLY: Soul began appearing in the Bible in the book of Genesis by the Hebrew
word nephesh (neh'-fesh) which isn't unique to human life. Its first appearance is
at Gen 1:20-21 in reference to aqua creatures and winged creatures; again at Gen
1:24 as terra creatures; viz: cattle, creepy crawlies, and wild beasts; and again in
Gen 2:7 as the human creature; and yet again at Gen 9:10 to classify every living
thing aboard Noah's ark.

I have yet to discover a passage saying God is a soul, however I've found several
saying He has a soul. (Lev 26:11, Lev 26:30, Judg 10:16, Isa 42:1, Jer 32:41, Zech
11:8)

Soul is somewhat ambiguous but basically refers to consciousness, self-awareness,
and individuality. It's sometimes a reference to one's heart, e.g. Gen 34:3, and to
the core of one's being, e.g. Gen 27:4.

All in all, soul is just another way of referring to that part of human life that we call
"self" which is defined by Webster's as the union of elements (such as body,
emotions, thoughts, and sensations) that constitute the individuality and identity of
a person, i.e. the you that you are.

In its entirety, normal human life consists of body, soul, and spirit. (1Thess 5:23).
Those three components are divisible, viz: the soul and the spirit are capable of
surviving the body's demise. (Matt 10:28, Luke 23:46, and Heb 4:12)
_
 
.
● 1Pet 5:1-3 . .Therefore, I exhort the elders among you-- as your fellow elder and
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be
revealed --shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under
compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain,
but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but
proving to be examples to the flock.

The conjunction "therefore" refers to one of Peter's previous statements;
specifically this one:

"For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God" (1Pet 4:17)

That's an echo of 1Cor 3:4-23 and 1Cor 4:2-5 where Paul revealed that people
"serving Christ" are facing a possibly very unpleasant evaluation.

The New Testament doesn't record Peter presence at Christ's crucifixion, but that
obviously doesn't eo ipso preclude his attendance somewhere in the audience that
day, or observing everything from a safe distance. (cf. Matt 26:58, Matt 27:55)

First off; Peter assures church officers that his proximity to Christ says very clearly,
and without ambiguity, that he knows what he's talking about so they really ought
to listen to what he has to say about managing a church.

To begin with: Church is no country for achievers, nor is it a career track, nor is it a
country for control freaks and power-hungry imperious despots, nor for people who
love to bask in limelight and crave admiration and the center of attention; no,
serving in a church is for shepherds.

If you're not sure what shepherding entails; then next time you're at a county fair
strike up a conversation with some of the 4H kids and they'll be only too glad to tell
you just what a thankless, man-killing, drudgery-ridden, time consuming, smelly,
expensive, inconvenient, filthy, and sometimes dangerous line of work that animal
husbandry really is.

So why do 4H kids do it? Primarily because of their affection for animals; and if a
luminary in church doesn't feel a genuine affection for those under their
supervision, then that luminary will utterly fail to exercise oversight according to
the will of God. Self-seeking luminaries are depicted as very poor sources of water.
(2Pet 2:17)

Professional church officers are basically hirelings; and according to God's son, a
hireling cannot be depended upon to protect the sheep when a wolf is at the door.

"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He
who is an hireling, and not the owner of the sheep, beholds the wolf coming, and
abandons the sheep, and flees, and the wolf snatches them, and scatters them. He
flees because he is a hireling, and is not concerned about the sheep." (John 10:11
13)

A paid church officer might be willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of The
Lord's sheep; but will he sacrifice his wife who has cancer, and/or his two
daughters' future whom he has to put through college, and/or the mortgage on his
home and/or his medical insurance?

No, the best interests of the Lord's sheep will be very low on the hireling's list of
priorities because his primary interest is in keeping his job, protecting his income,
his health benefits, his life insurance, and his wife and children. The hireling will
circle the wagons when the wolf comes; yes, but not around the sheep; no, around
himself and what's his. So be very cautious in putting too much confidence in
church officers; you just might end up disillusioned and very disappointed.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 5:5a . .You younger, be subject to your elders

The submission spoken of here likely pertains to deference: roughly defined as
regarding others as one's betters rather than equals. This isn't new; it reiterates
Lev 19:32 where the Bible says:

"Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your
God. I am The Lord."

Why do we revere God? Because He's a religious figure? No, because God is the
senior and we the juniors. In point of fact, Dan 7:9 depicts Him as a very old man
whose hair has gone white with age. (cf. Rev 1:14)
_
 
.
● 1Pet 5:5b . . and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,
for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

The Greek word for "humble" basically pertains to lowliness of mind; viz: modesty,
which Webster's defines as freedom from conceit or vanity. Lowliness of mind is to
be greatly desired for its blessing.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:3)

Humility is very rare on internet forums. Active members are typically easily
insulted and infected with vanity; plus imperious, domineering, despotic, assertive,
confrontational, arrogant, conceited, reactive, thin-skinned, self-righteous,
emotional, critical, and defensive. Those are not what I would call good Christian
attributes. They also have a propensity to jump to conclusions, get the wrong
impression, and fly off the handle. Those aren't good Christian attributes either; in
point of fact; none of those attributes are blessing-worthy.

"Grace" is one of those ambiguous abstract nouns that nobody seems to agree
upon. Noah found grace in God's eyes (Gen 6:8) which in his case, regarded
providence; which can be defined as kindly patronage. It was by God's providence
that Noah and his family survived the Flood while the sons of God and their harems
didn't. Let that sink in. Just because people label themselves a Christian, and
profess a belief in Christ, is no guarantee they'll escape the horrors of the book of
Revelation. Noah was a righteous man, and perfect in his generation; too many of
today's card-carrying Christians are neither.

