Suffering Stops Sinning

At the time of Apostle Peter’s writing the Roman society was filled with certain joys that needed to be stopped.

We might recall some of them from our history lessons.  There were the famous entertainments of risqué theatre productions, chariot racing culture, and gory gladiatorial combat.  There were the infamous immoralities from giving free reign to passions of all sorts:  temper, sex, drink, slander, lying, and theft to get ahead.  

Christians were seen as killjoys, antisocial non-participants, and cultural traitors who spoke out against such things. When one becomes a Christian many things change with internal desires, outward behavior, and purposeful living.  It is a life lived with much higher joys and meaning and satisfaction. 

In 1 Peter 4:1-5, our Apostle Peter describes how suffering stops sinning.

The New Resolve for the Present and the Future

1 Peter 4:1–2 ESV “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”

Jesus Christ “suffered in the flesh,” meaning in this temporary earthly life and realm of sinfulness.  Of course, Jesus Christ suffered once to deal with sin by His Cross on behalf of His People.  He did this with Holy Spirit empowered resolve to obey God the Father and accomplish His will.

We then are to have, and being His own can have, the same attitude inspired by the Holy Spirit living our lives.  We are called to a new way of life, new devotion to Christ, new resolve against the sinfulness of the world.  When suffering in this world, we should consider how this works to bring an end to sin in our lives.

How is it that unjust suffering works to eliminate sin in a Christian’s life?  Does it inherently work purification?  Maybe, but some would say it just as easily pushes us in the opposite direction.  Does it lessen opportunities for sin?  Maybe, but some would say it provides more.  Above all it works to focus our mind—is this what you have found?

Suffering is not something that works automatically, but only insofar as our mind is set to face it head on and gain something from it, and then it morally strengthens us.  We are to be like Jesus in this commitment upfront to obey God and embrace suffering because of this commitment.  Even though he was the perfect Son of God, God become Man, He in His humanity grew in this strength and resolve.

This mindset going into suffering shows that we are willing to be done with sin; and then it works ever deepening resolve in us, increasing freedom from sin, and establishing a whole new outlook on life.  Suffering then works as a reinforcement; and as a help to us; and as a fence of security.

And so one of the greatest results is that we can live out the rest of our life on earth under the control of new motivations for growth.  We don’t have to follow common human passions, but seek out doing the will of God in this life.

A Sarcastic View of the Past Can be Helpful Too

1 Peter 4:3–5 ESV “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

We were just like all the rest of the “Gentiles,” that is unbelievers without God and without hope, and enslaved to our passions and the ways of the world around us.  We praise God for His rescue of us and making us now part of the People of God.  

How helpful it can be at times to be sarcastic with ourselves about our past life without God in this world!  This is the Apostle’s approach in verse 3.  There was more than enough time to “enjoy” the sins of the morally corrupt and rebellious world.  Of course, this is not how we really see it, rather we are glad to have escaped what we are now ashamed of.

Certainly, not all people live such unrestrained lives in this extreme picture; however we also know that people do not live as clean as they claim either.  The natural inclination to such things is like a seed ready to germinate within each one of us naturally.  We are all infected with the corruption of sin and no one is free from the contagion, nor pure.

As one scholar pointed out, perhaps the activities being described were directly related to cultural celebrations most everyone participated in to some degree, such as, family religious festivals, trade guild celebrations, and civic holiday celebrations.  If so, then the matter of having Christ’s resolve to resist cultural and social expectations makes a lot of sense.

Prepared to Honor God

Christians just don’t do certain things and that is the way it is.  What changes have you noticed in your life and desires?  What parts of you are becoming ever more refined in your pursuit of holiness?  What breaks from sin have proven good and propelled you forward in your walk with Christ?

Where now, today, do you need to put forth the resolve of Christ in the same power of the Holy Spirit?  Remember that suffering is appointed as a help for you in this.  Maybe it is in some of the same areas as Roman society:  entertainment, lifestyle, friendships, or personal control?  What about the passions and impulses that are given free range in our society?

By living resolved to suffer in order to avoid sinning we are further strengthened to live for the will of God.  Be confident and content, for you will succeed and eventually be perfected in the image of Christ.  What might change for you?  What good things might you be hoping for in your life?

So, “arm yourself” with this mindset of Christ for your life from this point forward.  Pray that your resolve will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and so made successful before God the Father.

Hijacked Preaching

Preaching is not what many have come to think it is.

It is not about giving a good speech with applause and handshakes to follow. 
It is not about delivering a theology lesson with head nods and warm hearts agreeing.
It is not about providing counseling for the myriads of hurting people. 
It is not about motiving people to a better morality, making them feel guilty or superior. 
It is not about making Jesus sound politically correct or incorrect.
It is not about skillful altar calls, and the baptisms that follow. 
It is not about artsy appeals to a live really cool communal Christian lifestyle. 
It is not about presenting the top (insert a number) tips for living a happy life. 
It is not about convincing unbelievers, while ignoring the soul needs of believers. 
It is not about the preacher’s hair, jeans or suit, his language, or his makeup artists.
It is not about the newly released book and the promises contained in it.
It is not about dropping nuggets of wisdom for financial and relational successes. 
It is not about addressing current political concerns, injustices or outrageous atrocities. 
It is not about wooing weak women or duping men easy to be suckered. 
It is not about the number of people in the room or those listening by live streaming.
It is not about meticulously mentioning the concerns of various constituencies. 

The list goes on, and for American Christians this is especially true, sadly, embarrassingly and reprovingly. Preaching has been hijacked, taken to places it should not go.

Certainly, preaching, even good preaching, may contain some of the elements from the above list, but preaching still stands separate; it is not those things. It is a unique calling.

Preaching as Sui Generis

Preaching is a unique event without analogy or parallel. As John Stott named it in his book Between Two Worlds, preaching is sui generis, its own genre. There are only three things a preacher need to know about and concern himself with: the Holy Spirit’s role in Scripture, people and the preacher. God the Holy Spirit has written the Scripture. He indwells Christians. And He empowers the preacher. 

