"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 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. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:11–17)
Sandy Wilson, who is the pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis Tennessee, recently preached on 1 Peter 2:11-17 in response to the recent SCOTUS ruling on Same-Sex Marriage.
He are some highlights from his timely message:
- Many Christians have "overly attached themselves" to our American identity and need to remember our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, not on America or any other earthly nation. This makes us "sojourners and exiles" even in America.
- The same Bible that defines marriage, tells us how we should behave in this fallen society as good citizens of heaven. We are to "abstain from the sinful passions of the flesh" while maintaining an honorable conduct. The world should see in our lives the very character of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- We are to honor "everyone" including the emperor, who happened to be Nero, who relentlessly persecuted Christians. This means we are to obey the civil authorities, even when they make rulings that are opposed to our convictions. It also means treating LGBT people and supporters with honor and dignity.
- As we demonstrate a humility and a contentment that allows us to lose votes and opinions, and still gently and respectfully plead our case, we will have more influence than we ever had before. When we are shrill in our response, we lose our voice and influence.
- Jesus was unjustly accused and condemned for us. He is our example. When we respond with shrill and unkind behavior we undermine the message of Christ crucified and withhold it from those who persecute us.
- God has given Jesus, all power and authority over all earthly rulers and governments and history and will prevail in the end.
I strongly urge you to take the time to listen to this encouraging message.
Pastor Dave
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