SECTION C: THEMES FROM SELECTED EPISTLES (a) Highlight the attitude Peter recommended for Christians living among people of other faiths. (b) State two fact...

(a) The attitude Peter recommended for Christians living among people of other faiths (1 Peter 2:11-17)

Peter, addressing believers scattered as aliens and exiles among non-believers, urged them to adopt the following attitude:

• They should abstain from the passions of the flesh which war against the soul.
• They should maintain good conduct among the Gentiles (non-believers), so that although they may be spoken of as evildoers, the outsiders may see their good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
• They should be subject to every human institution for the Lord's sake, whether to the emperor as supreme or to governors sent to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do right.
• By doing good they would silence the ignorance of foolish people.
• They should live as free people, yet not use their freedom as a cover-up for evil, but live as servants of God.
• Peter summed it up: "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the emperor."

In short, Christians were to live peaceably, do good, submit to lawful authority and let their exemplary conduct be a witness that would draw others to glorify God.

(b) Two factors that can make Christians turn away from pleasing God

• Persecution, hardship and fear of suffering for the faith.
• Love of worldly pleasures, wealth and the passions of the flesh.