The Bible is God’s Word. There is nothing more powerful and important to study, declare and apply than this! What else is there worthy to be preached?! It is a simple task, though it is a profound task. And we are called to honor the Word before the Lord, His people and the angels.

1 Peter 1:12 ESV “It was revealed to them [Old Testament prophets] that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.”

Believers in Jesus Christ really want to listen to the Word. They really truly do, more than seeing the things in the list above! They have been re-made to hunger and thirst for the Word of God. And unbelievers will be given spiritual life by the living and abiding Word through the preaching of it. So everyone benefits.

Psalms 119:130 ESV “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” 

2 Timothy 4:1–2 ESV “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word . . .”

The unction of God upon the preacher is easy to recognize and makes a world of difference! This is not simply passion, but the anointing of the Spirit that stirs the soul of the preacher, affecting him first and then the congregation. It far surpasses anything on that relatively boring preaching list above.

Simply Preach the Word

A few years ago I did some academic research on historical metaphors and models of preaching. I was stunned and lamented to see the modern devolutions, especially in the last couple of centuries.

For the pastor today, the pressures to perform and produce are intense. It is a matter of spiritual warfare. Consequently, every Sunday that I preach I must reset myself by prayer to the classical view of preaching, which is simply declaring the Word of God. 

Stay focused. Don’t let your preaching be hijacked, taken places other than God’s designed destination, and don’t bother listening to preaching that has been hijacked.

Control Your Hope

Did you know that you can control your hope?

The Apostle Peter tells us this in 1 Peter 1:13 ESV “. . . set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Many of us struggle with keeping up this hope.  We know it is our ultimate hope, as well as the source of hope for practical living day to day.  But, part of our struggle has to do with how we think about how we are going to get hope and keep it, let alone increase it.

The society in which we live talks about hope in very general terms, disconnected from anything certain or specific.  It is portrayed as an emotional state of being hopeful, or filled with longings that may or may not come true.

The Christian holds on to a highly specific hope, and it is neither a wish, nor uncontrollable emotion.  Our hope is built on truth, set upon a reality, and guaranteed as a future.  Our hope is not an emotional state that just comes over us at times, disappears at times, and we chase after through general prayers and having ever new experiences.

A Top Priority

Our top priority is to set our hope fully on the grace to come to us at the Return of Christ.  This grace is the grace of salvation in its fullness discussed earlier and secure because God the Father has birthed us to a living hope through resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is something we look forward to, hold on to with confidence, and expect to be very good.

This is how the letter just began.

1 Peter 1:3-5,10 ESV “. . . According to his [God the Father] great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. . . . Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,”

Now, verse 13 states the main point of letter, “therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Using Our Minds Spiritually

How do we do this, practically?  How do we “set our hope fully on the grace?”

The preceding two phrases give us direction:  “Preparing your minds for action” and “being sober-minded.”

The first phrase is more literally translated as “girding up the loins of your mind.”  The image is that of fastening up ones garments so as to prepare for strenuous activity, whether military or athletic.  So, we need to be prepared mentally for the actions we will need to take in order to set our hope.  It will take strenuous mental efforts to be able to hope fully.  We will have to fight the inner doubts and the lies of the devil and unbelievers.  And we will have to persevere through troubles and trials in our lives by using our minds so we don’t lose hope.

The second phrase of “being sober-minded” is not simply talking about keeping our heads clear from alcohol’s effects.  It is more broadly saying that we need to control our thinking and concentrate steadily.  There are many “intoxicants” in our lives that will direct our hope away from future grace.  Though it is good to concern ourselves about them in moderation, if we are not careful they will occupy our minds almost completely.  Things such as our careers, families, recreations, friends, money, and the list goes on without end.  We will have to keep our heads clear from all sorts of inordinate worldly affections, passions and reasonings.

The Apostle Peter is talking about a spiritual use of mind, or seeing the use of the mind as a spiritual activity.  We must realize that hope does not just happen, nor is it simply an emotional state.  What a sad struggle as a Christian if only to hope only like the world around us.

Hope comes from believing God, believing in His promise of grace at the Return of Christ.  It comes from controlling our thoughts and thinking clearly, and acting upon the truth of our new life in Christ, regardless of life’s pressures.  This is how a full Christian hope is produced, experienced and increased.

Be Fearful Because God Is Your Father

Here is a most stunning pairing of two names of God:  Father and Judge of All.

1 Peter 1:17 ESV “And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.”

Overdoing Abba Daddy Language

We often address God as our Father when we pray, and rightly so.  Jesus taught us to pray in this manner.  And our new relationship with God in Christ, being adopted into the family, is one that gives us the amazing privilege and right to call God our Father, and relate to him as little children would relate to their earthly father (Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 4:6).

All of this is very comforting, and a relationship to enjoy and find fulfillment.  But, this is not all there is to say about our fatherly relationship with God.  Some forget this and only view His fatherliness in ways that feel personally acceptable to them; and some misapply His fatherliness in presumption, take advantage of it, and learn the hard way.  

It is common today to overemphasize this kind, providing, fun-loving and cuddly aspect of God’s fatherliness almost to the exclusion of another important connection Scripture points out to us.  In fact, some authors and leaders even enjoin us to use baby-talk when conversing with God.  These over-dramatizations of God as father keep us from maturing in our faith

Another Emphasis that Needs Inclusion

Remember who it is that we are calling our Father; it is none other than the Judge of All!  He is the impartial Judge of all people of all time, of all deeds at the end of time.  Even in the here and now, the Apostle’s point is that He knows all about our lives as Christians.  

And then because He is our Father, He will be noticing our true character and bringing into our lives correction and various training experiences in order to conform us perfectly to His character, as seen in Christ Jesus.  He does this, of course, that we may “share in His holiness,” that is that we may resemble Him (Hebrews 12:3-11).

This is why our Apostle Peter precedes verse 17 mentioned above with verses 14–16, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.””

Living with Healthy Confidence and Healthy Fear

This “fear” mentioned in v.17 that is to characterize our lives lived before our God and Father should be understood as a holy and healthy fear of displeasing Him, as He is our Father truly.  However, it is not a fear of abandonment, or wrath, of course, but a fear within a secure and holy love.  It is a fear that keeps us relating properly with God as our Father.

