INTRODUCTION
The psalmist wrote, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no
God'; they are corrupt, they do abominable deeds: There is none who does good"
(Psalm 14:1). The atheists and those who have lost direction in life normally engaged
in the denial of God as recorded. They oppose life, yet are aware of their
actions, ultimately destined for death. This is sad; unfortunately, they, too,
drag others into their damnation by twisting facts and truth through their
ignorance.
Understanding Foolish
People
Peter commands those who are sound in mind and the saints to put to silence
the ignorance of these foolish people (1 Peter 2:15). But who exactly is a fool?
A fool is someone who knows what is true but denies it, knows what to do but does
not, and intentionally does the opposite of what they should.
Marks of Foolish People
They deny God through their behaviours: As the Psalmist described, a fool denies God and
lives corruptly, engaging in abominable deeds. Opposition to truth cements
their behaviours and their relationships; they believe lies and follow the way
of the world, letting science dictate their lives.
Fool live a corrupt life: Nothing good comes from a fool because they prioritise
satisfying their greed for sin over righteousness. They live happily in their
sins, controlled by their conscience,
They use freedom as a cover-up for evil. You understand the idealism of the
rights movement, the women and children calling to be free from their parental
duties and responsibilities, the perverse and promiscuous member is a fool. Many
marks identify a fool; so long as you understand who he is.
Silencing the Ignorance of
foolish people
With those marks in mind, Peter calls the elect, which includes you
and me, who are sound in mind, to put to silence the ignorance of these fools in order
not to infect others with their ignorance. How does Peter want you and me to do
that?
To live as servants of God. In verse 15, Peter calls the elect to
live as servants of God by being holy. Servants of God are subject to God and the
authority that exists. Like what Peter said in the previous verses, whatever we
do, we ought to do it as though we are doing it to God, not to man. If we serve
diligently without complaining, the fool will have no ground to exercise their
ignorance.
To use our freedom to serve God rather than gratifying sins. David
was a man after God’s heart (1 Samuel 13:14), but he became a fool and used his
freedom to gratify sin. He killed Uriah (2 Samuel 11) and married his wife Bathsheba,
God was not happy with him. He sent the prophet Nathan to silence his ignorance
(2 Samuel 12:13), which he thought was wisdom. David confessed and repented.
12:14
Fear God and honour everyone. (2 Peter 2:17). As sound-minded elect
of God, our role is to fear God in everything. Peter reminded the church that there is nothing
bigger than fearing God alone. Whatever a fool thinks, honour his thoughts just
as it is to avoid an argument with him.
Loving the brotherhood and exercising fellowship with each other. A fool
needs love. The same verse calls us to
have lovely fellowship with each other. This intentional fellowship is to
portray the love of God to a fool in his ignorance.
Conclusion
God calls everyone to be accountable and silence the ignorance of
the fool. As the elect of God, we need to live as servants of God, to use our
freedom to serve Him, to fear God, and love and honour others, and live a life
that reflects God's character. By doing so, we can effectively address the
ignorance of foolish people and live a life that honours God. Peter encourages
you not to become a fool but rather to work your salvation to silence their
ignorance.
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