14. READ: 1 PETER 2:9-12
d. What kind of lives should we live in the world?
Answer: The people of God should live such good lives among the pagans (unbelievers) that, though they accuse us of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us, (verse 12).
The word "pagans" does not merely mean "non-Jews" but also "non-Christians." The word "see" refers to "a careful watching, over a period of time." The phrase "see your good deeds" could also be translated that the pagans may "carefully watch, over a period of time, and gain insight by your good deeds." "Good deeds" can also be translated "beautiful works" or "beautiful deeds." So we have the meaning that "anyone who is not a child of God can glorify our Father on the day He visits us as a result of carefully watching us for a long time, thereby gaining insight (knowledge/understanding) to/of God the Father (Who changed OUR lives) by seeing our good (beautiful) deeds/acts/actions/works." We become living and active evangelists for/to the glory of our Father! We SHOW FORTH He Who made us by what we have become in Christ, and what we continue to become as we grow/mature in Him:
Matthew 5:11-16: [Jesus said,] "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. YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND PRAISE YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN."
Romans 15:5-6: "May the God Who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, SO THAT WITH ONE HEART AND MOUTH YOU MAY GLORIFY THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST."
Philippians 2:14-18: "Do everything without complaining or arguing, SO THAT YOU MAY BECOME BLAMELESS AND PURE, CHILDREN OF GOD WITHOUT FAULT IN A CROOKED AND DEPRAVED GENERATION, IN WHICH YOU SHINE LIKE STARS IN THE UNIVSERSE AS YOU HOLD OUT THE WORD OF LIFE--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."
Titus 2:1-15: "You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, SO THAT NO ONE WILL MALIGN THE WORD OF GOD. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, SO THAT THOSE WHO OPPOSE YOU MAY BE ASHAMED BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOTHING BAD TO SAY ABOUT US. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, SO THAT IN EVERY WAY THEY WILL MAKE THE TEACHING ABOUT GOD OUR SAVIOR ATTRACTIVE. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very Own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you."
1 Peter 3:13-17: "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.' But in your hearts set apart 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. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, SO THAT THOSE WHO SPEAK MALICIOUSLY AGAINST YOUR GOOD BEHAVIOR IN CHRIST MAY BE ASHAMED OF THEIR SLANDER. It is better, if it is God's Will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."