This healthy fear is not discouraging nor immobilizing.  On the contrary it leads us to live our lives with a confident faith that we have a secure relationship with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ.  This is why our Apostle Peter follows verse 17 with these words.

1 Peter 1:18–21 ESV “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”

We need to learn to meditate upon and enjoy both aspects of God’s fatherliness, the encouraging traits as well as His ways that lead us toward increasing holiness.  Surely, the overemphasis can just as easily go in the opposite direction causing different problems, and has at times in recent history.  But it will be most helpful for all of us to seek to have our emphasis better mirror Scripture’s emphasis itself, in our personal lives and as we serve one another.

God’s Rules For Using His Gifts

Spiritual gifts are often misused to serve ourselves.

Christians will at times use their gifts to advance themselves in the church and in the eyes of others.  Many use their gifts to get attention and recognition, to feel good about themselves.  Others use their gifts in the hope of finding their complete purpose in life and force the church to affirm it and them.  Some wield their gifts to oppose the leadership while claiming to be more spiritually-minded.  These are but a few examples.

1 Peter 4:10–11 ESV “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

God’s Grace to Others

We should understand that our gifts given to us by God are for us personally, only in third place.  First, they are a means of God’s grace for God to get glory in and through them in dispensing his grace.  And then, they are for His grace in other people’s lives, not ours before them, but after them.

Each one of us has gifts from God to be used in the church.  These are all our talents, skills and abilities empowered by Holy Spirit for ministry in and through a local church.  There are lists in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4; but here in 1 Peter there is no list, rather a going beyond the lists.  This is because God’s grace is of a very great variety and very amazing powers; no list could ever be complete!

This stewardship is a managerial task of ourselves that should cause us to be filled with the excitement of serving, and also shudder with the great responsibility to be used by God for Him giving grace to others! 

Speaking and Serving

The “speaking” and “serving” is not really to be seen as two sets of gift types, but more so as whenever you are doing these activities of “speaking” and “serving.”  All of us do both activities, and often at the same time while using our gifts in a church.

Common speaking roles include:  preaching, teaching, evangelism, singing, encouraging, and testifying, and a whole lot more, even every time we speak to one another.  We are to speak our words as “oracles of God,” not as though we are so important, or can really speak like an Old Testament prophet or New Testament Apostle, or other crazy ideas.  Rather, we speak with spiritual purpose into others’ lives and with God’s wisdom, not our opinions.  We speak with reverence for God, faithful to the Gospel of truth, with serious intentionality.  

Common serving roles include:  helping out, maintenance, doing things, giving, and merciful acts, and a whole lot more, even every time we work with or for one another.  We are to do our work in the “strength of God,” not in our own strength, or for ourselves.  We will wear ourselves out ministering from our own power but will be amazed at the difference when we work from the spiritual energy of God, how he keeps on giving it to us as we pray. 

For the Glory of Christ

The goal of using our gifts is to glorify God.  We want to glorify God the Father in our attitudes, our words, and our actions.  This glory is “through Jesus Christ” in that He founded His Church, and the Church is living out its identity as those who bear His Name.  We do it with Him in mind.  We do all things in the strength supplied by Jesus Christ Himself through the Holy Spirit.

This Jesus Christ is our God, the Ascended One, and to Him belongs all glory and dominion forever.  The doxology expresses our desire that all our powers be given more fully to Christ’s service even now in this world.  The coming end of all things motivates us to use His gifts.

How thrilling it is to be used by God as a means by which He brings His grace into His Church and into the lives of specific individuals!  Be ready and predisposed to use your gifts, and know that God will replenish you as you minister.  Follow His rules for using what are His gifts in the first place.  Focus on being good stewards of God’s gifts and being a means of His grace. 

Shepherding As A Team

How can one single pastor effectively pray and care for a whole church?  Or, how can one ministry leader by himself or herself do the same for those in his or her ministry?

Pray Weekly, Touch Monthly

We elders put together a list of the families in our congregation and divided up that list among ourselves.   A list of 10-20 families each would be manageable.  An elder would easily be able to pray for each family weekly, and be able to have some level of personal “touch” or conversation monthly.  Each one of us would stay connected with those on our list, pray for them and with them.

Assignments were based on our existing relationships, depending on which of us knew certain people well.  If the family was not well known, we selected by stage of life or patterns of involvement at church, so that hopefully our paths would cross naturally.  And we would keep the lists current.

We worked hard not to make this system burdensome on ourselves, nor seem intrusive to those we loved.

1 Peter 5:2a ESV “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you.”

This was a more casual, even natural, approach to pastoral care.  It was not our only system of pastoral care, but an added level that become meaningful to our church, and helped us to lead and care better.

Taking a Team Approach

Shepherding as a team became enjoyable, and turned out to be much more effective than we even imagined.  We would devote the beginning portion of our elders meetings for shepherding concerns and prayer.  We could quickly go over our lists of family units and bring up items and pray without having to have lengthy discussions because we trusted one another to minister well and take care of matters.

As a pastor, I learned a lot by this team approach.  Obviously, it was a great help in carrying the load, but more importantly I learned that others have even greater gifts of shepherding and that there are a variety of ways to serve the needs of a congregation.  I gained new perspectives on people, problems, possible solutions and how best to pray for the church.

Together we did a much better job of staying in touch and fulfilling our responsibility to “pay careful attention . . . to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28 ESV)

Many people felt doubly cared for as a result of us taking this assertional informal approach.  And as a church grows in size such a team approach can be implemented at each level of ministry with its leader and leadership team, so that everyone feels connected to and cared for by their spiritual leaders.

One Passage Evangelism

There are many ways to share the core of the Gospel message.  My preference is to simply use the Scriptures themselves.  This is because I believe it is best to keep the Word of God at the center of the conversation.  

Remember, God brings about salvation directly through His Word:  1 Peter 1:23, “you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.”

