Living Above Reproach: A Call to Righteousness

Devotional

Day 1: Living Above Reproach

Christians are called to live above reproach, avoiding even minor offenses that could harm the gospel's reputation. This means examining one's life for any behavior that might bring criticism, no matter how small. The progression from murder to meddling in 1 Peter 4:15 suggests a movement from the most severe to the least severe offenses, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a testimony that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. By striving to live above reproach, believers can point others to the glory of God, even in the face of suffering. [02:23]

"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." (1 Peter 2:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one small behavior or habit in your life that might bring criticism to your Christian testimony? How can you begin to change it today?

Day 2: Trusting God with Justice

Murder is highlighted as a potential temptation during severe persecution, reminding Christians that even in extreme situations, they must trust God with justice and human life. This calls for a deep reliance on God's sovereignty, even when wronged. In times of persecution or injustice, believers are encouraged to resist the urge to retaliate violently and instead trust that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing. This trust in God's sovereignty is a powerful testimony to the world. [04:20]

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" (Romans 12:19, ESV)

Reflection: When have you been tempted to take justice into your own hands? How can you practice trusting God with justice in that situation today?

Day 3: Treasuring Eternal Inheritance

Stealing contradicts the Christian testimony of having an eternal inheritance. It challenges believers to live as though their treasure is truly in heaven, not in the fleeting possessions of this world. Christians are called to demonstrate through their actions that their hope and security are found in their eternal inheritance, not in material wealth. By living with an eternal perspective, believers can show the world the true value of their faith. [05:20]

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can demonstrate that your treasure is in heaven, not in earthly possessions, in your daily life today?

Day 4: Returning Good for Evil

Evildoing is the opposite of the honorable conduct Peter encourages. Christians are called to live lives marked by good deeds that lead others to glorify God, especially in times of suffering. This is a call to return good for evil, reflecting Christ's love. By choosing to respond to wrongdoing with kindness and love, believers can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel. [06:05]

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were wronged. How can you return good for evil in that situation today?

Day 5: Engaging the World as Exiles

Meddling, or being a busybody, stems from a misunderstanding of the Christian's status as an exile. Christians are called to engage with the world differently, using their time and resources for God's kingdom, not as idle observers. This challenges believers to be industrious and impactful for Christ, demonstrating that their allegiance to Him does not negate their responsibility to contribute positively to the world. [09:12]

"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your time and resources to engage with the world for God's kingdom today? What specific action can you take to contribute positively to your community?

Sermon Summary

In this session, we delve into 1 Peter 4:15, where Peter warns against suffering as a murderer, thief, evildoer, or meddler. The focus is on understanding why Peter chose these specific sins and the order in which they are presented. The progression from murder to meddling suggests a movement from the most severe to the least severe offenses. This implies that Christians should strive to live above reproach, avoiding even minor criticisms that could tarnish the gospel's reputation.

Peter's choice of sins is significant. Murder, though extreme, is a temptation in times of severe persecution, where one might be driven to retaliate violently. Stealing, on the other hand, challenges the Christian's claim of having an imperishable inheritance in heaven. If Christians steal, it contradicts their testimony that their treasure is not of this world. Evildoing is the antithesis of the honorable conduct Peter encourages, which should lead others to glorify God.

The inclusion of meddling is particularly intriguing. It highlights the danger of becoming a busybody, which was a notable issue in the early church. This behavior stems from a misunderstanding of the Christian's status as an exile in this world. Being an exile does not mean disengagement from the world; rather, it calls for a different kind of engagement—one that reflects the values of God's kingdom. Christians are to be industrious and impactful, demonstrating that their allegiance to Christ does not negate their responsibility to contribute positively to the world.

Ultimately, Peter's exhortation is a call to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. By avoiding these sins, Christians can maintain a testimony that points others to the glory of God, even in the face of suffering.

