GOT MILK? (1 PETER 2)
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A German, whose wife was ill, called the hospital the first evening she was there and inquired how she was getting along. He was told that she was improving.
Next day he called again, and was told she was still improving. This went on for some time, each day the report being that his wife was improving.
Finally one day he called and said: “How is my wife?” A person answered, “She’s dead.”
He went out and met a friend, and the friend said: “Well, how is your wife?”
The man replied, “She’s dead”
“Ooh! How terrible! What did she die of?” The German uttered in disbelief: “Improvements!” (More Toasts, Gertrude Stein)
You can easily be stuck, stagnant or straying in sorry times. 1 Peter was written to believers who were suffering rejection, opposition and
discrimination, mostly in exile to faraway places and foreign lands. The apostle Peter encouraged Christians in chapter one by affirming to the assurance of salvation, which is not the end of our journey but the beginning of our journey. Now in chapter 2 he exhorted them to be steadfast and strong in Christ in distress or danger. To show you that Pastor is not a one-trick Pony talking of imperatives, I will leave you with four “hina + sunjunctive” purpose clauses (vv 2, 12, 21, 24) – one in each section.
What attitude and assurance do we have in living with uncertainty, unrest or unemployment? How is faith lived out in the face of persecution and peril? Why is salvation a present tense and not a past tense experience?
Be Fitted for God’s Service (For Self)
1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
Milk has fallen into hard times, with many opting for oat milk, almond milk, rice milk, hemp milk and especially soy milk. In terms of protein, however, soy milk is the only one that really compares. An expert admitted, “Frustratingly, beyond the broad brush nutritional information, we still don’t know enough about how much we benefit from some of the nutrients in non-dairy beverages,. That includes vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D when they are added through fortification.”
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200207-which-milk-alternative-should-we-be-drinking
Here are some internet quotes on the benefits of milk:
Milk is one of the best and cheapest calcium sources. (Healthline.com)
Milk (and hemp hearts) is the best source of Magnesium for our bodies (lifestylio.com)
Milk is the best source of Vitamin D that is much required for healthy bone & skin.
A mother's milk is the best source of protein for the baby. For some time after birth the mother's milk is the only source of water and electrolytes for the developing young (Leonard Rosenblum)
Milk is the only source of nutrients and micronutrients, e.g. vitamins, (Terry Dawson)
“We now recognize more and more that factors in breast milk influence the gut microbiota, which in turn sets up the immune system to have fewer chronic illnesses later in life,. “Allan Walker from Massachusetts General Hospital
Milk is the best source of Vitamin D for all females from the age of 4 and above.
Believers ave no choice and no way to go but grow in the Lord. Verse 1 and 2 is the negative output and the positive input. The vices are malice (vv 1, 16) and guile (vv 1, 22) are repeated more in this chapter than any chapter in the Bible, and the next three – hypocrisy, envy and slander – are plural. These are your viruses. The contrast with these vices and viruses, however, are not virtues or values, but the vaccine and the ventilator, which is the word of God that produces the virtues and values.
Newborn and pure (v 2) occur only once in the Bible. The verb “crave” (epi-potheo) is an imperative, also translated as long (Rom 1:11), earnestly desire (2 Cor 5:2), greatly long after (Phil 1:8) and lust (James 4:5), because of the preposition “epi” or “upon.” The noun form (epi-pothesis) is vehement desire (2 Cor 7:11). This verb was introduced and illustrated very late into the Bible by the very-passionate Paul, and often placed in the first chapter of his letters (Rom 1:11, Phil 1:8, 2 Tim 1:4). We must have this deep longing for God’s word, not be limping, lethargic or lackluster. The ultimate purpose (hina) is to grow up (v 3, auzano). The first mention of this word in the bible is how lilies grow (Matt 6:28). Besides natural, normal and noteworthy growth in the gospels it also describes the organic, physical and biological growth of Jesus - “growing” and became strong in spirit. (Luke 1:80, 2:40). It is all-rounded and all-sufficient – spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth as well.