Pick A Passage And Stay Put

Even then, I prefer to stick to one passage rather than flip around to multiple places in the Bible.  This is easier on the person sharing the Gospel and the one learning about it for the first time.  There is no need to worry that something important might get left out.  Because you know the Gospel story so well, you can simply fill in the details in the course of the conversation.

All one has to do is have a few passages in mind that might meet a few different types of people or situations.  By staying in one paragraph of the Bible, the conversation will flow more naturally and include dialogue, rather than consisting of a presentation and a response to it.  It will be much easier to listen sincerely to one another; likewise it will be much easier to discern the work of the Holy Spirit on someone’s mind with the Word He Himself wrote.

Some Easier Passages

There are many passages that could be used, and theoretically every Bible passage could be used for evangelistic purposes.  However, some are more readily understandable and accessible than others, and so selectivity is important.

For those who want to discuss the basic storyline and ideas, try the teaching passages in the Gospels and Epistles.  One of the most user-friendly, straightforward passages is Ephesians 2:1-10.  The statements of Jesus Christ Himself can produce amazing conversations, such as His “I Am the Good Shepherd” speech (John 10).

For those who like stories, or perhaps relate better to stories because of their cultural background, try the parables of Jesus.  Some of the more easily used would be the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) and the Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin and Son (Luke 15).  Also, the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19) makes vivid the realities of salvation.

The Conversation Will Live On

Those with whom you have a had such a conversation will be able to return to the one passage easily and replay the conversation in their mind over and over.  This is also a result of having a real and relational discussion about the Gospel.  It is harder to remember a Gospel presentation that includes a bundle of Bible references, and harder yet to find all of them and decipher their meanings.

The key point to remember when doing one passage evangelism is not to leave any ambiguities regarding the main points.  The main points are always going to be the unique divine-human person of Jesus Christ, his unique work upon the cross and in the resurrection, and that faith in Him alone, and not in one’s attempts at good works, will lead to new life and eternal salvation.

What other passages might you select?  I would encourage you to make a list, give each of them a try, and share your stories of success with others.

A New People Of God

Four new names are given to Christians, terms that are now even more fitting for the New Covenant people God has created.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 

The terms “chosen race,” “royal priesthood,” “holy nation” and “a people” are packed with meaning, being rooted in Old Testament history in God’s powerful dealings with Israel, most notably in their times of the Exodus and the Exile.

Exodus 19:5-6 ESV “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. . . .””Isaiah 43:20-21 ESV “. . . my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” 

(See related blog entries:  A New Chosen Race, A New Royal Priesthood, A New Holy Nation.) 

A New People of God


This final term is the culmination of the first three terms, “people,” meaning the People of God.  We as Christians are now part of the People of God, called out by Him as His own “treasured possession” from among all the peoples of the world to be a New People of God.

We have been chosen for a unique and personal relationship with God and for a purpose in Christ for all eternity!  Our calling out fulfills the pattern that began with the “calling out” of Abraham, the “calling out” in the Exodus, and the “calling out” from the Exile.

We read often in the Old Testament about this honor and purpose.  It reminds us who we truly and fully are in Christ.

Deuteronomy 26:18-19 ESV “And Yahweh has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, and that he will set you in praise and in fame and in honor high above all nations that he has made, and that you shall be a people holy to Yahweh your God, as he promised.””

Our New Purpose

The purpose of the Church is that of Isaiah 43:21, “the people whom I formed for myself, my praise they will declare (literally).”  It could only be partially fulfilled by the original recipients, those coming out of the Exile.  

This purpose of the “people” finds its fulfillment in Christ in the fulness of times in redemptive history.  It is to proclaim what He has done in calling us out of our sinful darkness into His marvelous light—the light of holiness, knowledge and salvation!

Our main purpose, reason for existence, is to proclaim the excellencies of God.  We do this first and foremost in our worship, our prayers, our evangelism and all our relationships with people—declaring the outstanding qualities of God Himself!  

Sometimes we don’t do this, we forget, and we sing praise without mentioning the full range of the attributes and works of God, or we pray staring into our needs and other’s needs, failing to look up to our God, or perhaps we evangelize expecting an affirmation and transaction, without a real spiritual vision of the beauty of Christ.  

Instead, if we start these activities (and others) with words about the glory and greatness of the Triune God Himself, the rest of the matters have a way of falling into place, becoming more meaningful, and bringing more glory to God.  We proclaim back to God His glories and our joy in who He is, and then we proclaim the same to one another and to the world.

Think about being so undeservedly honored as to be part of the “New People of God!”

A New Holy Nation

Four new names are given to Christians, terms that are now even more fitting for the New Covenant people God has created.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 

The terms “chosen race,” “royal priesthood,” “holy nation” and “a people” are packed with meaning, being rooted in Old Testament history in God’s powerful dealings with Israel, most notably in their times of the Exodus and the Exile.

Exodus 19:5-6 ESV “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. . . .”” 

Isaiah 43:20-21 ESV “. . . my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” 

(See related blog entries:  A New Chosen Race, A New Royal Priesthood, A New People Of God.)

A New Holy Nation

Historically, the national identity of the Hebrews was formed in their Exodus out of Egypt.  And the terms upon which it is based start in Exodus 19, with the covenant ratified in Exodus 24.  We read about its progress, undulations and decline throughout the Old Testament.

Passing over discussion of the various views on the importance of Israel’s political state today or in the future, and passing over a debate on whether it is legitimate to view any human government as Christian, we should ask ourselves “What does it mean that we as Christians now constitute a new ‘holy nation?’”

The new “holy nation” cannot be identified with any earthly human political structures.  Becoming a member of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ makes one a citizen of Heaven, a member of an eternal nation, one yet to ascend to prominence in this world (Philippians 3:20).  At the Return of Christ the King, we will rise and inherit our land, and the whole earth will be ours!

Our Dual Citizenship

Our national allegiance is given first and foremost to this new “holy nation.”  Our first interest is always the Kingdom of God, the welfare of the Church of God, and its progress.  

