The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1935-02-14

ASooON IEAI-l PETER Z.1l-lIs 4.l-0.
GOLDEN TEXT-Love worketh no i'll
to his neighbor: therefore love is the
fulfilling of the law. Romans 1910.
PRIMARY TOPIC-A Letter From
Peter.
JUNIOR ToPIC-Peter Becomes a
Teacher.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-What Makes a Good Citizen.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
RESPONSIBILITIES of a Good Citizen.
In order to get an intelligent grasp
of today's lesson one must get view
of the entire Epistle as to it's purpose
and method. The purpose was to estab-
!lish all who were passing through
suffering and testing (see IL; 3:14;
4:12; 5:10-12).
The principles of Christian behavior
set forth in this text are of a broader
scope than citizenship. They embrace,
!. Behavior as Pilgrims and So
journers wv. IL, 12).
Christians are really sojourners on
the earth. They have not their per-
manent home here. They are journey
ing through the earth on their way
to their eternal home in the heavens.
Their heavenly citizenship (Phil. 1920
should constrain them to the mainte-
nance of conduct consistent with their
high calling.
1. Abstain from fleshly lusts ". 1D.
The term "lusts" here includes the en-
tire army of unclean forces springing
from our carnal natures. They are
enumerated in Galatians 5:19-21.
2. Behavior among the Gentiles or
heather ". 12). The word conversa-
ton here means behavior. Christians
are under obligation to so live as to
render it impossible for the world to
speak evil against them as evil-doers.
II. Behavior as Citizens wv. 1910.
While the Christians true citizenship
is in heaven, he has a responsibility as
citizen on the earth during his earth
ly sojourn. He should be in submits
sion to properly constituted author
ity.
l. Obey all requirements of civil
rulers ". 49,. Fidelity to Christ is
shown by loyalty to civil authority.
The intelligent Christian recognizes
the necessity of government and gra-
ciOusly submits to those in authority
over him, regardless Of the form of
government. His duties as a citizen
he performs as the Lords free man,
not through servile fear. Government
even of a low order is better than an
archy. Free submission to govern
mental authority puts to silence the
Ignorance of foolish men wv. To- 16).
2. Honor all men ". ~. The
Christian sees in every man the image
Of God and will, therefore, give him
the honor due him. This applies to all
relations wherein we touch human life.
3. Love the brotherhood ". 10.
The brotherhood is composed of those
who are children of God by faith in
Jesus Christ.
4. Fear God ". ~. This means to
recognize Gods sovereignty, righteous
ness, and holiness, and properly to rev.
erence him.
8. Honor the king ". ~. This had
peculiar significance at the time
this was written, because in all prob
ability the wicked Nero was then reign
ing as the emperor.
III. Behavior in a World of oppo-
sition Il Pet. 4:1-5).
1. Arm for the conflict ". u. Chris
tians are engaged in tremendous con-
flict with evil forces within and with
out. Satan and his angels are bent on
the believers defeat and destruction.
2. The salutary effect of suffering
". y. Suffering has a remedial eff
feet upon Gods children. The one who
suffers with Christ as an example will
have the consciousness that it is his
identity with Christ that calls forth
the opposition of the world.
3. Gods will the regulating force of
his life ". p. The will of God, not
the lusts of the flesh, is the directing
force of the believers life.
A. The consciousness Of wasted
life ". 81. Looking back upon
wasted life in serving the lusts of the
flesh will move one to give no more
time to serving such master.
S. The attitude of the world toward
the one who separates himself from it
". a. The world speaks evil of those
who will not go its way. The world
not only wonders at the life of the
Christian who separates himself from
its pleasures, such as dancing, card
playing, wine drinking. ETC., but will
heap upon him nicknames Of reproach.
6. Account shall be given ". 81.
The Christian should so live as to be
able to render a good account to God.