A Change in Allegiance: A series through 1 Peter Suffering and the Unstoppable Church

Transcription

1 A Change in Allegiance: A series through 1 Peter Suffering and the Unstoppable Church 1 Peter 3:13-17 (ESV) INTRO: Peter is writing to a group of Christians who are out of place (literally), and even considered a threat to society. In the same way, Christianity has been falling out of vogue the last few decades. While it used to occupy an influential role in Western society, it now seems at an all-time low in popularity, acceptance, and influence The Barna Group interviewed thousands of US adults and more than one thousand faith leaders, including Protestant pastors and Catholic priests as well as Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, and other clergy. The goal was to get an accurate lay of the cultural landscape, particularly of the places where communities of faith feel friction with their surrounding culture and vice versa We are irrelevant and extreme. 1 Christianity is considered irrelevant by many Americans Three in five American Christians are mostly inactive in their faith they are just too busy or they find God elsewhere in nature or art, for instance. To them, church is boring. 2 Christianity is considered extremist by many Americans Forty-five percent of atheists, agnostics, and religiously unaffiliated in America agree with the statement Christianity is extremist. 3 Things considered extremist 4 AP! - Use religion to justify violence against others - Refuse to serve someone because the customers lifestyle conflicts with their beliefs - Attempts to convert others to their faith (60% of US adults) - Quit a good-paying job to pursue mission work in another country (42% of US adults) - Wait until marriage to have sex (24% of US adults) - Regularly donate money to their religious community (tithing) (18% of US adults) - Reading the Bible silently in public (11% of US adults) - Attend church on a weekly basis (7% of US adults) - Volunteer to help people in need (6% of US adults) Christianity is not irrelevant or extremist, but these are the perceptions in our culture. Some people: So what?! For many people, this is a huge source of discouragement. We live in a time and place where our faith is viewed as irrelevant, and is even seen as a threat. How do we effectively reach others? This letter: this cultural tide is an opportunity for the true beauty of Christianity to emerge. 1 David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons. Good Faith: Being Christian When Society Thinks You re Irrelevant and Extreme. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2016) Ibid Ibid. 43 Ibid. 42 Sermon by Chris Lazo Reality Santa Barbara 1 of 6

2 But first, we need to know what went wrong Historically, it seems that the church has been very effective if not most effective when working from the margins of society, not in seats of political and cultural power. Brief survey Several horrifying flurries of persecution in the beginning stages of the Christian church. But the blows that Vespasian, Titus, Hadrian, and other Roman generals rained upon Jerusalem did not destroy the Christian church. Rather, they liberated the church for its destiny as a universal religion offered to the whole world. 5 In fact, between AD 100 and AD 310, the Christian population exploded from 25,000 Christians to 20,000,000! 6 A year later, emperor Constantine was converted and made Christianity the religion of the empire. Persecution was rolled back, and the Christian faith was thrust to the center of power and influence, as it now became an honour and a distinction to be a Christian. The best positions in State and community were given to them. The Christians became leaders everywhere. It was only natural that pagans turned to Christianity, not because their hearts were converted to the living God, but to gain position and promotion instead of primitive simplicity came pride and pomp, for the reproach of the cross was turned into royal fame and glory. 7 While the Christian population soared, there was a decline in Christian commitment. 8 Why? Because thousands began choosing Christianity for its cultural popularity, not the call to follow Jesus Jesus: As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away (Matthew 13:20-21). Whenever the incentive for being a Christian are the cultural/societal benefits, you will see its influence in that very culture/society start to wane. But when there is a cost associated with following Jesus, those who decide to do so, tend to be serious. It s with these that you see a more potent expression. It s to these that Peter is speaking Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? (13) 5 Mark A. Noll. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of the Church. 3rd Ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academics, 2012) Alan Hirsch. The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church. (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos, 2006) S.M. Houghton. Sketches from Church History: AN Illustrated Account of 20 Centuries of Christ s Power. (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1980) Bruce L. Shelley. Church History in Plain Language. 2nd Ed. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995). 118 Sermon by Chris Lazo Reality Santa Barbara 2 of 6

