October 6th 2024 1 Peter 2 v 9 - 17
V 9,10. But ye are a chosen generation
This is very much like Christ's own teaching.
His reference to the rejected cornerstone was in connection with his parable of the rebellious husbandmen who had slain the son of the owner of the vineyard. At the same time and along with his reference to the rejected stone, he said to the Jewish leaders, "The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof (Matthew 21:43).
Peter is now writing to this "nation," whose evident royalty and worth at once marks them as the King's children and reflects praise upon Him who called them from the world's darkness to his light.
The words translated peculiar people literally mean a people for a gain-making purpose. Sometimes the word indicates the securing of a desired possession Sometimes it means a preservation or salvation. Here is a tremendous word of encouragement.
These are a people greatly prized, a people to be saved, a people for a possession.
Peter rounds off this words in the words of Hosea (1 v 6,9; and 2 v 23).
These once not a people are now the people of God. -…..possibly a reference to their Gentile ancestry
V 11. As strangers and pilgrims, abstain.
Peter sweeps aside the picture of their royalty, turns the page, and addresses them once more as pilgrims. He picks up again the thought in 2 v 11 and bids them "hold themselves away" from carnal desires
which war against the soul.
The figure "to war against" is not that of hand-to-hand fighting, but of a planned mission against a military cause. We might liken it to Delilah's cool manipulation of Samson's appetites for his destruction.
V 12. Having your conversation (way of life) honest
Though a chosen race, they lived among the Gentiles, who were determined to speak against them as evildoers. Christianity by its very being opposed the vanities of paganism at every turn.
It was in itself a crime, "everywhere spoken against" (Acts 28: 22).
Like righteous Noah, it "condemned the world" (Heb 11:7). This was the basic explanation for the willingness of the pagans to notice and persecute this insignificant people. In the day of visitation is better rendered the day of observation (official inspection or awareness).
V 13,14. Submit yourselves to every ordinance . . . to the king . . . unto governors.
A Christian is law-abiding, careful, and self-disciplined, This principle is comparable with Paul's teaching in Rom 13:1-7
Peter's own words to the Sanhedrin answer this: Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye" (Acts 4:19).
V 15. With well doing . . . put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
this is an explanation of the uninformed and unfair way in which a group of people may be assumed to be criminal. The answer of a good life would be the best defence.
V 16. As free.
Spirit-driven self-control is the only lasting basis of freedom: If ye be led of the Spirit ye are not under the law" (Gal 5: 18).' But as the servants (or slaves) of God.
The man wholly learned of God is truly free.
God then works in such a person the willing and the doing of His good will.
It is this God implanted love for His way that makes Jesus's yoke easy, His burden light.
V 17. Honour . . . love . . . fear.
Here is expressed self-denial and willingness to give to each his correct place The word for honour is related to the word "precious," and suggests the Christian's high regard for human behaviour.
The word for love indicates the divinely given agape love of I Cor 13. This was the love with which Christ had twice challenged Peter in Jn 21: 15,16,
a challenge from which honest Peter swerved with the reply, "I love thee." ( philo, "to love humanly")
News from the Church New dates
16th October….. Knit and natter is a time to finish old projects or learn new skills
6th November …..Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people.)
ANSWERS TO 29th September QUESTIONS
1) Rebekah 2) He ran to meet him 3) Jacob 4) The eldest must marry first 5) Because he was blessed by God 6) Ten times 7)Jegarsahadutha and Galeed 8 ) He kissed his daughters and Grandchildren
9) Jacob 10). Esau was going to kill him 11) A few days 12) Yes 13) Yes 14) Paul
15) Matthew 8 v 11 and Luke 13 v 25 16) Genesis 2 v 12, Romans 9 v 7 and Hebrews 11 v 18
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is about Jacob, Joseph and Benjamin
1 How many times do we read “Jacob met with angels of God”?
2 Jacob had an encounter with a mysterious man, what do you know about it?
3 How did Jacob get a new name, and what was it” ?
4 How many sons did Jacob have?
5 Which sons were his favourites?
6 When Jacob prayed in his old age “Bless the lads, to who was he referring?
7 Jacob’s sons were the ancestors of what nation ?
8 What King did Jacob bless shortly before his death?
9 How did Joseph become Prime Minister of Egypt?
10 Why were the brothers ordered to take Benjamin to Egypt?
11 Was his father willing to let him go?
12 How did Joseph act when he saw Benjamin again?
13 In what way did Joseph show his pleasure to Benjamin?
14 Did both Joseph and Benjamin give their names to tribes of Israel?
15 In his final blessing to what animal did Jacob compare Benjamin?
16 Which New Testament character speaks of Joseph?
By Ivan Biancardi
CONTAGIOUSLY CALM
How many disasters were averted because one person refused to be conformed to by the pressure? It's the kind of composure Paul sought when he said, “Let your kindness be known to all.
Nearby is the Lord.
Do not be anxious about anything…” (Philippians 4:5-6).
The Greek word translated here as kindness describes a temperament that is experienced and mature. It brings the vision of an appropriate attitude for the occasion, balanced and stable.
This kindness is evident to everyone.
Family members notice. Your friends notice a difference. Your co-workers benefit from it. The kind person is sober-minded and clear-minded.
The contagiously calm person is the one who reminds us "God is in control." Seek this kindness.
The Lord is near, you are not alone. You can feel lonely. You may think you are alone.
But, there is no time when you face life without help. God is at hand – be anxious for nothing!
God Bless