In but not of.  1 Peter 2:11-12

• Have the mindset of a foreigner. (11)
  • Mindset of a sojourner who is merely traveling through.
  • Master the culture in knowing how to engage it effectively.
  • Resides with purpose to serve one greater than self—glory to God.

• Abstain from anything that can pollute your soul. (11b)
  • “to hold oneself constantly back from” BKC
  • The world offers a self-seeking model of citizenship.
  • Glory is given to self and personal achievements.

• Live with such integrity your life points to God. (12)
  • Foreigners are looked upon with skepticism.
  • Foreigners are targeted with greater scrutiny.
  • A life lived with beauty and integrity under this scrutiny points to the glory of God.

• Sinners can become saints as God’s glory is revealed.
  • “…on the day he visits us.” Likely referencing a movement of God in the hearts of people when his glory is revealed—a revival. Barnes
  • God wants to change lives, and this is revealed by lives that have been changed.
  • This can only be seen if we have the mindset of a foreigner living among but for a greater purpose.

Christian Conduct that brings glory to God.  1 Peter 2:13-16

1. Life of submission to authority. (13)

• To one of ultimate earthly authority.
• To the one who is charged to enforce, punish the lawbreaker, and protect the innocent.

Romans 13:1 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” 

2. Living a life of goodness. (15)

• A life that is lawful.
• A life that serves the good of others.
• A life that does not serve self.
• A life lived above reproach shuts up the foolish accuser—God wants to shut them up!
• It is in our good living that God is revealed to the accuser and the seeker. 

3. Live as a person set free from sin. (16a)

• We are set free from sin and condemnation.
• We should not utilize our release from guilt to rush back into it or license our sinful behavior.
• This is not setting us free to do as we wish. We submit to God and the authorities he established.

4. Live as one owned by God. (16b)

• He purchased us with his Son’s blood.
• We are his special possession. (9)
• Our lives are for a purpose to bring glory to him.

 Christian Motto

 “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever!”  Westminster Shorter Catechism

Mottos Shape Values

USMC Motto- God, Corps, Country.

Core Values guide behavior.

USMC and USN Core Values- Honor, Courage, Commitment 

US Army- Respect, Duty, Loyalty, Service, Integrity, Courage, Honor

USAF- Integrity First, Service before Self, Excellence in all we do

Christian Core Values that glorify God.  1 Peter 2:17

1. Respect others.
2. Love the church.
3. Fear God.
4. Honor earthly authorities.

Discussion Questions

• How can God get glory when we respect others? How can we glorify God by respecting when others might be disrespecting us?
• What is the difference between respecting someone and loving on someone? How can you love others who are also in the church, slaves to God like you?
• How does the fear of God look in one’s daily life?
• Beyond just being obedient to the President and the governor, what does it look like to actually honor them?
• Kids—Design a card and write a message of thanks and honor to either Governor Tom Wolf or President Donald Trump. Look up the mailing address and send it.  They will be thankful to receive it!