1 Peter 2:11-17 Church and Society

Possible icebreaker: what is London's worst tourist attraction and why?

Word:
Read together 1 Peter 2:11-17
1Pet. 2:11 ¶ Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
1Pet. 2:12 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.
1Pet. 2:13 ¶ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,
1Pet. 2:14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
1Pet. 2:15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
1Pet. 2:16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
1Pet. 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

4 Questions:
Q.1 We noted on Sunday that 1 Peter 2:11 marks a new section of material in the letter about the responsibilities of Christians in the world. The preceding verses have been majoring on the identity of Christians. Why do you think it is necessary for Christians to get hold of their identity in Christ before approaching their responsibilities. How well do you think identity has come before responsibility in your own Christian life?
Q.2 In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter contrasts natural impulses with supernatural (or Holy Spirit) impulses. Our natural impulses seek self-protection, self-gratification and comfort, whilst supernatural impulses seek peace and security in God. Give examples of how you are currently opposing your natural impulses in favour of supernatural impulses - what are the rewards of the latter?
Q.3 In v12 Peter describes that how we act in the world can either result in a whole load of people joining with us to be saved & glorify God on the Last Day or not. With reference to the verse in question, how should this make us behave in London Monday through Sunday?
Q.4 A Christian's responsibilities to God, state, brethren and people generally are summarised in v 17. Discuss together the following in he wake of this verse:
How should we want the local authorities to view Christians in our borough?
How important is it that we vote?
How can we show respect to the unknown millions milling around us in London?
Tube/bus travel - is it legitimate to ever not pay the fare?

Robin Plummer, 20/11/2007