Sep 5, 2007

1 Peter 2:16

" as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God." 1 Peter 2:16

When I think of this, I remember back to high and many times wanting diplomatic immunity. I always thought it would be cool to never be under the law. Looking back, I understand how the law is to our benefit. But I think that is what this verse is getting at.

When we are in Christ, we are set free. (See John 8:32, Luke 4:18, and Romans 6:7). We are freed from bondage of sin and the torment of an eternal separation from God (hell). But with that freedom, we still live in the flesh. In other words, we still sin after we come to know Christ. Now, we know that there is no way to lose our salvation. What Peter is trying to tell us is that we can't use that as an excuse to keep sinning. We can't use our freedom to knowingly be disobedient to our God. The stakes are too high - other people are always watching us and we are called to be God's bondservants here on Earth. Let us use our freedom not to our gain but to the glory of God.