Discussion Questions
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Do you agree with Dr. Blomberg that resisting the injustice of the world with violence is wrong? Why or why not?
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Yes, as Christians we are called to live a life for Christ apart from the world. It is not our calling to perpetrate violence or act in that manner. We should love and serve our neighbors and demonstrate a posture of understanding. We don’t condone these things, but we do help educate and love others through it.
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I do agree. When Jesus himself was faced with the injustice of death on the cross, he responded with resignation and acceptance. His quiet testimony sowed his devotion to God’s will.
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I agree with Dr. Blomberg that followers of Christ should stand up for injustice but not with violence. Scriptures are clear that we are love, pray for our enemies. We are to be Holy or different and by not reacting in a way that we justify through our flesh, this is not showing the Kingdom of God.
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I agree with Dr. Blomberg that as born-again Christians it is wrong to use violence to resist the injustice of the world. We cannot demonstrate Christ’s love to others as we are called to do with violence. We should stand up against injustice, but not with violence.
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I do, God has explained to us through His word, that we are called to endure persecution. We are to cling to Him through trials.
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Describe some of the ways in which 1 Peter calls Christians to live godly lives. Then, choose one of these principles and explain how you currently apply it in your life, or how you could apply it in your life going forward.
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1 Peter calls us to holy lives. He calls us to submission as wives. I think for me going forward, I can grow in holiness. I would like to become more like Christ in every way…thoughts, actions, and words. In order to do this, I need to continue to abide in Christ.
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As Peter discusses our need for holiness, submission, and suffering it provides a strong reminder of my need to strive for holiness in the sense that my actions are impacting others for Christ. We are blessed to live in a place where physical harm is not common as we live our faith, but we do need to stand for the Gospel and serve those who are less fortunate.
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We should submit to the government and to others in a godly way in order that our behavior may help lead others to Christ. We should also continue to do good, living lives that please God, and not withdraw from society even when that society is hostile. I live in an area that you might say was generally hostile to traditional Christian values. Rather than move to some place where we feel more comfortable among more like-minded Christians, we choose to stay, hoping to be a light for Christ.
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We are to be holy, set apart and suffer well. This helps us to be the example to others of how to act when we encounter things that stretch us. I do not suffer well. I will find myself complaining instead of being the example of how to trust God and be grateful in all situations.
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We are to be sober-minded, obedient, holy, and set apart by our actions. 1 Peter also calls Christians to suffer well. As Christians, we will suffer and how we endure suffering is a testimony to non-Christians. With all of these characteristics, I could better apply them in my life. I think one of the principles that I have had to apply recently in my life was obedience to God. It was clear God was calling me to step away from my job for a season to focus on my family that I had neglected due to work. I love my job and my family, but obedience to God and his calling has been emotionally difficult as I have been in my position for over 10 years and they are my second family. I know it is God’s will, therefore no matter how hard it is to do, I needed to step away.