(Lesson 4985) (09-24-25) 1st Peter 2:11-16
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”
Today’s lesson urges us to live as strangers to this world, avoiding sinful weaknesses that fight against the soul. We are told to live good, honest lives among unbelievers so that even when criticized, the small amount of good works we do will point people to God. We are to submit to legal authority, no matter who that might be, because the rules of the land are meant to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do right. By doing what is right we silence the ignorance of foolish and evil people. We are to live free, yet not use our freedom as a cover for wrongdoing, but as servants of God. ~
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