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Red Script = major point / Blue Script= directive / Double underline= important to remember / Boxed=BiblicalText & SDA Commentary Reference / A POSSIBLE ANSWER:...Lesson 4April 15-21/22Social Relationships
Memory Text:“Above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV).
Peter’s letter also tackles head-on some of the difficult social questions of his time. For instance, how should Christians live with an oppressive and corrupt government, such as what most of them experienced then: the pagan Roman Empire? What did Peter tell his readers, and what do his words mean to us today?
How should Christian slaves react when their master treats them harshly and unjustly? Though modern employer-employee relationships are different from that of a first-century, master-slave relationship, what Peter says will no doubt resonate with those who have to deal with unreasonable bosses. How fascinating that Peter points to Jesus and how He responded to bad treatment as the example of how Christians should conduct themselves when faced with the same (1 Pet. 2:21-24).
How should husbands and wives interact with one another, especially when they differ on a matter as fundamental as religious belief?
Finally, how should Christians relate to the social order when, in fact, the social and/or political order might be decidedly corrupt and contrary to Christian faith?
SundayApril 16Church and State
Though written long ago, the Bible nevertheless touches on issues very relevant today, such as the relationship between Christians and their government.
In some cases, it’s pretty obvious. Revelation 13 talks about a time when obeying the political powers would mean disobeying God. In such a case, our choice is clear. (See Thursday’s study.)
1 Read 1 Peter 2:13-17(Submission to Government)13Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,14or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers andfor thepraise of those who do good.15For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—16as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.17Honor allpeople.Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
What is the Word generally telling us here about how to relate to the government?A POSSIBLE ANSWER:Except where principle would be violated, the Christian is to cooperate heartily with the written and unwritten laws of the society in which he lives. Peter here considers the various forms of government as man-made institutions. He does not emphasize, as Paul does in Rom. 13, the divine permission by which earthly rulers exercise their power, but stresses the human aspect of their authority. The Christian will not use force against established authority.[1]
The evils of the Roman Empire were well-known to those living within its borders. It had grown at the somewhat capricious will of ambitious men using ruthless military force. It met any resistance with violence. Systematic torture and death by crucifixion were just two of the horrors it inflicted upon those it punished. The Roman government was riddled by nepotism and corruption. The ruling elite exercised power with total arrogance and ruthlessness. Despite all this, Peter urges his readers to accept the authority of every human institution in the empire, from emperor to governor (1 Pet. 2:13, 14, NIV).
Peter argues that emperors and governors punish those who do wrong, and praise those who do right (1 Pet. 2:14). In doing this, they have an important role in shaping society.
In fact, for all its faults, the Roman Empire provided stability. It brought freedom from war. It distributed a harsh justice but a justice based nevertheless on the rule of law. It built roads and established a monetary system to support its military needs. In doing so, Rome created an environment in which the population was able to grow and in many cases prosper. Seen in this light, Peter’s comments about government make good sense. No government is perfect, and certainly not the one that Peter and the church he wrote to lived under. So what we can learn from him is that Christians need to seek to be good citizens, obeying the law of the land as much as they possibly can, even if the government they live under is anything but perfect.
Why is it important for Christians to be as good citizens as possible, even in less-than-ideal political situations? A POSSIBLE ANSWER: It is important because... A)It would place us in a favorable position in society’s eyesight... one that God can use to positively influence them. 2) It constitutes the will of God. 3) It would have a greater impact for the good of society... that of being an admirable or positive role-model. Further, 4) It would counteract any previous negative thoughts or impressions while enhancing everyone’s life.
What can you do to make your society better, even in a small way?A POSSIBLE ANSWER:A) Respect and obey authority wherever possible. B) Pray for all leaders. C) Work to make the society a better place to live and exist in. D) Set a Christ-like examplein conduct, attitude and spirit.
MondayApril 17Masters and Slaves
1 Read 1 Peter 2:18-23(Submission to Masters) 18Servants,besubmissive toyourmasters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.19For thisiscommendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.20For what creditis itif, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, thisiscommendable before God.21For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,leaving usan example, that you should follow His steps: 22“Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committedHimselfto Him who judges righteously;
How do we today understand the difficult content of these verses? A POSSIBLE ANSWER:Negatively... A) Many understand the verses to support human slavery. That God desires the Christian to blindly submit to good and bad leaders in all things.Positively, B) Rather, we should live and practice our Christian lifestyle in such a manner that it has a telling redemptive influence on the ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in society and under all conditions. The constant realization of the abiding presence of God enables the believer to cooperate with God and to live the victorious life... triumphing over the difficult and bitter problems of life. Whether, misjudged, misrepresented or deprived of common decencies, the Christian in knowing that God sees all and judges fairly, is to endure “suffering” injustice as Christ, his Master, so nobly did. (see on Matt. 5:10–12).