The believer’s growth prepares him for greater service. There is more “stone” in this chapter than any chapter in the Bible, one in every verse from verse 4-8. The difference is that He is the stone (v 4, singular) and we are stones (v 5, plural). Built (v 5) is founded (Luke 6:48) and edify (Acts 9:31). Stones in the place and person, property or possession. There are three stones: living stones –we (v 5), a chosen and precious/chief corner stone – Christ (v 6) and a stone of stumbling – others (v 8). As living stones, we are to Verse 5’s “offering” should be “to offer” (infinitive - the intention and purpose), which is translated as bring (Matt 17:1), lead (Mark 9:2), carry up (Luke 24:51) and bear (Heb 9:28). Our spiritual sacrifices must be acceptable, approved and authentic. Shame (v 6) is confounded (1 Cor 1:27) and dishonor (1 Cor 11:4).
A cornerstone is the visible support on which the rest of the building relies for strength and stability. Believers trust in Christ much as a building rests on its cornerstone. Moreover, they will never be put to shame. The Greek double negative “ou + me” used here in the subjunctive mood indicates an emphatic negative assertion referring to the future: never indeed will they be shamed.
(from Bible Knowledge Commentary)
Be Focused on His Splendor (To Others)
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 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.
The man had a parrot on his shoulder and he went into a bar. The parrot said “People, People.” The man said, “Yes, parrot, - I know - these are people who come to the bar.”
The man went to a church that Sunday and he took the parrot with him. The parrot said, “People, people.” The man said, “No, parrot, - I know - these are church people.” The parrot said, “Same people; same people!”
Israel was supposed to be the “chosen people” (Deut 7:6) and “a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Ex 19:6), and a peculiar people (Deut 14:2). But they wanted the identity but not to be the instrument of Gods purposes. Israel wanted the reputation and recognition but not the responsibility and the role, the privilege but not the part.
Chosen people (genos)
Chosen People
Select
Dear to God
Royal priesthood
Crowned Priests
Service
Distinguished to Him
Holy nation (ethnos)
Consecrated Pure
Sacred
Devoted to Him
Special possession (peripoiesis = made) Creation Possession
Special
Different in Him
The contrasts:
v 9 ”darkness” versus ”wonderful light” (conquest)
v 10 ”not a people” versus ”the people of God” (community)
”not received mercy versus ”have received mercy” (compassion)
v 11 ”foreigners and exiles” versus ”sinful desires” (citizenship)
v 12 ”good lives” versus ”doing wrong” (character)
v 9 ”darkness” versus ”wonderful light” Conquest
V 10 ”not a people” versus ”the people of God”
Community
v 10 ”not received mercy versus ”have received mercy” Compassion
v 11 “foreigners and exiles” versus ”sinful desires” Citizenship
v 12 “good lives” versus ”doing wrong” Character
The outcome “that” (v 9 “hopos”) is to “declare.” Declare (v 9 exaggello) is from ex (out) + angel (aggello or “news”), or show forth (KJV) or proclaim (NASB). Praises (arete) is more than just praise, but virtue (Phil 4:8) – his manliness (valor) or excellence – all that is great and good about Him. God’s purpose for Israel was to be servants but not superior, special but not selective, sacred but not sophisticated. They were to tell, teach or testify to His attributes, His acts and His atonement in Christ.
To abstain (v 11, apechomai - I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul) is to refrain or hold off, or in Greek “away + having,” – not letting “sinful desires” to defeat, debilitate, diminish, dehumanize, degrade direct, dominate and dictate you. The presence of “sinful desires” is liken to going to war.
The purpose clause (“hina”) is to glorify (v 12), which is honor for verb but worship (Luke 14:10), praise (John 12:43) and dignities (Jude 8) in the noun form. Glorify is o talk respectfully, reverently and receptively about our God, that people, referring to pagans, would want to listen, learn and long to know Him, to acknowledge, admire and appreciate Him, to exalt, esteem and elevate him.
Be Following in His Steps (With Jesus)
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22”He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
A man walked into a gift shop that sold religious items. Near the cash register he saw a display of caps with "WWJD" printed on all of them. He was puzzled over what the letters could mean, but couldn't figure it out, so he asked the clerk.
The clerk replied that the letters stood for What Would Jesus Do, and was meant to inspire people to not make rash decisions, but rather to imagine what Jesus would do in the same situation.
