Christian Governance-&-Church-1

‘For The LORD’S SAKE’—1Peter 2:13—3:12

A. CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Government—1Peter 2:13-17

B. CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Work—1Peter 2:18-25

C. CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Marriage—1Peter 3:1-7

D. CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Church--I—1Peter 3:8-12

Peter is offering lessons to the church in the overall scheme of Submission...the give-&-take of relationships that are to fall under the umbrella of CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE.

We began by examining the relationship of CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE in regard to GOVERNMENT(1Peter 2:13-17).

Followed by the relationship of CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE in regard to WORK(1Peter 2:18-25).

And lastly we looked at the relationship of CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE in regard to MARRIAGE(1Peter 3:1-7).

Today we will continue by looking at the role of CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE within the Body of Christ, AKA--the CHURCH—

D. CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Church--I—1Peter 3:8-12

Attention:

My Shampoo Choice:

I don't know WHY I hadn’t figured this out sooner!

When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, & printed very clearly on the shampoo label is this warning:

"FOR EXTRA VOLUME & BODY."

NO WONDER I‘ve been gaining weight!

Well! I have gotten rid of all that shampoo & I am going to start showering with DAWN DISH SOAP instead.

Its label reads:

"DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE."

Problem solved!

If I don't answer the phone, I’ll probably be in the shower!

We like to think that we can have a healthy body with no real commitment to it’s fulfillment.

Likewise God’s Church cannot be healthy without real commitment to that end.

Peter pressed the importance of Christian submission as it related to the Church or Body of Christ.

Christian submission applies directly the Church.

How is Christian governance to be addressed by Church(Body of Christ)?

6 undertakings/facets of Christian governance regarding the Church(Body of Christ).

1—Christian governance regarding the CHURCH(Body of Christ) addresses...SINGLENESS Of MIND(:8-9)

Explanation:(:8-9)Unity/Commonality/Non-Retaliatory

:8—“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;”

There is a “final” aspect to what Peter is bringing to the forefront regarding submission or governance. This “final” aspect of governance brings together all the previous aspects of governance.

These aspects of governance are directed toward the corporate church as it flows from the individual responsibilities of each member of the body of Christ. The governing aspects of local church life are to be couched in the individual Christian’s governance by the Holy Spirit. Such aspects of governance thereby are to reflect a relationship with God. Peter’s instruction here is directed toward individuals for corporate expression. You must make a conscious decision to walk with Christ!

Thus the Church too, is to be guided by the same aspects of mutual submission & love, which have already been elucidated in 2:13--3:7, & will continue to be in 3:13ff.

“All” of the local(& universal) church is to be “of one mind.” That is, they are to be unified in their belief. Such shared belief is what makes the Church God’s Church. Though the congregation in Christ is unified, they cannot possibly be uniform, due to the unique & individual nature of man. Instead, God balances the trusts of every individual Christian upon a single point...Himself, thru Christ Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Being “of one mind” God’s people will receive & thus exemplify a mutual “compassion for” their brothers & sisters in Christ.

Being “of one mind” God’s people will “love as do brothers.” They are blood-“brothers” who are bound together by the saving grace of Christ Jesus.

Being “of one mind” God’s people are to exemplify “tenderheartedness.” God’s people are quick to show pity & sympathetic mercy toward one another. “Compassion/sympathy” is expressed in Rom. 12:15...

Rom. 12:15—“Rejoice with those who rejoice, & weep with those who weep.”

Being “of one mind” God’s people are to tangibly express genuine Christian friendly politeness(Byz/TR) or humility of spirit(MajT). Such “courtesy” results from an individually recognized reception of God’s forgiveness. Truly humble “courtesy” is not born of mere social norms, although Christian “courtesy” can be encouraged thru those norms. “Courtesy” OR “Humility” is expressed in Prov. 29:23...

Prov. 29:23—“A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

“Finally/To Sum Up”—to de telov——(o, h, to)—Article—1) This, that, these, etc. Strong—The definite article; The(sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).—de—Conjunction—1) But, moreover, and, etc.. Strong—a primary particle(adversative or continuative); But, and, etc..—&—telov—Noun Neuter—1) End—1a) Termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be (always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time), 1b) The end—1b1) The last in any succession or series, 1b2) Eternal, 1c) That by which a thing is finished, its close, issue, 1d) The end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose; 2) Toll, custom(i.e. indirect tax on goods). Telov is an indirect tax on merchandise, which was collected at piers, harbors, & gates of cities. It was similar to modern import duties. Strong—from a primary tellw(to set out for a definite point or goal); properly--The point aimed at as a limit, i.e. by implication--The conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically--An impost or levy(as paid).