This explains why at various times in history, and even today, Christians can be accused of treason, although, Christians tend to make the best citizens within almost any political state.  We know that such fears by the people and authorities are unnecessary, for the most part; and yet, we acknowledge there is a widely mixed history within Christianity.

How we deal with our “dual citizenship,” being earthly citizens in many lands under various structures, is a subject our Apostle Peter will return to in this very letter (see 2:13-17; 3:13-17; 4:12-19).  It has always been difficult to live this out in this world, and it always will be difficult.  This will be the case at every level of personal political involvement or calling in this arena of service.

Throughout Church history there have been many examples of the extreme (e.g., violence in the name of Christ), the hasty (e.g., trying to establish the Kingdom by human political efforts ahead of schedule), the foolish (e.g. not wise in dealing with the world), the ignorant (e.g., improper use of Scripture) and the misguided (i.e., focused on wrong goals).  Likewise, there are many examples of the humble, the thoughtful, the wise, the intelligent and the faithful.  May we select our heroes, our philosophies and our politics very carefully—by being spiritually minded.  

The description “holy” focuses us on obedience to serve the new calling faithfully.  We are set apart from the ways of worldliness.  Think about how being part of the “new holy nation” raises you above worldly politics, while at the same time making you most politically useful to this world!

A New Royal Priesthood

Four new names are given to Christians, terms that are now even more fitting for the New Covenant people God has created.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 

The terms “chosen race,” “royal priesthood,” “holy nation” and “a people” are packed with meaning, being rooted in Old Testament history in God’s powerful dealings with Israel, most notably in their times of the Exodus and the Exile.

Exodus 19:5-6 ESV “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. . . .””

Isaiah 43:20-21 ESV “. . . my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” 

(See related blog entries:  A New Chosen Race, A New Holy Nation, A New People Of God.)

A New Royal Priesthood

Historically, the roles of king and priest were to be kept separate for the people of Israel.  However, prior to this in the time of Abraham, there was Melchizedek who served both as a king and a priest, and he holds priority over the long-standing Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 5, 7).  

Later on we read about the future, unique, powerful combining of the roles of king and priest in Psalm 110 in anticipation of the Messiah.  In verse 4 it is declared, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”  Additionally we are given the examples of kings David and Solomon, both of whom on occasion served minor priestly functions; together they give us a glorious preview of the coming Christ, our Lord Jesus.

On top of that, the “royal priesthood” was a role the whole Old Covenant people of God were to play--sometimes they did well, sometimes not so well.  But now, in the New Covenant, the people of God play the role much better, being empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Here is yet another way we are made like Christ--sharing in His royalty and priestliness.  See Jeremiah 33, especially verses 14-18, and then verse 22, “As the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the offspring of David my servant, and the Levitical priests who minister to me.”  

Our royal priesthood, however, is a derived one, coming from our relationship to the King of the universe.  And we live to serve Him and His interests and His eternal Kingdom.

Revelation 5:9-10 ESV “And they [angels] sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you [Jesus Christ] to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.””

Moreover, the significance of the “royal priesthood” role has grown much larger in the fuller purposes of God now revealed.  Our mediatorial role for the nations and peoples of the world is to bring them the Gospel of Christ and His Kingdom (Romans 15:16)!

Our Three Dimensional Priesthood

1. We offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5).  These include cooperating with all the influences of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and giving Him all the glory for the transformations He has worked and is still working in our lives.
2. We serve one another in the church, praying for and ministering to one another.  We need one another.  The well-known phrase “priesthood of all believers” is not about the removal of authority structures in church, which would be a great misunderstanding, but about our serving one another and using our spiritual gifts.
3. We exist for the benefit of the world.  We alone have access to the One True and Living God because of the Lord Christ.  We declare His Gospel and live it out.  And we seek to bless the world in a multitude of wonderful ways because of receiving such a blessing.

Saint Augustine wrote, “In ancient times only one high priest was anointed, but now all Christians are anointed.”  Think about the extraordinary honor, along with the expectations of the duty, of belonging to this “new royal priesthood!”

A New Chosen Race

Four new names are given to Christians, terms that are now even more fitting for the New Covenant people God has created.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 

The terms “chosen race,” “royal priesthood,” “holy nation” and “a people” are packed with meaning, being rooted in Old Testament history in God’s powerful dealings with Israel, most notably in their times of the Exodus and the Exile.

Exodus 19:5-6 ESV “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. . . .””

Isaiah 43:20-21 ESV “. . . my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.”

(See related blog entries:  A New Royal Priesthood, A New Holy Nation, A New People Of God.)

A New Chosen Race

Historically, the term “race” is referring to the physical descendants of Abraham.  Likewise, the “chosen” special people is referring to Israelites called out in the Exodus.

The new historical reality in the fullness of time in Christ is that a new “chosen race” would be formed.  This “race,” if you will, would eventually be made up of many from all racial groups throughout the world.  This “chosen” group would similarly be set apart from rest of humanity--called out for a purpose.

The term “chosen race” is such a wonderful term, although it sounds politically volatile and socially dangerous.  But, then again, maybe herein resides some of its power; and it is a power for all sorts of good in our world.

Ultimately, the only real cure to end the evils of racism in our world is in Christ Jesus the Lord.  So much of this can be observed today as Christians are making enormous progress in so many parts of the world working out the details in the real strife of life.

Back to the main point, which is that as believers in Christ we have so much in common, our bond is so tight in Holy Spirit, that it is as though we really are a new “race” of people in world.  We share a common heritage in the line of the faith of Abraham and the obedience of Moses.  Ultimately this identity is what matters before God Almighty, we are “neither Jew nor Gentile . . . Christ’s . . . Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3)

Our New Calling

What is our reason for existence as this new chosen race?  It is to declare the greatness of the One True God who has performed such an amazing feat as actually forming a new spiritual race of people!  

Think about the strong bond of unity we share as Christians regardless of our almost endless variety of backgrounds, how we actually have so much in common.  Take time to recall your own experience of being “called out of darkness into His marvelous light.”  

May our awareness of our new identity in Christ energize us to proclaim the excellencies of our eternally blessed and glorious Triune God! 