The man thought a moment and then replied, "Well, I'm sure Jesus wouldn't pay $17.95 for one of these caps."
There are four imperatives in verse 17 – honor, love, fear and honor again, but the next verb “submit” – for slaves to masters – is not an imperative, but a participle. Honor is for everybody; love is to believers; fear is to God; and honor is to the king. It begins five “hupo” preposition in the text. The verb submit (v 13, hupotasso) is translated as subject (Luke 2:51) and under obedience (1 Cor 14:34). There are only six instances where the verb “subject” is an imperative (like verse 13) in the Bible, - two for women: women in church and women to husbands (1 Cor 14:34, Col 3:18), one from younger to elder (1 Pet 5:5), one our submission to God (Jas 4:7) and two believers submissions to higher authorities (Rom 13:1) and to ordinances (v 13, KJV). It comes from the preposition “hupo” for “under” and “tasso” or “arrange.” It means to arrange, accommodate, align or adjust oneself under a person. It is to place or put oneself under a position or person. Submit is a better translation than subject, because submit is to yield or give way to another while subject is to cause to undergo a particular experience, especially one that in unpleasant or unwanted.
The first example of subjection in the Bible is Jesus’ submission to his parents (Luke 2:51). I don’t see superiority or inferiority, advantage or disadvantage, worth or weakness in the submission; it is merely an arrangement. Submit does not mean passivity, powerlessness or practicality. It does not mean we are to hold our tongue, hide our opinion, or hang our heads. Even after an ordinance or legislation is enacted we can still speak up, such as ministers who spoke against slavery, missionaries who spoke up against foot-binding and activists who spoke up against segregation. What we should not do is to resort to violence, vandalism, vengeance, vendetta or vigilante to get things done. It is to seek God’s pleasing God rather than men’s. It is to seek a stable, safe and sensible society. What if we face injustice? Submission is the action but not the attitude.
Silence (v 15) is put to silence (Matt 22:34), hold your peace (Mark 1:25), be still (Mark 4:39) and muzzle (1 Tim 5:18).
Nobody in the right mind will say the government is always right. In fact, the text says your conscience is for God (v 19), rather than the government. Verse 19’s “conscious/conscience” is informed knowledge, understanding, awareness. Credit (v 20) appears for the only time in the Bible.
V 19 bears up (hupophero) is the second “hupo” (under) preposition.
Verse 20’s endure (hupomeno vs hupotasso/submit) – third “hupo” - is take it patiently in KJV, or endure (Matt 10:22), tarry behind (Luke 2:43), abode (Acts 17:14), patient (Rom 12:12) and suffer (2 Tim 2:12). Commendable is grace (charis). This is the second “hupo” besides arrange. Three examples – Jesus endured the cross, endured the contradiction of sinners and endure God’s chastenig (Heb 12:2, 3, 7)
Verse 21’s “leaving” (hupolimpano) an example (hupogrammos ) are the fourth and fifth “hupo” prepositions. It means underwriting or copy for imitation.
Verse 21’s follow (epakoloutheo) can be diligently followed (1 Tim 5:10)> There are three “who” (vv 22, 23, 24 twice) and “not.” First, he did not sin (v 22), retaliate (v 23) and threaten (v 23). The first “who” is did not sin (v 22). The second “who” is not retaliate and not threaten. The third “who” is bore our sins (v 24)
The purpose (hina) is to “live” to righteousness, rather and more than being dead to sin (v 24), and the reason (gar) is to return (v 25) to the Shepherd and Overseer of our lives. Return is to return (Matt 10:13), convert (Matt 13:15), turn about (Mark 5:30) and come again (Luke 8:55).
Conclusion: Here is a summary of the verb “submit”:
(1) Are you submitted to God (Jas 4:7), the law of God (Rom 8:7) and His righteousness (Rom 10:3)?
(2) Do you submit to family members, like Jesus to his parents (Luke 2:51), wives to husbands (Eph 5:24)?
(3) Are you submissive to authorities (Rom 13:1) and ordinances (v 13)?
(4) Do you submit to your elders (1 Pet 5:5)?
(5) Are you submitting to one another (Eph 5:21)?