What principle can we take from them for ourselves?A POSSIBLE ANSWER:Where slavery is accepted and practiced, Christians are to win the esteem and kindness of their masters by manifesting faithfulness, loyalty, humility, patience, and a forgiving spirit.Otherwise, we are to live our Christianity in such a manner that it is a witness, in good times or in bad times, to the beauty of the Christian life-style and be a converting force in the experience of all who we have to relate to.
A careful reading of 1 Peter 2:18-23 reveals that rather than an endorsement of slavery, the texts give spiritual counsel on how to think about difficult circumstances that, at the time, could not be changed.
The word translated as “servant” or “slave” in 1 Peter 2:18, oiketes, is used specifically for domestic slaves. The more usual word for slave, doulos, is used in Ephesians 6:5, a passage that gives similar advice to slaves.
In the highly stratified Roman Empire, slaves were considered a legal possession under the absolute control of their master, who could treat them well or cruelly. Slaves came from a number of sources: defeated armies, children of slaves, or those “sold” to pay off their debts. Some slaves were given great responsibility. Some managed the large estates of their owners. Others managed their owners’ property and business interests, and some even educated their masters’ children.
A slave’s freedom could be purchased, in which case the slave was described as “redeemed.” Paul uses this language to describe what Jesus has done for us (Eph. 1:7, Rom. 3:24, Col. 1:14).
It is important to remember that a number of early Christians were slaves. As such, they found themselves caught in a system that they could not change. Those unfortunate enough to have harsh and unreasonable masters were in particularly difficult situations; even those with better masters could face trying circumstances. Peter’s instructions to all Christians who were slaves are consistent with other statements in the New Testament.(A POSSIBLE ANSWER: Continued...) They should submit and endure, just as Christ submitted and endured (1 Pet. 2:18-20). There is no credit for those suffering punishment for having done wrong. No, the real spirit of Christ is revealed when they are suffering unjustly. Like Jesus, at such times Christians are not to return abuse, nor to threaten, but entrust themselves to God, who will judge justly (1 Pet. 2:23).
What practical applications can we make from what Peter wrote here? A POSSIBLE ANSWER:A) If a Christian lived in physical bondage to earthly masters, where absolute lordship over slaves is acknowledged (slavery), it would be necessary to approach the problem of slavery from a practical, rather than an ideal point of view (see on Deut. 14:26). Christian slaves were to win the esteem and kindness of their masters by manifesting faithfulness, loyalty, humility, patience, and a forgiving spirit.B) Many a time far more can be accomplished by demonstrating a more tolerable, patient, winsome approach than to be belligerent, confronting and retaliatory. C) Assume a supportive posture while addressing the root of an evil. Seek to change the evil system and not just the practical outworking of the structure. D) We need to constantly discern... whether or not what we are going through is in consequence of doing right or a punishment for what we have done wrong... whether or not our response shares the same evil spirit or elements as the perpetrators.
Does it mean, then, that we never stand up for our rights? A POSSIBLE ANSWER:Recognizing that slavery in any form is not acceptable in our western social society, we have every right to address and even fight against inequities and unfair practices that devalues human beings, deprives us of God-given rights and/or purports that which is not consistent with God’s revealed will. Any practice that deprives us of our God-given status or claims precedence above God’s claim is to be resisted and rejected in word or practice. This, however, is wholly different from that of suffering for Jesus as a witness to the Gospel... that we should patiently endure with the hope that our witness will have a convicting influence of the perpetrators of the injustice or wrong. Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.