A Doxology For Life

Have you ever listened to the hopes people hold on to?



Maybe it is the hopes of your colleagues at work, or those shopping at the store, or those working out at your gym.  Sometimes you might share a conversation with them.  Other times you can’t help overhearing their conversation and so you listen discreetly.

The Hopes of Our Lives

Probably the main category of hope is things for this present life.  Often we as Christians have a lot of hopes in common since we live in the same world and community.  But, certainly, our focus as a Christian is God’s glory in our life above all, and seeing the Gospel of Christ transform our hopes, and through us those of the world.


Conversations get more interesting when talking about people’s hopes after death.  Many believe that we live in a time of hopelessness and despair at the uncertain future, especially after death.  So people often choose to have happy thoughts about their afterlife, some keeping their ideas general, others giving them a lot of definition.

It is amazing that so many people seem so happy about something to which they never give any definition, and typically do not want to talk about.  They take a strange comfort in not knowing much and just assuming life after death will be good and good for them.  Much of this avoidance comes from uncertainty of being able to know for certain, and perhaps moreso from a fear of knowing for certain.

But, many others have very definite ideas, and yet the basis for these ideas is only their imaginations.  They will pull together pleasant ideas from a variety of sources as it suits them, whether from spiritual sources, drama series on cable, or movies.  But, mostly their ideas are original.

I have listened to a number of people describe heaven as a Disney-like place of happiness, peace, simplicity and magic.  I have to admit I sometimes get so intrigued by the stories I keep asking questions just to hear how far this fantasy world extends.  When I insert an alternative idea, they quickly back away, or incorporate it, and let me enjoy my fantasy too.  How sweet!


However, our hope is a hope that is alive and valid, not vacuous and uninspiring, nor a wish-like hope of those without hope really. 

The Doxology of Christians

We have a specific and real hope worthy of excitement.  It is the opening doxology of the Apostle Peter’s letter.

1 Peter 1:3–5 ESV “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

This “Doxology for Life” gives us six blessings for which we can praise God.


1. For God Himself as the Blessed and Self- Revealing One in Jesus Christ.
2. For His great mercy toward us who are most unworthy.
3. For His giving us new birth, new life, and a new hope.
4. For His promise and preservation of an indescribable inheritance for us.
5. For His power in keeping it and us, and doing it through faith.
6. For the coming end of the world, which is none other than a new beginning.

More of the Details

God Himself:  God the Father of Our Lord Jesus christ has become our Father, in that He has fathered us, that is brought us to life spiritually.  He has given us new birth, new life, that is a spiritual regeneration.  

Mercy:  This was a desperate need of ours, being in a situation more dire than often realized, especially by those considered “good” by human standards.  We really were naturally dead in our sin, unable to please God, and destined for eternal judgement. 

New Birth:  This rebirth from Father by Spirit, was achieved by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This was the acceptable offering as the Son of God become Man on our behalf.  This was the merciful plan of God on behalf of His chosen ones.  

Preservation:  As Jesus Christ lives now, so our hope lives now; and so we will live forever because of Him.  Our true hope, our inheritance cannot be lost; it is untouchable and out of danger in heaven.  “Imperishable” means that it won’t disappear, die, or decay.  “Undefiled” means that it is free from impurities as a perfect gift, and that evil cannot steal it away.  “Unfading” means that it is free from the ravages of time and holds permanent beauty.

Power:  Not only is our inheritance being kept for us, we ourselves are being kept for it.  We are being watched over by God’s own power that He used to raise Christ from the dead.  God has designed it so that His power is going to be shown through the instrumentality or means of the persevering faith of His people. 


End and Beginning:  The fullness of our salvation has been ready ever since the the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We are are only waiting for God’s timing, for His predetermined date of the revelation of it all at the Return of Christ.  We will be receiving a new land and a new wealth in the Kingdom of God when Jesus Returns. Don’t over spiritualize the inheritance—yes it is spiritual, but it is also material.  There will be plenty of activities and all sorts of expressions of it in New Heavens and New Earth.  In other words think of it truly as the word implies:  it is an inheritance!

This paragraph of praise in 1 Peter is one you can use all the time to praise God.  And it can be the source of your conversation about hope with those who are desperately desiring a real hope.

Three Maneuvers When Suffering Unjustly

Our Apostle Peter throughout his letters teaches us that our God with all wisdom and power is exploiting suffering and evil to gain a glorious future.  It is our privilege to fight in this spiritual battle for the glory of Christ and the advance of the Gospel. 

Let’s all learn to do battle better.  Making these three maneuvers while suffering will make all the difference:  (1) free ourselves from self-concern; (2) resist the devil with faith; and (3) anticipate God’s restoration.

Free Ourselves from Self-Concern

1 Peter 5:6–7 ESV “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

There are many anxieties that result from living and believing and proclaiming in a hostile world.  Promoting the exclusivity of Gospel leads to loss of status, respect, standing, friends, job, even life itself.  We are to accept such things from God, from His wise counsel and trust Him in His purposes.  

The basic urge is to exalt ourselves, to fight back when undergoing humiliation in this world.  In His time, God will fight for us; and in His manner and place, He will exalt us both here and later.  There will always be spiritual blessing for us along way; and real reward and honor coming too!


We are commanded, and invited to, cast our burdens, anxieties and fears upon Him who cares for us specially.  This in itself is an expression of humility before God--to stop bearing our own burdens as if we can carry or handle them better, as if we can deal with them better than God.

Have you ever had to learn this?  Wasn’t it a relief to learn this?  Do you need to re-learn this?  We can’t do a better job than God with our trials, burdens, sufferings.  We don’t want to end up embittered or confused, saying “Where is God?!” or “What did I do to deserve this?!”  We humble ourselves by exalting God.

Resist the Devil with Faith

1 Peter 5:8–9 ESV “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

It begins with maintaining spiritual concentration, controlling our thinking and keeping a  disciplined mental state.  This clear-minded serious spirituality is very important in dealing with unjust suffering as Christians.

