Christian Religious Studies Paper 2 WASSCE (SC), 2018

Question 9

 

REASONS WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD REMAIN LOYAL TO THEIR MASTERS IN ALL SITUATIONS (1 PETER 2: 18-25)

Observation


 

This question was less popular among the candidates. In the part a, most candidates answered this question from their own sociological perspective by preaching and rather than answering the questions as outlined by Peter. In the part a, candidates were not able to identify the expectation of how Christians should relate with their master in all circumstances. The part b was less challenging as candidates were able to list virtues worthy of practice by Christians. These virtues include patience, obedience, endurance, love/Kindness, faithfulness, respect/God fearing, perseverance, forgiveness, etc.
In general, candidates were writing about a master-servant relationship in the part a rather than centre their points on constituted authority. Candidates should have stated that;

  1. Christians should be law abiding and have respect for constituted authorities.
  2. Christians should discharge their civic duties and responsibilities promptly to all men/masters even if such master was gentle or harsh towards them.
  3. Peter taught that a good Christian should submit himself and respect every human institution, including the authorities of the state, eg governors, etc.
  4. For it is God who appoints kings to punish wrong doers and to reward those who do good.
  5. He stressed that the Christians’ good behaviour would put to shame the ignorance of foolish men.
  6. As men who have been liberated from the curse of the law, a good Christian citizen should live as a freeman without using his freedom as a pretext for evil.
  7. Rather, he should live as an obedient servant of God.
  8. Besides, he should respect every man and love the brotherhood of believers. 
  9. Furthermore, he should fear God and honour the king and rulers.
  10. Peter cited the case of the unjust suffering of Christ as an example worthy of emulation/ He was sinless yet punished without Him retaliating.
  11. Jesus did not threaten his persecutors but trusted in God who would give the right judgment at the end.
  12. Jesus died for our sins and by His wounds we became healed.
  13. According to James, we were straying like sheep but Jesus our shepherd showed us the way.
  14. Christian servants should therefore follow the good example of Jesus in doing all things.