Subversive Sojourners 1 Peter 2:11-20

REMINDER: 1 Peter 2:9-10 9 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. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

As sojourners & exiles (v. 11)

As sojourners & exiles (v. 11) John 15:19 – If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

As sojourners & exiles (v. 11) John 17:15-16 – 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world… John 17:18 – 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world… John 17:20 – 20 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word…

As sojourners & exiles (v. 11) Philippians 3:20-21 – 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. See also Hebrews 11:13-16

Jesus, the Sojourning King! 1 Peter 3:22 – 22 “…has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.” Colossians 1:15 – 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Jesus, the Subversive King! “Jesus was a master at subversion. Until the very end, everyone, including his disciples, called him Rabbi. Rabbis were important, but they didn’t make anything happen. On the occasions when suspicions were aroused that there might be more to him than that title accounted for, Jesus tried to keep it quiet – ‘Tell no one.’” – from The Contemplative Pastor by Eugene Peterson

Jesus, the Subversive King! 1 Peter 2:21-23 – 21 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. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 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. 

As sojourners & exiles (v. 11) 1 Peter 2:9 – 9 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.  2 Corinthians 5:20 – 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

As sojourners & exiles (v. 11) “In the Roman imperial world, the ‘gospel’ was the good news of Caesar’s having established peace and security for the world.” (Richard A. Horsley, Jesus and Empire). For example, this announcement from a provincial assembly of Asia Minor: “Whereas the Providence which has guided our whole existence and which has shown such care and liberality, has brought our life to the peak of perfection in giving to us Augustus Caesar…”

As sojourners & exiles (v. 11) “…whom it (Providence) filled with virtue for the welfare of mankind, and who, being sent to us and to our descendants as a savior, has put an end to war and has set all things in order; and whereas, having become visible…; and whereas, finally that the birthday of the god (viz., Caesar Augustus) has been for the whole world the beginning of the gospel (euangelion) concerning him, (therefore, let all reckon a new era beginning from the date of his birth).”

Consider the French Resistance What is your goal? Who is your enemy? How do you view the rest of society? What rights are you willing to give up? How will you avoid inactivity? What is your hope?

BIG IDEA: We are to live as subversive sojourners in a hostile world as we await the arrival of the King.

Don’t do bad stuff! 1 Peter 2:11 – I urge you…to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

Do do good stuff! 1 Peter 2:12, 15 – 12 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… 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

Do do good stuff! Titus 3:14 – 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

Do do good stuff! Matthew 5:14-16 – 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Do do good stuff! Ephesians 2:8-10 – 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Do do good stuff! John 14:10 – 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

How can you be subversive... In your workplace? In your classroom? In your neighborhood? In your church community? In your family? What relationship is God urging you to engage with good deeds?

Tools of Subversion Powerful Prayer Not so random acts of kindness that may appear random Disrupt and entice Leave ‘em wanting more Patience and Perseverance What relationship is God urging you to engage with good deeds?

Subversive Sojourners 1 Peter 2:13-15 – 13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 

Subversive Sojourners 1 Peter 2:16-17 – 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 

Subversive Sojourners 1 Peter 2:18-20 – 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 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.

BIG IDEA: We are to live as subversive sojourners in a hostile world as we await the arrival of the King.