The Greek word for "proud" basically means appearing to be above others, viz:
haughty. Those kinds of people typically regard others with contempt, i.e.
undeserving of respect or even so much as common courtesy. Haughty people are
typically cruel, thoughtless, insensitive, and badly infected with a superiority
complex, which goes hand in hand with arrogance: defined as an exaggerated
sense of one's importance, sometimes manifested in an overbearing manner.

Arrogant people can be intolerably pushy and assertive at times; standing up to
them usually always provokes an indignant reaction and a call to arms, so to speak,
because these folk regard any and all disagreements with their way of thinking as
demeaning attacks upon their core values and their distorted sense of self worth.
These people have very little interest in harmony; they're stand-up fighters whose
primary interest is defeating and/or suppressing the opposition.

Seeing as how Heaven is reputed a place of peace, then the arrogant, the haughty,
and the proud cannot be allowed to go there with their impious personalities. For
sure they'd just end up making things very uncomfortable for Heaven's normally
mild-mannered, affable society.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 5:6 . . Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He
may exalt you at the proper time

Humility is defined by Webster's as ranking low in a hierarchy or scale, e.g. Matt
18:4, Matt 23:2-7, Luke 14:8-11, Luke 22:24-27, and John 13:12-17

It's said that familiarity breeds contempt. I think perhaps quite a few of us are so
accustomed to having Jesus and his Father in our lives that we forget just how
superior to us they really are.

The Christian social skills taught in the Bible prepare us for the day when everybody
will be required to meet Christ face to face. If we can master those skills down
here, then the quality of our etiquette will be satisfactory enough for associating up
there with not only Christ, but also his Father.
_
 
.
● 1Pet 5:7 . . casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you.

The Greek word translated "casting" is well illustrated by Luke 19:35-36 where it
says:

"They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he
went along, people spread their cloaks on the road."

In other words: it's okay to heap our problems on God the way some men throw
their clothes on a chair instead of hanging them up.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7)

NOTE: There are two varieties of love in the New Testament: one is a benevolent
kind of love that's exercised in behaviors like courtesy, kindness, tolerance,
lenience, sympathy, condolences, and respect for human rights. The other is a
bonding kind of love that's expressed in feelings like affection and fondness.

God's benevolent love is seen in passages like John 3:16, whereas His affection and
fondness are reserved for those closest to Him; for example:

"The Father himself loves you dearly because you love me, and believe that I came
from God." (John 16:27)
_
 
.
● 1Pet 5:8-9 . . Be discreet, stay alert. Your adversary, the Devil, prowls about like
a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour; whom resist, steadfast in the faith

The Greek word translated "discreet" basically means to abstain from wine. A little
wine is harmless; but too much and the first thing to go is judgment-- especially
one's better judgment --and then after that folks usually get drowsy and have to
"sleep it off".

That's a pretty good figure of speech for depicting folks who've become careless
and let their guard down.

"the faith" isn't only a collection of beliefs, but also a collection of practices, i.e.
behaviors. It's likely a foregone conclusion that a Christian whose faith consists of
only beliefs is just the kind of savory meat the Devil can't resist.
_
 
.
● 2Pet 1:5-7 . . Make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue,
knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and
to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly
kindness, love.

All those things listed by the apostle Peter are "supplements" defined by Webster's
as things that are added.

If Peter's list is chronological, then it's evident that believers are not supposed to
start with love and work towards faith, rather they're supposed to start with faith
and work towards love, viz: unloving believers are still believers yes, but they've
plenty of room for personal improvement. Their confidence in Christ's crucifixion as
a price he paid to ransom their souls from the wrath of God is good, but it's only
the beginning; a foundation upon which Peter urges them to accumulate the traits
on his list.

The Greek word translated "virtue" basically refers to the strength, and the
courage, to stand for what's right.

The word for "knowledge" basically refers to information obtained by teaching,
instruction, and study rather than known naturally by intuition and/or instinct.

The word for "self-control" basically pertains to continence. The opposite of
continence is incontinence; which is the condition where a person cannot restrain
their natural impulses.

The word for "perseverance" pertains to a cheerful (or hopeful) constancy. A
cheerful/hopeful person always keeps looking for the light that they know is at the
end of the tunnel; and even if they can't see it for now; they fully expect to.

The word for "godliness" basically pertains to piety; defined by Webster's as
dutifulness in religion; viz: devoutness; i.e. dedication and/or zeal.

The word for "brotherly kindness" means fraternal affection; i.e. fondness. In these
days of dysfunctional homes in the USA, fraternal affection has no point of
reference in the thinking of some people because they've never seen it, nor ever
experienced it. Is it any wonder then that so many homes in America are producing
sociopaths, and kids with Reactive Attachment Disorder?

The word for "love" may or may not contain the elements of affection and
fondness; but always contains the element of benevolence.

Benevolent people are good folk; they're typically helpful, kind, generous, cordial,
hospitable, courteous, tolerant, sympathetic, loyal, and civil.
_
 
.
● 2Pet 3:1-2 . . Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I
stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words
which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us,
the apostles of The Lord and Savior.

The Greek word for "mindful" basically means to recall to mind; viz: to keep in
mind; to never dismiss, discard, nor forget. This applies to both the old testament
(the holy prophets) and the new (the commandment of us, the apostles of The Lord
and Savior) in other words: the entire Bible.
_
 

Similar threads

Olde Tymer
The Christmas Story
Replies
10
Views
476
101G
101G
Olde Tymer
About Baby Jesus
Replies
10
Views
344
Olde Tymer
Olde Tymer
N
Law, Flesh—Grace, Spirit
Replies
1
Views
279
101G
101G
Back
Top Bottom