Study Guide: "Men of Derring-Do"

Text: 1 Peter 2:13-17

OPEN:

I like the term "derring-do." It first appeared in print in something Chaucer wrote, circa 1374. The writer who popularized the term was Sir Walter Scott. His use of 'derring-do' as a single word in the novel Ivanhoe, 1820, cemented it into the English language. I first encountered it in the title of a book a purchased, Fishing Giants, and Other Men of Derring-Do. Derring-do has to do with brave actions, an attitude of heroic daring.

Attitude is everything for the believer.

The most heroic exploit of a believer is to display an attitude that honors God in all things.

I. The Attitude that Most Honors God is Submission (v. 12).

Our text today underscores that our attitude is what matters in every conceivable aspect of life. The most important thing this section of 1 Peter does (2:11 - 4:12) is put all of life in relation to God and here in verse 12, Peter introduces the necessary attitude that paves the way for honoring God in every aspect of life:

     "Conduct yourselves honorably."

The word Peter uses is hupotasso, which literally means "submit yourselves."

It is a military term composed of two Greek words-- hupo (under) + tasso (command/ authority). It meant to rank under, only here it is something you do to yourself> choose to place yourself at a lower rank than someone else.

This is not something that someone else does to you; this is an attitude that leads you to do it to yourself. Voluntary humility.

Attitude is everything.

II. An Attitude of Submission Does Not Come Naturally (v. 13).

This attitude is unnatural, humanly speaking.

It cuts across the grain to choose to lower yourself and elevate others.

There are many Scriptures that speak of submission, and in each case we are called upon to display this attitude for the Lord's sake:

"Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

"Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Luke 22:42

Peter tells us in 2:13 that the key to submission is "for the Lord's sake."

If you miss that, you miss the important thing.

III. The End Result of Submission is the Glory of God (vv. 12, 15, 16).

"Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge."

"For it is God's will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish."

"As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil."

Our submission follows a natural progression (v.17):

Honor everyone -- give to all human beings basic respect, honor, and dignity.

Love the family of believers -- give special love and respect to fellow believers (Christian army is the only army that shoots its wounded). We won't always like each other, but we are to speak in love/ extend grace to one another.

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." (Franklin Jones)

3) Fear God -- beyond a common respect for all and special love for Christians, we display a special reverence appropriate to God and no one else.

4) Honor the emperor -- only when we follow the progression are we able to come to the place of submitting to political authority, especially if we disagree with that authority (emperor was anathema to Christians).

CLOSE:

Attitude is everything. The most heroic exploit of a believer is to display an attitude that honors God in all things.

This matter of voluntary humility is no small order. Submission calls for a heroic attitude born of accepting one's self and surrendering everything to God.

Remember that submission is a voluntary act of ranking yourself lower than another. What needs to take place in your life for God to be elevated to his rightful place?

- Confession of sin

- Acknowledge your need/ inadequacy

- Invite him to take control

(Dr. Dane Fowlkes)