DOING GOOD, ENDURING EVIL

SUNDAY SERVICE: 26 JAN 2014
SPEAKER: DAVID TAN
TEXT: 1 PETER 3:8-17

Peter wrote his letters to Christians in the Roman empire between AD 64 – AD67 as Nero’s rule over Rome was at its most violent, at a time when God’s church faced her fiercest persecution. In times like ours in Malaysia, Peter’s letters are a good reminder to remain faithful witnesses even through suffering – especially as our destiny is victory and glory! As believers, Peter says we should not be surprised at the coming fiery trials (4:12). Meanwhile what do we do? How are we to be witnesses?

We witness by our convictions In the first chapter of his first letter, Peter tells his readers that they have been chosen by God, their salvation is sure, they have a living hope (1:3) and that their faith is more “precious than gold that perishes” (1:7). He refers to the Christian life as an inheritance that is waiting for us through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. It is this conviction that helps Jesus’ followers to stand and declare what they believe when confronted with persecution and suffering. Our endurance affirms our convictions .

We witness as a community We do this as a gospel community, a holy community, and not as an individual believer.

“How is it possible that the gospel should be credible, that people should believe (in the) power… that is represented by a man hanging on a cross? I am suggesting that the only answer, the only hermeneutic of the gospel, is a congregation of men and women who believe it and live by it.” Lesslie Newbigin

Peter addresses his letters to “a people belonging to God” (2:9,10). He offers advice and commands for families, husbands and wives to live in harmony; he speaks about relationships between masters and servants, citizens and emperors. He talks about the importance of unity and brotherly love, kindness, humility. Our witness fails, when our community fails. Only as a community living together in love and fellowship will our gospel be a credible witness to a hostile world.

We witness by our confession Our confession may be expressed through the Church sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion; at other times words must be used. But mainly, we confess to what we believe by being a people who are godly and who are eager do good. "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." (2:2)

As Bishop emeritus Hwa Yung said: “We may not be wanted, we may be treated like pendatang, but God has called us to be a blessing. And I don't care what you think of me, I am going to be a blessing!" God’s power is truly demonstrated when we remain united through fiery trials and His people continue to do good even when they are hated and persecuted (3:16).

Conclusion The church of God is the aroma of Christ. Unbelievers watch to see if what we preach is true, and if the benefits are real. As our society grows more intolerant, we need to be a community that speaks powerfully of God’s grace and salvation through righteous living and good works - to those in the church as much as those who are outside. We cannot do this alone, but as God’s community we can do much by His grace.