(a) What was Peter's advice to Christian living among non-Christians? (b) What three challenges can Christians face among non-Christians?

Answer Details

(a) Peter's advice to Christians living among non-Christians (1 Peter 2:11-17; 3:8-17; 4:1-16).

1. Peter urged them, as aliens and exiles, to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against the soul.
2. They were to maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that though the Gentiles spoke against them as evildoers, they might see their good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
3. They were to be subject, for the Lord's sake, to every human authority: to the emperor and to governors, and by doing right to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
4. They were to live as free people, yet not use their freedom as a cover for evil, but as servants of God, honouring all men, loving the brotherhood, fearing God and honouring the emperor.
5. They were to have unity of spirit, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind, not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing.
6. They were to keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit, turn away from evil and do good, and seek peace.
7. They were told that even if they suffered for righteousness' sake, they would be blessed, and they should not fear or be troubled, but reverence Christ as Lord.
8. They were to always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who asked a reason for the hope in them, yet to do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping a good conscience.
9. They were to no longer live by human passions such as licentiousness, drunkenness and lawless idolatry, as they once did, even though the Gentiles were surprised at this change.
10. If they suffered as Christians, they were not to be ashamed but to glorify God in that name.

(b) Three challenges Christians can face among non-Christians.

1. Mockery, insult, slander and false accusation for their faith.
2. Temptation to join in immoral and ungodly practices such as drunkenness and idolatry.
3. Persecution, discrimination and even physical suffering for the sake of Christ.
4. Pressure to compromise Christian standards and values.