Living As Free People: Using Freedom To Honour God - 1 Peter 2:15-16 Series

Living as Free People: Using Freedom to Honour God - 1 Peter 2:15-16

Introduction

Today we’re diving into a powerful passage from 1 Peter 2:15-16, which speaks directly to how we live out our faith in the world around us. Peter, writing to early believers who faced persecution and challenges, is encouraging them—and us—to use our freedom in Christ wisely, to honour God in all things.

Let’s read our passage in the New Living Translation:

“It is God’s will that your honourable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.” (1 Peter 2:15-16, NLT)

These verses carry a vital message: as followers of Jesus, we’re called to live honourably, using our freedom not for selfish gain but for God’s glory. This morning, we’ll unpack what it means to live as free people who honour God through our actions.

1. Living to Silence Ignorant Accusations

Peter starts by saying, “It is God’s will that your honourable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.” Here, Peter is addressing accusations from people who don’t understand or even oppose the Christian faith. The word “honourable” here, in Greek (kalos), means not only good in quality but also morally excellent and beautiful. It’s a life that reflects integrity and grace.

When we live honourably, it becomes a testimony that can silence those who misunderstand or criticise our faith. We are called to be witnesses not only through our words but through our actions, showing a character that reflects Christ.

Matthew 5:16 (NLT) says, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Jesus taught that our good works should point others to God, not to ourselves. By living well, we bear witness to God’s love and truth.

Imagine a garden in the midst of a concrete city. People may criticise or ignore it, but the fragrance of the flowers and the beauty of the plants speak for themselves. Our lives should be like that garden, a quiet testimony of God’s love and goodness, drawing people to the truth of Jesus.

John MacArthur says, “A life of obedience silences the critics of Christianity. When believers demonstrate their transformation, it is difficult for others to accuse them of hypocrisy.” Our lives are often the first and most powerful message people hear.

Think about your own life: does it reflect God’s goodness in a way that would silence accusations? Consider ways you can honour God more fully in your everyday actions, whether at work, home, or in your community. Let’s aim to live with such integrity that our lives themselves become testimonies of God’s truth.

2. Understanding True Freedom in Christ

Peter says, “For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.” In Christ, we are set free from the bondage of sin, but Peter reminds us that this freedom is not a licence to sin. The Greek word for “free” here (eleutheros) implies a freedom from bondage. But as Christians, we have a responsibility to use our freedom wisely.

Peter calls us “God’s slaves,” which seems contradictory at first—how can we be both free and slaves? But here’s the beauty: we are free from sin so we can serve God. We’re not enslaved by guilt, shame, or worldly pressures but willingly give ourselves to God as a living sacrifice.

Galatians 5:13 (NLT) echoes this truth: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” True freedom in Christ is about serving others and honouring God, not indulging selfish desires.

Imagine a bird freed from its cage. It doesn’t just sit on the ground; it flies to new heights. We, too, are meant to soar in God’s purposes, not to return to the “ground” of selfishness or sin.

Charles Stanley once said, “Liberty in Christ is not freedom to sin, but freedom from sin.” True freedom empowers us to walk in God’s ways.

Ask yourself, “How am I using my freedom?” Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to use freedom as an excuse for complacency or compromise? Let’s use our freedom to serve and to live in a way that honours God.

3. Reflecting God’s Character Through Honourable Actions

When Peter speaks of living honourably, he’s calling us to a lifestyle that mirrors God’s character. In a world filled with corruption and selfish ambition, Christians are called to stand out by living with honesty, integrity, and compassion. This lifestyle of honour doesn’t mean we live for the praise of others; rather, we live to reflect God’s nature.