Talk: Living as aliens (part3)  Part 1: Foundation  We are living stones, forming a building in which Jesus is the cornerstone (v4-8)  Part 2: Identity  We are a chosen people, belonging to God (v9-10)  Part 3: Responsibility  We must avoid sinning, and live good lives (v11-12)

1 Peter 2 v Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. NIV

“Aliens and strangers”  John 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  John 17:16: They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

Oath of citizenship

Five principles:  allegiance to the United States Constitution,  renunciation of allegiance to any foreign country to which the immigrant has had previous allegiances to  defence of the Constitution against enemies "foreign and domestic"  promise to serve in the US Armed Forces when required by law (either combat or non-combat)  promise to perform civilian duties of "national importance" when required by law

Oath of citizenship Solemnly, freely, and without mental reservation, I hereby renounce under oath all allegiance to any foreign state. My fidelity and allegiance from this day forward is to the United States of America. I pledge to support, honour, and be loyal to the United States, its Constitution, and its laws. Where and if lawfully required, I further commit myself to defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, either by military, noncombatant, or civilian service. This I do solemnly swear, so help me God.

Aliens and strangers

Aliens and strangers?

Aliens and strangers  Romans 12:2: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  1 Peter 1:14: As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

.... abstain from sinful desires.....  It’s not about withdrawal from society...  Nor becoming evangelical philistines...  Not even avoidance of popular culture....  But rather the rejection of the “pattern of this world” – its values and assumptions –  the “me first” culture.

Me first  Instant gratification  My time, my space, my earnings, my needs, my rights, my plans  Self-centredness  Collective greed

An ongoing battle  We’re still in the world  Sinful desires from within constantly “war against our souls”

An ongoing battle  Romans 7:23-25: I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!  John 17:15: My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

1 Peter 2 v Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. NIV

1 Peter 2 v Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. NIV

Live good lives among unbelievers  What does a good life look like?  A nice person?  A popular person?  Someone who does good deeds?

Relationships characterised by respect  Respect for law and government (1 Peter 2 v13-17)

Relationships characterised by respect  Respect for law and government (1 Peter 2 v13-17)  Respect for masters (1 Peter 2 v18-25)  Respect for husbands/wives (1 Peter 3 v1-7)  Respect for everyone (1 Peter 3 v8-17)

Relationships characterised by respect 1 Peter 3 v15, 16: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Live good lives among unbelievers  Engagement, not withdrawal  Respectful behaviour

What effect will this have on unbelievers?  They may accuse us of doing wrong  They may speak maliciously against our good behaviour  They may be won over  Either way, they will see our good deeds and glorify God

Having set the foundation...  How should we conduct our lives “in the world”?  What issues and dilemmas are we going to face?  Where will our Christian faith conflict with the worldly mindset?  Are there biblical examples we can look to for practical help?