Reacting to the Anti-Christian Sentiment
When the apostle Peter wrote First and Second Peter (most likely in the mid-60's A.D.), Christians were facing anti-Christian Sentiment. Though an actual physical or bodily persecution was not as widespread as it would become in A.D. 90 and later, suffering and persecution of various types were still prevalent. From First and Second Peter, it appears that Christians were suffering more mentally, or even socially, than physically ( 1 Pet. 1:6; 2:12; 3:16; 4:4 5:7,10,12). Christians were spoken of as evildoers ( 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:16), suffering emotionally because of the various trials encountered (1;6). Thus Peter writes to encourage (5:12), strengthen (5:10), and instruct the brethren in how to react and what to remember during the trial of one's faith. For Christians in the new millennium, we likewise should hear and embrace the following points from First Peter in view of the various trial of the present.
(1) Remember who we are. When Peter wrote to a people suffering for Christ's sake, he reminded them of their unique calling. In First Peter 1:1, he identified them - spiritually, as the elect of God; socially, as temporary residents; and politically, as a people scattered throughout many provinces. Indeed, Christians are different and have a sacred obligation to show forth the praises of God (2:9). We are involved in a spiritual warfare which involves "the pulling down of strong-holds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" ( 2 Cor. 10:4-5). And, as we show forth His praises and wage ware on the forces of evil, we can expect to be rejected, ridiculed, and reviled ( 2 Tim 3:12). Peter reminds us that even the precious Christ was rejected (2:4) and reviled (1:23; cf. John 15;20). He was perfect, He suffered at the hands of lawless men. We should not, therefore, be surprised if the world hates us because we are God's People ( 1 John 3;13; cf. John 15:18).
(2) Remember what we possess. Toa people suffering for Christ, Peter reminds his readers of the great salvation awaiting those who are kept by God (1:3ff). A perfect, pure, and perpetual inheritance will be received at the consummation of our faith. It is much more precious than gold and thus should motivate us to remain steadfast.
(3) Submit to Authority. In several places, Peter reminds his readers that in the midst of persecution, we can influence people for good(2:12,15; 3:1,11). Our pure manner of life can influence even our persecutors to "glorify God in the day of visitation" (2:12). Therefore, every Christian must submit "to every ordinance of man" (2:13); servants must be subject to masters (2:18); and wives submission to non-Christian husbands(3:1). We must not give the world any extra ammunition to fire at us or where in to accuse. Let us not suffer as an evildoer, but as a Christian (4:15-16).
(4) Return good for evil. We should never render "evil for evil or railing for railing: but contrariwise, blessing" (3:9). As Jesus was faced with persecution and did not sin, we should follow in His footsteps of moral integrity and spiritual fidelity. When we are reviled we must not revile; and when threatened, we must not threaten (2:21-23). Christian must not react to the lower standards of their persecutors.
(5) Be ready to give an answer. Instead of fearing persecution or expressing sentiments of defeat, the Christian must be prepared to answer his or her detractor. When call upon to defend the faith, a reason or explanation for our convictions should be forthcoming (3:15). Or course, this demand s that each of us prepare by training and educating ourselves to argue with the critic. Now, more than ever, we need members of the church to be busy in reining themselves In Gospel preaching, apologetics, law and government, so that we can do a better job in standing up for religious liberty an the advancement of Christian principles an values. Indeed, let us sanctify the Lord God in our heart and be ready ourselves to "give and answer to every man" (3:15).
(6) Pray. Peter instructs a persecuted people to pray (4:7). We must cast our care upon God, knowing that He cares for us (5:7) . Jesus, like wise , teaches you to pray "for them that despitefully use you and persecute you" (5:44). Prayer is a powerful tool in the hands of a faithful Christian ( Jas 5:16).
(7) Rejoice. In the midst of anti-Christian reaction, we must not grow discouraged ore dejected. In 1 Peter 4:13-14, Peter tells his readers to rejoice in the midst of suffering and to be happy, because "the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you." The Lord expressed the same truth in Matthew 5:10-12, when he said to be happy when men persecute us, because ours is the kingdom of heaven and great will be our reward. Indeed, the Christian has much for which to rejoice. We, above all people, know what life is about and about the life hereafter.
Dealing with anti-Christian sentiment is never easy; but God gives us a prescription for dealing with the disease and evil of our society. By following the principles of First Peter, we can be strengthen and edify, even in the midst of a people who hate us and ridicule us. We must always remember that we can have a positive impact upon even our persecutors by living the Christian life. Though they may not know it, they need the Gospel and are this very hour desirous of this eternal blessings. One by one, we can begin to destroy these, our enemies , by teaching them the way of life thought our words and deeds.
Posted in: Christian Behavior, Christian Growth, Christian Living, Complaints, Kindness, Life, Love, Persecution, Purity, Renewal, Spirituality, Wisdom, Work of the Church