Q&A: 1 Peter 2 week 4

1 Peter 1 part 4 Q&A

Here are some brief answers to our questions from our Sunday evening service.

1. Ba ba doo ba ba

Isaiah 53:6! <-- watch it here!

I love that this is the top question!

2. Slaves don't have the freedom to leave. But if our boss is harsh we sometimes have the option to leave. Does Peter say we should stay and put up with it?

Yes, slaves didn't have the option to leave. We should not put up with any kind of abuse. Christians should be peacemakers and not troublemakers, but this does not mean we put up with bad behaviour when we have the opportunity to do something about it. That may be by legal means or by seeking to change the work environment. Perhaps God has placed you there for a reason? But this never means you should just subject yourself to continued abuse.

To the slaves, Peter is saying that since they cannot do anything about it, remember God is the ultimate judge. Don't give your masters any legitimate reason to treat you badly, so they can never say "you deserved it". Instead, give them every reason to be judged as the wrong doer - not you.

3. Is this saying we should accept mistreatment by people in authority over us? How do we reconcile or navigate this whilst applying Peter's command?

I would say not in our circumstances. Peter is writing to people in a very different situation where they are powerless to do much about change. In that case, we can have confidence in God's watch - he is the ultimate judge. But for us here and now, as God's people, we should act for positive change. There is a time and a way to speak out and to be agents of change for injustice in our world. When we cannot, rest in the confidence we have in God. So when you do have to "put up with it", do it in a way that honours God.

4. My manager is regularly rude and belittles team members. How does 1 Peter speak to this?

Please see answer to question 2 also, but in short, work relationships are an opportunity to be a great witness for Christ, and a great example. This doesn't mean being a doormat. It means speaking up and being an agent of change in our society. But when that cannot happen or fails to be possible, we can at the very least not repay evil for evil. We should also be people who stand up for those who are vulnerable, who cannot speak for themselves.

5. Is this Bible passage applicable for suffering people in societies with corrupt governments (in relation to situations such as asylum seekers, martial law)

Yes, most certainly. When you have no options, when you cannot get out of the situation and are under oppression, as many Christians were in Peter's day, the wisdom from Peter is to not give the authorities any real reason to treat you badly. If you suffer for doing good, then you can stand confident in God when he returns to judge. If you are treated badly for doing wrong, what defence do you have? Remember in the end, ALL will submit to Jesus.

6. If I have an abusive boss or simply he’s toxic/ not a good boss, how do I have self care and protect myself there?

See also question 2 and 4. In brief - we should use all the resources available to us to secure our health and well-being when it is possible, although not at the expense of others. We are fortunate to live in a land with laws that can protect people in the workplace. We should use those laws well, and not improperly. We do need to ask ourselves the question as to if our boss is the problem or if we are (self-examination). But then also consider what issues our boss may have at the time, or at any time (empathy). Still, we are free to use our freedom to do the right thing for ourself and for other workers among us.

I've seen many bosses get away with bullying, because no one stands up and does the right thing. I've also seen others who seem to always have a toxic boss, no matter where they go. It is always the workplace or the boss who is the problem. But perhaps it is more than the boss? Self-examination, empathy and action would be my three considerations here.

And to be really clear - it's never advisable to stay in an abusive relationship of any kind. "Get help and/or get out" is my usual advice. But I know this is not always possible for some. Thankfully, our heavenly Father knows our situation and is able to work even when things seem impossible.

7. One hypothetical scenario - if a Christian was an official of the Nazi Germany, would he follow the authority to kill Jews?

That is a good question. And not hypothetical back in the day. I cannot see how you could justify this. In fact, in a few articles I've read on this, it is noted that this mass genocide arguably only happened because no one stopped and said "Hang on! This is wrong!" and many suspect that if some people did stand up and say "no!", then perhaps many more would have done the same. But often, we go along with the culture of the time. 1 Peter is actually about Christians being counter-cultural. Nothing in this letter actually calls us to go against submitting to God, above all others. He is the one who we all submit to first.

8. Does Peter teach us to live with others in harmony and with respect? If it is, how to link up to the previous learning about Set Apart?

In a nutshell, we are IN the world, but not OF the world. We live in this world but we are not to act like the world or adopt the values of the world. In this way, we can live our lives on this earth as people who live very differently. Set apart for God and standing out from those around us. When we blend in, it is often because we have failed to stand for God. We can not always live in harmony when the world stands against God. Often our faith brings us to contend with others. Respect is possible. Harmony is achievable, but conflict is often unavoidable. We must do our BEST to live in harmony and with respect. But not at any cost - not if it means going against God.

9. Is 'being conscious of God' (v19) also referring to knowing our life extends beyond earth? or just referring to God placing those people in power?

Both. Peter is reminding us of God's sovereignty but also the suffering of Christ, unjustly, for the guilty in our world. Remember - God is sovereign but he also knows what it is to suffer unjustly. (verse 21

10. What a banger! Do you have any spiritual advice from 'Fields of Gold' ?

Perhaps not fields of gold, but I thoroughly recommend this clip if you enjoy musical advice: Is this spiritual advice?

11. What are the benefits of submission to both God and authorities?

Salvation: verse 12 - that they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Peace: verse 15 - to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

Righteousness: verse 19 - it is commendable.

Fulfilling your calling: verse 21 - to this you were called

12. How do we live in harmony with ourselves? referencing 1 Peter 2 verse 11

Our soul belongs to God. We are His full possession. Therefore, when we give in to sinful desires, we wage war against our own soul. We are not at peace within ourselves. We live in harmony with ourselves when we remember who we belong to, and push aside those sinful desires. This can only happen by way of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are not strong enough ourselves to overcome. Paul elaborates for us in Romans 7...