Key Takeaways

1. The progression from murder to meddling in 1 Peter 4:15 suggests a call to live above reproach, avoiding even minor offenses that could harm the gospel's reputation. This challenges us to examine our lives for any behavior that might bring criticism, no matter how small. [02:23]
2. Murder is highlighted as a potential temptation during severe persecution, reminding us that even in extreme situations, we must trust God with justice and human life. This calls for a deep reliance on God's sovereignty, even when wronged. [04:20]
3. Stealing contradicts the Christian testimony of having an eternal inheritance. It challenges us to live as though our treasure is truly in heaven, not in the fleeting possessions of this world. [05:20]
4. Evildoing is the opposite of the honorable conduct Peter encourages. Our lives should be marked by good deeds that lead others to glorify God, especially in times of suffering. This is a call to return good for evil, reflecting Christ's love. [06:05]
5. Meddling, or being a busybody, stems from a misunderstanding of our status as exiles. We are called to engage with the world differently, using our time and resources for God's kingdom, not as idle observers. This challenges us to be industrious and impactful for Christ. [09:12]
** [09:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:24] - Introduction to 1 Peter 4:15
[00:42] - The List of Sins
[01:05] - Questions About the Order
[01:23] - Contextual Relevance of Meddling
[02:04] - Insulted for Christ's Name
[02:23] - Order of Sins: Greatest to Least
[03:35] - Why These Specific Sins?
[03:56] - Temptation to Murder in Persecution
[04:41] - The Temptation to Steal
[05:33] - Evildoing vs. Honorable Conduct
[06:26] - The Oddity of Meddling
[07:24] - Early Church Context of Meddling
[08:06] - Exile Status and World Engagement
[09:12] - Using the World for God's Kingdom
[10:04] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 4:15
- 1 Peter 2:11-12
- 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

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Observation Questions:

What is the order of sins listed in 1 Peter 4:15, and what might this order suggest about the severity of each sin? [02:23]
How does Peter describe the behavior of a meddler, and why might this have been a significant issue in the early church? [06:26]
In 1 Peter 2:11-12, what does Peter urge believers to do as sojourners and exiles, and how does this relate to the concept of meddling? [08:06]
What connection does the sermon make between stealing and the Christian testimony of having an eternal inheritance? [05:20]

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Interpretation Questions:

Why might Peter have chosen to include murder in his list of sins, especially in the context of persecution? How does this reflect on the Christian response to suffering? [04:20]
How does the concept of being an exile in this world influence a Christian's engagement with worldly affairs, according to the sermon? [09:12]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between honorable conduct and the glorification of God, especially in times of suffering? [06:05]
How does the sermon interpret the role of a meddler in the early church, and what lessons can be drawn for modern-day believers? [07:24]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there any minor criticisms or behaviors that could potentially harm your testimony as a Christian? How can you address these to live above reproach? [03:18]
In times of personal injustice or persecution, how can you practice trusting God's sovereignty instead of taking matters into your own hands? [04:20]
Consider your attitude towards material possessions. How can you demonstrate that your treasure is in heaven rather than in the fleeting possessions of this world? [05:20]
Think of a situation where you might be tempted to meddle in others' affairs. How can you redirect your energy towards productive and kingdom-focused activities? [09:12]
How can you actively engage with the world in a way that reflects your status as an exile, using your time and resources for God's kingdom? [09:12]
Identify a specific area in your life where you can return good for evil, reflecting Christ's love. What steps can you take to implement this in your daily interactions? [06:05]
How can you ensure that your conduct among non-believers is honorable, leading them to glorify God through your actions? [05:50]

Sermon Clips

I said a a key question is to ask about order what order do you see I'll bet most of you see they they move from the most serious killing someone to the least serious meddling in others affairs right don't they go down like that so kill someone take someone's stuff do evil now that's that's pretty broad but you could imagine evil evils that you could do that would be less than stealing and then meddling so it looks like he's moving from the greatest to the least and what we could learn from that is when I say I don't want you to suffer I mean I don't want you to suffer for the worst things and I don't want you criticized for the least things which means I really want you to live above reproach not even having people talk about you behind your back because you're so meddlesome you're so nosy. [00:02:23]

and the thought that I have is this is a people who are undergoing small and large and getting larger suffering so a fiery ordeal is on the horizon and you could be tempted if somebody hurts you bad enough to strike back at them and kill them especially if they if they put in prison and put to death a friend yours or if somebody did something individually very wicked to you and he's saying don't go there don't be a killer let these people see you put human life in God's hands. [00:03:56]

what is what's especially I think relevant for stealing in this book is that we're tempted to give the impression if we steal if you take something that's not ours that maybe they have plundered our property like they did in Hebrews 10 and we say look they've already stolen from us let's just let's just go steal from them if they catch you stealing everything you've said about having an inheritance that is imperishable undefiled unfading kept in heaven for you infinitely valuable you're being guard if all that will sound hollow because you're acting like this world is your treasure so don't act like this world as your treasure by stealing from others. [00:04:41]

