Thoughts on Culture and Christianity
1 Peter 3-4
Prepare yourselves for a deep dive.
Some thoughts on today’s culture.
1 Peter 3:8-22 through 4:1-11 are some heavy passages that I think are worth spending time on.
When it’s unavoidably evident that a rise in antichrist-like activity is being almost forcibly pushed on Western society, what are we, as Christian’s, to do? What is the difference in righteous or immoral actions as Christian’s? What is the difference between reactionary and prepared defense and is there ever an offense?
I want to start backwards in Chapter 4 so we can see how Chapter 3 applies.
1Peter 4:3-4
“3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”
I can tell you that in the past few months, mainstream and social medias are screaming about the endorsements of the lgbt agenda in major sports teams and Target’s shopping sections and it seems like there’s no stopping it. I’ve seen a picture of a “pride” festival where a man was dressed like Jesus on a cross and another man is basically pole dancing on the crucifix. It’s enough to make me want to gather good men to “flip tables” if you get what I’m saying.
After seeing all this, what’s the right thing to do as Christian’s? “They” are surprised that there’s anger when we don’t join in with “pride.” They call us bigots for wanting to protect our kids or our own hearts. They twist and corrupt scripture to try and justify, like the devil in the desert with Jesus, their actions and why you should have sympathy for them.
To any notional ear willing to listen, this is where holiness comes into view. Stay set apart. Be in the world, not of the world. Remember that judgment comes to both the living and the dead and that judgement is issued by God alone.(1Pt 4:5)
I want to skip back to Chapter 3 to see what the remedies are and conclude to a way through.
1 Peter 3:13-15
“13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…”
What are these verses saying to me?
—We must know the word of God which is the Truth and be prepared with it!
It’s referenced that the word of God is like a two edged sword, Heb 4:12, Rev 1:16 to name a few. If we are “prepared” with the Truth, God will win because it’s his sword that we wield. So then, we must “…in our hearts revere Christ as Lord,” because his word is our weapon.
But is this sword wielding offense or defense? I argue that it’s a combo of both. It’s not enough to know the word and not speak it. Staying quiet is, in its way, being complicit. But there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Now, I’m not arguing to go to Target and tear down their displays in Jesus’ name. But I am saying that in the hearts that can be changed by the Holy Spirit— our kids, our friends, and ours— we speak Gods word because some are forever in darkness (Proverbs 4:19).
Verses 19-21 speaks on how bad the world was in Noah’s day and that the flood, God’s judgment and compassion, was in reality the baptism that saved them. Jesus’ death and resurrection is the baptism that saves us now. Our acts of baptism are not intended dirt removal but, for us, “the pledge of a clear conscience towards God.” So, then I say, pledge in clear conscience, to obey God and speak the truth in reverence of Christ.
To wrap this all up
1 Peter 4: 7-11
“7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
There are three takeaways I see in this section.
The first is to be sober minded. There are more things than just drunkenness or drugs that can consume or impair judgment. Do not be a victim of the algorithm of society or your own mind. We are smarter than this and have the tools(the Bible and the Holy Spirit) to keep our feet on the narrow path. Don’t lose that connection. Besides, if you are impaired, how can you be effectively used?
The second thing I see is stewardship “of God’s grace in its various forms.”— God entrusts us with his mission and His Word as Sons of the Father. Take care, in this mission, to use your skills for his glory in all that you do.
The last thing is related to Jesus’ command to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. The second part of verse 11 reads, “If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
All that we do ought to be rightfully a form of worship to whom we say we serve. It’s not through our own will but God’s that his plan is fulfilled.
Final words
As the world changes into a more coercive state where we will be tested, remain set apart and stand firm on Truth. Remain sober minded, competent, and prepared in the word because it is the tool that God has given us to fight with. Do not become victims of the world but victors of God, for God.
And, as always, Be Encouraged!