Bible Studies

Doing What Is Right, A Study In First Peter

by John Clark 
03/04/18
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In this study of First Peter I am going to shift over to a topical study because I think it will be more practical. The first topic to discuss is doing right in all circumstances. Here is a list of passages that mention this in their immediate context. 

     The first one is in the context of submitting to authority. 

     "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution whether to a king as the one in authority or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 
(2:13-15)

     Next we see doing right in light of a master or employer.

     "Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps." (2:18-21)

     Doing what is right in marriage relationships.

     "In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior...Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear." (3:1-6)

     If you are slandered.  

     ""Keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong." (3:16-17)

     Doing what is right in suffering. 

     "Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." (4:19)

     The basic theme of the book has to do with suffering in some form, like being treated unjustly, unfairly, or disrespectfully, so these above passages need to be taken in that context. I shouldn't have to mention that these five situations are very relevant for today. Christians all over the world, including in America, are facing some form of persecution or suffering, which will be the topic of the next study. 

     Are you, or do you know anyone who is, facing one or more of the situations like those listed in this article? If so, may you, or they, be encouraged to do the right thing, no matter what.