1 Peter 2:11-25!
Introduction
1 Peter 2:11–25: Today’s reading, framed by the context of the Roman Empire, reflects the challenges Christians faced in that pagan culture and its prevalent “household codes.” The author instructs believers to respect civil authorities, thereby demonstrating good conduct while, at the same time, living as free people and as “God’s slaves.”
Today’s Key Verse: 1 Peter 2:24 GNT
Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
Read
11 I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world! Do not give in to bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul. 12 Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming.
13 For the sake of the Lord submit yourselves to every human authority: to the Emperor, who is the supreme authority, 14 and to the governors, who have been appointed by him to punish the evildoers and to praise those who do good. 15 For God wants you to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people by the good things you do. 16 Live as free people; do not, however, use your freedom to cover up any evil, but live as God's slaves. 17 Respect everyone, love other believers, honor God, and respect the Emperor.
18 You servants must submit yourselves to your masters and show them complete respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 God will bless you for this, if you endure the pain of undeserved suffering because you are conscious of his will. 20 For what credit is there if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it. 21 It was to this that God called you, for Christ himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, and no one ever heard a lie come from his lips. 23 When he was insulted, he did not answer back with an insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but placed his hopes in God, the righteous Judge. 24 Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed. 25 You were like sheep that had lost their way, but now you have been brought back to follow the Shepherd and Keeper of your souls.
Reflect
What are your thoughts about Peter’s instructions to the Christian community? It is believed by some that, by respecting the civil authorities at that time, the Lord’s followers may have persuaded unbelievers to glorify God. How do your actions bear witness to your faith to others?
Pray
Lord Jesus, Shepherd and Keeper of my soul, by your wounds I am healed. Teach me to follow your teachings so that I may live for righteousness. Amen.

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