Wonderfully Made Sermon V: Remade To Represent Christ In This Temporary Residence Series

REMADE TO REPRESENT CHRIST IN THIS TEMPORARY RESIDENCE OF OURS

I Peter 2:11-17

Driving from my house at Lake Jodeco to The Palms at Lake Spivey, there are two stop signs, four traffic lights, two yield signs, three posted speed limits including one for a school zone. (As you go through a school zone on Evans Road in Rex, there is a sign at the end of the zone that is supposed to read, “End School Zone”; “zone” has been painted over by pranksters).

As a driver, how am I supposed to regard road signs? Obey them! Why are we to obey the signs? (1) It’s the law. (2) it’s the right thing to do. When I see a “yield” sign, what is my responsibility? “Submit” to an oncoming vehicle – let the other driver go first; it’s the right thing to do; it’s in the best interests of both drivers.

In the Bible, the original word translated “submit” is always used to denote that which is in the best interests of everyone, whether it is used relative to: God our Father, governmental authorities, work requirements or marriage relationships.

The Greek term “hupotasso” was meant to convey an orderly arrangement of persons, places, or things - in a manner that: is best suited for meeting the needs of persons affected by the arrangement . . . is advantageous for achieving the overall objectives of the body as a whole (particularly, military objectives) . . . has been proven effective, as improved upon over time.

When we run across the English word “submit” – with so many variations of usage – we must interpret it in terms of the concept it was intended to convey in the original language.

“To set in array” - “under”, if subject to . . . in a mutually agreed-upon “order”, if equal to – set not by a “flip of the coin” type of arrangement, but, a well-thought out and thoroughly discussed orderly arrangement that is in everyone’s best interests - whether in a relationship, partnership, or community.

Christians are first and foremost subject to the Lord God, secondarily subject to those who have been set in positions of governmental authority. We, as children of God, are to submit to (be set in array under) management by civil authorities to the extent that our submission to God our Father allows us to do so.

For example, compliance with the law – and, courtesy while driving - are two standards that ought to come naturally to representatives of Christ.

To shake a fist at a driver for cutting in front of you is not exactly conduct becoming a Christian - especially one who has a fish emblem displayed on the back bumper of his car!

After all, this world is not our home and, in a sense, we are “just passing through”, or, as I’d prefer to say, we have better things to do on our way Home than get all out of sorts over foolish actions by selfish people.

Yet, here we are - “in the world, but not of the world” - which could be looked upon as somewhat of a dilemma - but as representatives of Christ: The Apostle Peter suggests that we have an opportunity to reflect our new life in Christ – I Peter 2:11-17 . . .

In the first ten verses of this chapter, Peter used imagery to urge followers of Christ to represent Christ maturely – be sustained by the “sincere milk of the Word”, be living stones joining together to build a “spiritual house” for living as “the people of God”.

Then (in verses 11-17) Peter submitted the proposition that mature believers separate themselves from the corruption of the world by not submitting to sinful desires and lifestyles that “war against the soul” (Galatians 5:19-21 - a list of such).

Living for Christ may rub unbelievers the wrong way; some may ridicule and mock us, but eventually accusers will see the good, and “glorify God”.

It was disheartening this past week to hear about a talk show host speaking derisively of Vice President Pence, suggesting that he has a mental disorder because “He listens to Jesus”.

Once again, as was the case when the vice president was insulted by an Olympic athlete for his Christian beliefs, Mr. Pence responded gracefully with no malice. A Christian gentleman – turning the other cheek - exemplary of what it means to be a true New Testament believer!

It was heartening this past week to hear an elderly gentleman say to a minister friend, “Sir, I just want you to know that I praise God for the work that you still do as you go around looking for opportunities to pray for people and to win them to the Lord!”

The minister friend appeared to be somewhat taken aback and a little bit embarrassed by the public acclaim, but responded, “I’m glad it’s the Lord and not me that you give glory to!”