the main reason in Peters mind for avoiding evil doing is because you want your lives to be known for good doing because people are gonna give glory to God if in the midst of suffering you are not murmuring stealing murdering but returning good for evil which brings us to this last one which I think is the most the most provocative of all I mean why would he mention knows eNOS business strike strike you as odd he just strikes me as odd that Peter would say don't suffer as a busybody a nosy person sticking your nose in other people's affairs. [00:06:05]

and the reason it jumps out also is because over here in first Thessalonians 4 aspire to live quietly to mind your own affairs and to work with your hands as we instructed you so that you may walk properly before outsiders and again over in 2nd Thessalonians 3 11 and 12 we hear that some among you walk in idleness not busy and any work but busy bodies so this is a big deal in the early church at least in in the churches that Paul worked with people were were getting the reputation of being being lazy not doing their work being busy bodies. [00:07:24]

beloved I urge you as sojourners and exiles we already saw that back in 1:1 running through this book is the picture this world is not your home you are a sojourner and a refugee an exile here ah-ha-ah-ha an exile here this war this world is not my home so I don't care about this world I don't I'm not gonna worry about working in this world I'm not gonna worry I worry about making a difference in this world this world is not my concern and where does that lead that leads to being an idler a busybody a nosy good-for-nothing. [00:08:06]

look exile does not as the Sanford does not equal don't use this world don't be involved in this world don't shape this world exiled Christian exile status means means use this world differently than the way the world use it use it for King Jesus who owns this world don't give the impression to the people that not being a citizen of this world which is true means your Lord doesn't own this world he owns it and he puts you to work so don't be don't be a meddler don't be an evildoer don't be a thief don't be a murderer be so counterproductive that you're the one who works the hardest in this world and does the most good in this world and never lays your hand on anybody else's stuff and never takes justice into your own hands. [00:09:12]

we're looking in this session at verse 15 a first Peter 4 we did another session on verse 15 and in it we asked why Peter would bother to say let no one of you suffer as a murderer thief or an evildoer meddler which seems so obvious of course they're not gonna kill anybody are they so that's what we talked about in that session in this session I want us to just focus on the list itself let none of you suffer as a murderer thief evildoer meddler those four things and ask why these four do you see any order here why especially the last one what what of each of them can from each of them can we learn about the Christian life and we'll we'll do it by just asking all those questions about the the order here and the content of each word and then there's something in the context of first Peter that makes this word meddler especially relevant. [00:00:24]

none of us ever expects to kill anybody maybe we've been tempted to take something that isn't ours all of us have done something evil and why Oh Lord why Oh Lord would you would you cautions against meddling in others affairs oh we want to we want to get this so that we walked in a way that is pure and brings no reproach on the gospel so show us what you're getting at here for our sakes in Jesus name Amen. [00:01:23]

so just in context if you are insulted for the name of Christ you are blessed because of the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you so if you're insulted you're blessed however don't suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or a meddler. [00:02:04]

and the thought that I have is this is a people who are undergoing small and large and getting larger suffering so a fiery ordeal is on the horizon and you could be tempted if somebody hurts you bad enough to strike back at them and kill them especially if they if they put in prison and put to death a friend yours or if somebody did something individually very wicked to you and he's saying don't go there don't be a killer let these people see you put human life in God's hands. [00:03:56]

what is what's especially I think relevant for stealing in this book is that we're tempted to give the impression if we steal if you take something that's not ours that maybe they have plundered our property like they did in Hebrews 10 and we say look they've already stolen from us let's just let's just go steal from them if they catch you stealing everything you've said about having an inheritance that is imperishable undefiled unfading kept in heaven for you infinitely valuable you're being guard if all that will sound hollow because you're acting like this world is your treasure so don't act like this world as your treasure by stealing from others. [00:04:41]

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Living Above Reproach: A Call to Righteousness

Devotional

Day 1: Living Above Reproach

Day 2: Trusting God with Justice

Day 3: Treasuring Eternal Inheritance

Day 4: Returning Good for Evil

Day 5: Engaging the World as Exiles

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living Above Reproach: A Call to Righteousness

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