TuesdayApril 18Wives and Husbands
Read 1 Peter 3:1-7(Submission to Husbands) 1Wives, likewise,besubmissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,2when they observe your chaste conductaccompaniedby fear.3Do not let your adornment bemerelyoutward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting onfineapparel—4ratherlet it bethe hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptiblebeautyof a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.5For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,6as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
Be in subjection. Or, “continue to be subject.” Your own husbands. Peter here emphasizes the unique relationship involved in marriage. A believing wife must at all times be a Christian in spirit, living at peace even with an unbelieving husband. Her Christian vows have not freed her from her earlier vows to a pagan husband. Any. That is, unbelieving husbands. Obey not the word. That is, do not accept and obey the gospel. It was not uncommon for a wife to accept the truth in Jesus Christ and for her husband to reject it and to set himself in opposition to it. Nevertheless, the Christian wife was not to seek freedom from her marriage bond so long as her husband was content to live with her (see on 1 Cor. 7:12–15). She was to continue to live with her husband, in subjection to him as his wife, hoping and praying that her godly life would win him to the Master. Without the word. Literally, “without a word,” “without talk.” The Greek construction makes evident that “word” here does not designate the gospel message, as in the previous occurrence of “word” in the same verse. In view of the fact that conduct (“conversation”) is to be the means by which believing wives are to win their unbelieving husbands, “word” here, by contrast, evidently designates verbal persuasion. Sometimes a believing wife may be tempted to argue, and to attempt to overwhelm her husband by logical evidence. Generally speaking this is not the best way to win an unbelieving husband. A spirit of nagging, argumentative discussion is foreign to the spirit and methods of Christ.
3. Adorning. Gr. kosmos, “ornament,” “decoration,” “adornment” (see on Isa. 3:16–24; 1 Tim. 2:9, 10). The English word “cosmetics” is derived from the Greek word kosmos. It is not fitting for a Christian woman to make a vain display of dress and ornaments to attract attention to herself. Her greatest attraction should be her Christian conduct (see on 1 Peter 3:2). Plaiting the hair. Peter here cites an example of ancient “adornment” that did not reflect “pure” motives (see on v. 2). Intricate, time-consuming hair styles were a criterion. of wealth and fashion in the Greek and Roman world of Peter’s time. The motive was obviously a desire for personal attention, which is not in harmony with the basic principles of Christianity. See on 1 Tim. 2:9. Wearing of gold. Plentiful were the glittering rings, bracelets, and anklets that fashionable women wore in the Roman Empire. Such “wearing of gold” was contrary to the principle of Christian modesty and simplicity. Putting on of apparel. Probably a reference to the fashionable custom of changing dresses and ornaments several times in a day to meet varying social requirements. Love for an extensive wardrobe has been a deceptive snare to men and women all through the ages. Money that could be spent in more profitable ways for the eternal good of both spender and receiver is often squandered on ostentatious apparel.
What special circumstance is Peter addressing in this passage? A POSSIBLE ANSWER (A):The special circumstance referred to here is that of marriages that consist of a believer and a nonbeliever.
How is what is said relevant to marriage in today’s society?A POSSIBLE ANSWER:It is relevant today because it gives guidance in cases where a female (wife) member is unequally yoked (as a result of accepting Christ) with a non-believer.
There is one significant clue in the text that enables the careful reader to work out the issue that Peter deals with in 1 Peter 3:1-7. In chapter 3, verse 1, Peter says he is talking about husbands who “obey not the word.” In other words, A POSSIBLE ANSWER (A Continued): Peter is talking about what should happen when a wife who is a Christian is married to a husband who is not... (even if the number who don’t believe are few).
A Christian wife would find many difficulties being married to a husband who does not share her faith. What should happen in these circumstances? Should she separate from her husband? Peter, like Paul elsewhere, does not suggest that Christian wives leave their nonbelieving husbands (see 1 Cor. 7:12-16). Instead, says Peter, A POSSIBLE ANSWER (B Continued): wives with a husband who is not a believer must live exemplary lives.
The roles available to women in the first-century Roman Empire were determined largely by the individual society. Roman wives, for example, had more rights under the law regarding property and legal redress than would most of the women to whom Peter is writing. But in some first-century societies, women were excluded from involvement in politics, government, and leadership in most religions.Peter urges Christian women to take on a set of standards that would be admirable in the context in which they found themselves. He urges them to purity and reverence (1 Pet. 3:2, NRSV). He suggests that a Christian woman should be more interested in her inward beauty than in the adornment of fashionable hairstyles, jewelry, and expensive clothing (1 Pet. 3:3-5). A Christian woman will conduct herself in a manner that will recommend Christianity to the one who lives with her in a most intimate manner-her husband.
Peter’s words should not be taken by husbands as a license to mistreat their wives in any way. As he points out, husbands should show consideration to their wives (1 Pet. 3:7).