In our studies in the book of James we saw the struggle between the earth-man and the spirit-man. James was concerned with the problem of temptation, and
the tools God has given us to win that ever-present battle. Here, in the writings of Peter, we have even more graphically emphasized the contrast between the world of the Spirit and the temporary world of the flesh in which we all live. In his discussion of holiness, Peter is contrasting life in God's Kingdom with life in this present world. This is the classic struggle for the Christian. How to change my motivations, desires and behavior patterns to those of the spiritually eternal Kingdom, while living in a world where the normal responses are just the opposite.
In making his argument, Peter starts out by pointing to how the Christian got into the Kingdom of God in the first place. It was not with gold and silver that you became a citizen of God's Kingdom. None of your riches, nor your important status in the world could accomplish that. Nothing you could do would have made it possible. It had to be the action of the King Himself. It was in the mystery of the Cross...in the sacrifice of Christ...the gift of a loving God, that you gained citizenship in that Kingdom. Therefore, you must put into proper perspective the things of this world. They have no value in the eternal Kingdom.
As he closes this first chapter, he argues two things about citizenship in God's Kingdom as contrasted with the kingdom of the world. In the world, the mark of success is competition and getting to the top...achieving more than your fellowman. In God's Kingdom, success is loving your fellowman, and placing him before self. But, the Kingdom of God is eternal, while this earth-kingdom quickly evanesces and fades away.
At the beginning of chapter two, it is impressive how well he describes the current competitive world in which we live. Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy
and slander are the things we are to avoid. If it sounds like the modern world of business and competition, advertising trickery and hard-sell, it is! No wonder Christians are not wanted in the market place.
No wonder Peter refers to Christ as "the Living Stone, rejected by men but chosen by God". According to Isaiah, "A stone which causes men to stumble".
This stone is the cornerstone of a house where the struggle for fame, mastery, riches and success is rejected. In this house, self-sacrifice, humility and
simple childlike faith dwell. Where the message of this precious cornerstone is preached, the masses do not gather. Men in the marketplace of this world
want to hear a message which will net them profit, give them the happiness that money buys, and puts them in the company of successful people. It is not surprising that the televangelist who preaches this message fills the house. Only those spiritually bound to the suffering Savior find joy in the holiness of
God and the company of the saints.
As Peter continues his message of contrast between this world and God's Kingdom, he says, "You are a chosen people (Who? Those who put their faith in Christ.), a royal priesthood (As a priest in His household you are invited into the very throne-room of heaven itself.), a holy nation (Its constitution is the righteousness of God.), a people belonging to God." The only ones who truly belong to God, who made us all, are those who use the freedom He gave them to choose to be His. He invites...makes it possible...removes the barrier of sin...and sends His love. You have to make the decision. Where do you want your citizenship to be?
Then Peter launches into a dissertation of how difficult it is to act like a citizen of God's Kingdom, while still living in a world run by pagans. We will
discuss this in more detail next week, but I will close by assuring you that it is very uncomfortable to maintain your spiritual demeanor, when every human
instinct cries out against the pain and injustice the world heaps upon the man who listens to the heavenly harp, instead of the drummer in the marketplace.