We will have to keep our heads clear from all sorts of worldly affections, passions, and reasonings in order to deal with the threats upon our lives and the good things God has provided us.  We must be prepared to respond differently than the world expects, that is, with humility before God not fearing events, life, or people.

Our adversary, the devil, will try to take an advantage of such situations.  He is like a prowling lion that is hungry and will suddenly attack and gulp down his victim.  He is cunning and vicious to kill Christians, make them ineffective, lead them into worldliness, sow discord among them, plant false Christians, incite strange and wrong emotions, push to apostasy, use slander, advance false doctrine, and much more.


Have you witnessed his successes with devouring others?  Have you ever felt his stalking, and hidden yourself in faith in Christ?  Have you ever been attacked, and cried out to Christ to deliver you?

By remaining firm in our faith we fight him with our faith in Christ.  This is a strenuous activity as we battle fear, doubt, temptations to evil, confronting his ways determined not to give in, not to compromise the Gospel in any way.

We have the resources and the means, and we will win by faith.  We have Christ Himself and the indwelling Holy Spirit, of course.  We have our life of worship, fellowship, and holiness.  We have prayer and Scripture; and the authority to rebuke in His Name.

We also can draw strength from our camaraderie of the worldwide fellowship of Christians.  We are all experiencing the same things--suffering from world, then exacerbations from devil.  We are all “accomplishing” what is required through us in God’s plans (1 Peter 4:12-19).  We are not isolated, but bound together, drawing strength and encouragement from one another.  Staying current in the Mission of God around the world is a great resistance method to use!

What might be the devil’s designs upon you?  Where has he succeeded in the past?  How would he hope to use you to injure the interests of Christ and the Gospel?  How might Satan’s hostilities, even with human intermediaries, be turned and instead be used stunningly for God’s glory?  Think and pray about it.

Anticipate God’s Restoration

1 Peter 5:10–11 ESV “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

It is a matter of perspective.  After we have suffered “a little while,” is taking the long view from eternity.  This is not always “a little while” in our experience, but quite often lengthy, involved, and can even last a lifetime.  All the more reason why we need to take this eternal perspective now, for it will really help in our present suffering from a hostile society and demonic opportunists behind the scenes.

He is the God of all grace, that is the One who has called us “into His eternal glory in Christ,” in His choice in election, in bringing our hearing of Gospel, in regenerating us by His Spirit and giving us true life now and glory forever!

That being true, He will most certainly Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.  Restore emphasizes putting our losses right.  Confirm emphasizes the firming up of our faith.  Strengthen emphasizes the granting of power in weakness and inadequacy.  Establish emphasizes the placing of us in security.

These are things God does through our suffering now, and at end of each season of suffering, and will do in the very End.  Make this your prayer list when you go through those difficult times!


God is the One who rules the world in absolute power.  We praise Him for doing those four things:  graciously restoring, confirming, strengthening, establishing.  We are confident that He will deliver us from all evil.  We pray for the bringing to completion of His purposes with all the present suffering and evil in the world to rule in open glory and with His glorified and perfected people!

Where The Battle Rages

Suffering is always present; and it comes and goes in our lives. Where are you in this raging battle?  Or, maybe better put for you, where is the battle raging for you?  

In the midst of God’s working in suffering, we still need to watch ourselves and watch the devil.  Which of the three tactical maneuvers might you need to employ with greater spiritual skill?  

Who Else Is In The Room?

Spiritual warfare is a reality in the midst of personal conflict. So, recognizing that warfare is an initial step toward conflict resolution. Bring all the realities to the table: It is not just people themselves who are involved; Satan and his horde of demons take advantage of our many weaknesses and brokenness and will often use specific individuals to work up and sustain conflict within congregations.

If we recognize the existence of spiritual warfare . . .

1.  We will resort to prayer more quickly and with greater faith, because we realize that more is at stake than our relationships. Satan and his demons are after the larger prize of crippling the gospel witness of each church. Capturing a congregation with internal conflict is effective and lasting. “Be sober-minded; be watchful,” Peter warned. “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9, ESV). 

2.  We will feel a freedom, or a relief, that there is more involved than just people. It is true that someone is to blame for conflict. However, if we just look to people to find out who is wrong, we are not taking into account the full reality. Demons can be blamed and should be blamed—they often play a major role in our conflicts. Just acknowledging this releases some of the pressure. 

3.  We will see the limitation of our own resourcefulness to bring resolution and will turn to God (James 4:7). If spiritual powers are involved, then we need more than our tools and training in conflict resolution. Yes, we should use them. But we must not depend too much on our effectiveness in doing so, so that we are not “outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (2 Corinthians 2:11, ESV). 

4.  We will deal with one another with greater humility, care and respect. All of us are susceptible to the powers of demons—their playing with our thoughts, attitudes and lives. We must rely upon God’s power and wisdom to bring solutions, not ourselves.

The challenge is making this known to people in the midst of their conflict and then dealing with it together. We’re not trying to avoid responsibility by saying, “The devil made me do it.” Rather, we’re recognizing the unseen spiritual realities of our conflicts and going on the offensive. When we recognize conflict, we might start by praying through these four points.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:10–13, ESV).


(This blog entry of mine was originally published as an article in the December 2010 issue of EFCA Today, copyright Evangelical Free Church of America.)

Top Ten Values For My Boys

I recently returned from a four day trip to the Sierra Nevada.  This was a planned manhood experience for my boys, 12 and 13 years old.  We spent quality time together, did tough things together, and had the types of conversations and fun men can only have when women are not around.  

Our Definition

I presented to them a framed copy of our definition of manhood and the top ten values that will get us there and keep us growing as men for a lifetime.  Theirs now hang in their bedrooms and mine in my office.  Our definition of being a man is a definition of action:  

“A man takes responsibility for those around him, and courageously leads them toward a better future, with God’s truth and in His love, all for the glory of Jesus Christ.”

Each of us has memorized this definition, and we even quiz one another to keep it fresh in our minds.

Our Top Ten Values

We have been discussing this definition and the following ten values for a few months.  Certainly there are many more values, but ten is a good number, and from these we are able to touch on many other associated values and issues.