3 This doesn t mean that no one will attack you as long as you do good. It is a rhetorical question aimed to persuade persecuted Christians that their enemies cannot ultimately harm them. 9 We are actually living in a time when this verse is starting to make a little sense. For decades, Christianity was not only culturally acceptable, but culturally expected. If you wanted to get ahead in life, you must align yourself with Christian culture. Coalitions of political power were developed in the 1970 s and 1980 s to defend Christianity. But with that level of power and influence, it became watered-down and weak forms of Christian expression popped up all over the country. But today, we are viewed by a large portion of the American population as irrelevant and extreme. It may feel as though we are. Yet, there is reason to be happy about these cultural tides. Christianity has been moving towards the margins where it is often most effective. Christian expression will become more purified, as those who choose to follow Jesus will be more serious and committed, understanding the call to lose your life for his sake, desperate for the power of the Holy Spirit, and deeply aware of God s blessing in the midst of trial. But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. (14a) Blessed (a funny, and unhelpful term!) English translations vary: blessed, fortunate, or happy. 10 Happiness doesn t really work for blessed. 11 Our modern connotation of happy makes us think of psychological happiness. Not the robust view that Peter has in mind which he likely got from Jesus SOTM, in context of a coming kingdom. 12 There are two Greek words for blessed AP! Eulogeo - A prayer request 13 Makarios - An existing state 14 < this is the word used in SOTM & here in Peter. 9 Scholars are divided on the meaning of verse 13. Does it mean that by behaving well, we will generally avoid persecution? (Mcknight, 212; Marshall, 114). Or does it mean that we will suffer, but that the suffering we endure is not ultimate? (Jobes, 226; Schreiner, ). The latter seems to make the most sense because of the way verse 13 flows so naturally out of verse 12, which speaks of God s general favor upon his people, and because of what we see in Biblical history: people do (and will) suffer for their faith, but nothing of ultimate value can be taken from them. 10 This whole section on blessing is from my sermon on Matthew 5:1-3, entitled Good News For the Poor, in The Good Life series. September 28, Accessed June 24, John R.W. Stott thinks it s misleading to render makarios as being happy. He explains, Happiness is a subjective state, whereas Jesus is making an objective judgment about these people. He is declaring not what they may feel like ( happy ), but what God thinks of them and what on that account they are: they are blessed. The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity, 1978) p Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV) 13 Kenneth E. Bailey. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008) p Ibid, 68 Sermon by Chris Lazo Reality Santa Barbara 3 of 6

4 15 Blessed means the realities of heaven have moved into the present Illustration: When I tell Abby we re going to the zoo, she is blessed For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18) Blessing does not mean lack of hardship. It means God s sustaining presence and future hope. This can be a comfort to those who are suffering. Recurring theme: When Christians are able to suffer well, there is a vitality to their faith that is both relevant and desirable. So what does it mean to suffer well? Peter explains 1. DON T BE AFRAID Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, For us: don t be afraid of the cultural changes. Or of charlatans who parade a cheap form of Christian religion on TV, politics, and media. God s kingdom is unstoppable. This is a chance for us to show a more faithful, unadulterated Christianity to the world. 2. OBEY CHRIST but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, Isaiah 8:13-14 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Remain faithful to Jesus The command here isn t to suffer (suffering is inevitable). The command is to suffer well. Suffer like a Christian. I. Howard Marshall To honor Christ the Lord means to have an inward attitude of obedience to him that dictates our behavior in the world. 16 For us, we aren t being hauled off to prison or killed. But we have daily opportunities to serve or deny the flesh. This is the most common form of suffering for us. If we can t do this, how can we face prison? Be faithful with the small things. Cling to Christ when it is unpopular, when you are losing, when it is difficult D.A. Carson. Matthew: Chapters 1 Through 12. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995) p.131 I. Howard Marshall. 1 Peter. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1991). 115 Sermon by Chris Lazo Reality Santa Barbara 4 of 6

5 3. EXPLAIN YOUR HOPE always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; Defense: answer Get ready to explain your hope Hope: Jesus! Problems 1. They don t ask 1. to anyone who asks you 2. You don t explain it in a way they understand 1. Defense a reasoned statement or argument 3. You are combative or condescending 1. yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. This has been a consistent pattern through Peter: live in such a way that people s negative opinions of your way of life are changed. AP! 1 Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1 Peter 3:1-2 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Sermon by Chris Lazo Reality Santa Barbara 5 of 6

6 Do it in a way that is beyond reproach The only thing derogatory that people should be saying about us is that we keep following Jesus. We live in a great time in history to be a Christian. It will not always be popular to follow Jesus, and therefore, those that do will actually have to take him seriously and love him with their whole heart. The eventual outcome will be a church, who's presence in society will be pure and effective. And when society feels the pain of sin and brokeness, they will see a church who s quality of life is different, and who is carried by a hope that transcends. But to do this, we re going have to shed our visions of success that we've adopted from the world. We need to start doing this now. Our marching orders: To love Jesus so much that we are willing to deny our comforts, security, and status to do what he says. To explain our reasons when asked. Implication: a church that knows how to navigate suffering this way is not only sustained, but unstoppable. SHOWING THE TRUE BEAUTY OF CHRISTIANITY: CHRIST HIMSELF Sermon by Chris Lazo Reality Santa Barbara 6 of 6