1 Peter 2:13-17

Recap

In  1 Peter 2:11-12 we considered the Apostle Peter’s instruction to abstain from sinful desires (lit passions of the flesh) — i.e. strong emotions that wage war against our souls by leading us away from pure and simple devotion to Jesus, and his call to lead such attractive and God-honouring lives that those who accuse us of doing evil would end up glorifying God.

1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority
  • Peter lists the emperor and governors among those to whom his flock should submit.
  • In our day, he might have said Prime Ministers, Premiers, judges, police officers and so forth.
who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right
  • this is the proper purpose of rulers. See Romans 13:3-4.
  • What attitude did the New Testament apostles – and Jesus himself – generally adopt when dealing with harsh rulers? See 1 Peter 2:23
  • are there any Scriptural exceptions to the command to submit? See Acts 5:29.
  • Note that Peter, who gave this response to the Sanhedrin, nevertheless lays down the general principle of submission to rulers.
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
  • we are to do good so that our conduct wins the approval of others.
live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
  • Note that showing respect is a general principle. Christians are not only to respect those in authority, but all people.
  • Those in authority have been placed there by God.
To think about
  • Does living in a democracy predispose us to think that it’s OK to disrespect rulers?
  • Can we legitimately dissent from the decisions of leaders and still honour them?
  • Which is more important – convincing rulers of the policies that we think they should adopt, or praying for them and seeking their salvation?
  • If we believe in a coming Kingdom in which Jesus will reign, how should this affect our attitude to the rulers of this present age?
Prayer
  • Pray for the leaders of our province and nation, judges, police officers and so forth
  • Pray for ourselves and ask God to give us His heart in these matters

 

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