1.  Spiritual Wisdom


Romans 8:5b–6 “Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

2.  Loyalty


Hosea 6:6 “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

3.  Integrity


Proverbs 10:9 “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

4.  Generosity


Proverbs 19:6 “Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.”

5.  Purity


1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

6.  Perseverance


Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

7.  Self-Discipline


1 Timothy 4:7b–8 “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

8.  Honor


1 Peter 2:17 “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

9.  Humility


Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

10.  Sacrificial Leadership


Matthew 20:26b–27 “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Discipleship is Our Work

One of the best lessons I have learned from other men about raising sons is that we as fathers need to commit ourselves both to times of teaching and to living life together.  Neither is sufficient in itself, and both require intentionality.

We can’t just rely on our occasional instruction, or the instruction our sons may get from pastors and teachers, even mothers and others.  Fathers need to do it themselves.  We can’t just rely on our sons observing our lives and hoping they make the right conclusions by themselves.  Fathers need to guide their understanding.

Our discussions take place over breakfast on Fridays.  These are not intense scary times, but intentional honest times, and usually kept brief.  These days we use three simple questions:  

• What is the value and why is it important?  
• How does it help in navigating life for success before God and in the world?  
• What might it look like for us?  


Then, we share stories of examples we have witnessed or experienced, both positive and negative.  That’s it.  Done.  We can encourage and challenge one another from the definition and the values list during the week.

An Enormous Mission Force

When a definition of manhood and a top ten values list is set within the larger context of God’s Mission then they become even more powerful in the lives of men and boys.

It is a huge mistake to think that the goal in all of this is to raise sons with Christian character who love Jesus and will love their families someday.  This is good but far from good enough.  That goal is too quaint, too small, too simple, and just plain short-sighted.  

Many Christian parents believe that raising good moral children who can quote Bible verses will result in great Christian leaders.  However, it is naive to think that a strong personal vision for life and community, and strategic involvement for the Kingdom of God will automatically emerge.  

Many stop at character, but boys need more.  They need a grand vision, a cause with clarity to live and die for!  This would be Christ’s Mission for the world.  They need a leader to follow who will take them places and give them experiences.  They need a man to affirm God’s calling on their lives and their unique gifting from Him.  They need godly mission-minded men to lead them into purpose-filled manhood.  And they need God’s grace to see God’s glory, for which we pray constantly.

The church should take a close look at the mission field and realize that one of the greatest needs is for more, many more, godly but also successful and effective men who are the type of men who can get the mission done!  

How might we raise up an enormous mission force even from our boys?  How might we lead them forward on the path from boyhood to manhood with a mission?


(The ideas of creating a manhood definition and a list of values come from Robert Lewis’ book, “Raising a Modern Day Knight.”)

A Supervisor From Hell

I worked at a marina in New Jersey with a few other college students.  We were all on a Summer Project with a Christian student mission organization.  Beyond earning a little income from our employment, the larger goal was to learn to be effective in evangelism at our workplaces.  

Every Day a New Challenge

We were in for a huge surprise with a supervisor who would try different things every few days to break our faith or take advantage of us.  

• He would purposefully mess up our paychecks and make a hassle out of all resolutions.  
• One of us was made to handle creosote soaked logs without protective gear and suffered chemical burns. 
• This one and another was given an unnecessary job of crawling under docks in the water to clean them.  
• We as a group would strip insulation off of boats without proper safety equipment or adequate ventilation.  
• One morning I was assigned the worthless task of pulling weeds at the entrance to this completely run down marina.  
• Another day I was sentenced to the hull of a boat to clean up a large neglected sewage spill without efficient equipment.   
• The girls who worked in the office testified to the office politics and rampant lying, deceit and immorality.  

The list continues with things like constant yelling, berating, derogatory remarks and never giving any hint of encouragement.  To top it off, he would slander us as Christian employees to his clients and colleagues, even to those from whom we would seek to get jobs after he unjustly fired some of us, or pushed us to quit. 

One of the Best Jobs Ever 

That was one of the best jobs I ever had.  Even at the time I took a strange joy in it.  Maybe this was because my livelihood didn’t depend on it, or it was short-term, or I could commiserate with fellow Christians.  Truly our sharing suffering together helped us respond spiritually and consistently so.  Many others have it much worse than we did.  I learned a lot through this experience, and the best lesson of all was the lesson of 1 Peter 2:19.

1 Peter 2:18–20 ESV “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”

He was a employer from hell, but one who was greatly utilized by heaven.

The Grace was Great

God is pleased and honored by our trusting Him while suffering unjustly in our daily jobs.  It is called “gracious” because God gives more grace as we are mindful, or conscious, of Him in faith and hope.

This is far different than simply enduring, which is natural and required of so many in similar situations.  It is not commendable to endure injustice simply because we are afraid, or have become numb to it, or feel we cannot change it, or think resisting would bring more pain, or hope for retaliation one day.  

Being “mindful of God” means being mindful of His providence, care, provision, concern and justice.  This helps us not be disrespectful, enraged, rebellious, pitiful or despairing.  It helps us to grow in our relationship with God, to pray, to receive positive changes, and to hope for glory.  

All sorts of stuff, bad stuff, goes on in the workplace these days.  Be assured, God knows it all, is concerned, is acting in wisdom and power, and will settle it all.

Another Subversion by the Gospel

Submission will sometimes involve suffering, and when it does we have the greatest example of suffering unjustly before us in Our Lord Jesus Christ.  And not only is He our adored example and worshipped God, He also grants us powerful grace in suffering to endure, to glorify God our Father.

1 Peter 2:21–25 ESV “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

It undermines evil when we do good according to the Gospel--it is dignified and without rebelliousness.  Suffering unjustly as a Christian is powerful for good in so many ways, and often does eventually lead to opening up people to thinking in new ways.

Our supervisor failed and Christ won.  After a few weeks he let most of us go probably because of shame, anger, frustration, weariness, and the like.  Better yet, those who stayed told of changes in him as they continued to witness for Christ.  He started to show respect and an unusual openness.  I hope God has saved and transformed this man whom God used to transform me.