Lesson 5 · July 29, 1893
The Chosen People.—1 Peter 2:9-16
Review Questions.—(a) By what are Christians begotten? (b) Upon what are they to feed in order to grow? (c) Upon whom are they built? (d) Thus builded what are they?
1. The Call. Verses 9, 10
- 1.What are those called who are builded upon Christ?
- 2.For what purpose are they called, chosen, crowned, separated, purchased?
- 3.What was their former condition?
2. An Earnest Exhortation. Verses 11, 12
- 1.With what earnest words does the Lord exhort his people?
- 2.What should be their conversation (conduct) among the Gentiles?
- 3.What would be the result of such a life?
3. Civil Duties. Verses 13-16
- 1.What is the Christian's duty as regards the laws of men? Note.
- 2.From what motive, and for whose sake, should it be done?
- 3.Does this include obedience to laws which conflict with God's law?
- 4.When we obey our rulers in the exercise of rightful authority, what will be the result?
- 5.Should this obedience be rendered as servants of men?
Notes
When rulers enact foolish or oppressive laws, especially in a republic, they are frequently spoken of with disrespect and contempt by the people. Such examples often become contagious; but Christians should not thus allow themselves to be carried away by bad examples; and all laws, needless and oppressive though they may be, should be obeyed with faithfulness unless they contravene God's laws. In such case only may we refuse to obey.
All such expressions as these in our lesson pertain to proper laws, and to such only as rulers have a right to make. "Render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and unto God the things that are God's." To God belongs everything which pertains to his worship or service as commanded in his word, or conceived by the conscience. The civil duties between man and man, and the duty of man to support the State, have nothing to do with religion. Daniel was prime minister in an idolatrous empire, and was obedient to all civil laws, but he could not obey a law which would compel him to dishonor God. . The three young Hebrews, high in position, faithful in all civil duties, could not do otherwise than refuse to dishonor God by not obeying the king's command to bow down before the golden image. . See also and 5:29. The matter of obedience to laws which deny or dishonor God is not a matter of "will not," or "would not," but of "cannot," and "could not." The Christian can die easier than he can dishonor God.
Bible texts in this lesson
1 Peter 2:9 · 1 Peter 2:10 · 1 Peter 2:11 · 1 Peter 2:12 · 1 Peter 2:13-16 · Daniel 6:4-23 · Daniel 3:8-18 · Acts 4:19
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