Nov 13, 2022 Preaching | Ptr. Keith
The current theme we are studying centers on, “Suffering for Christ for Future Glory”, 1 Peter 1-2:11 focused on salvation with holiness as the proper response. Moving on to 1 Peter 2:12-3:12, we will be focusing on submission with harmony as our proper response.
Certainly, the most difficult doctrine to understand in God’s Word is the Holy Trinity – God the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. Yet, the most difficult doctrine to apply and live by is the doctrine of submission. Starting from chapter 2 of the book of 1 Peter onwards, the different areas of submission is explained – (1) submission to the government, king, governor (2:13-17); (2) submission to one’s employer (2:18-20); (3) the example of submission (2:21-25); and (4) submission to one’s husband (3:1-6).
As we study 1 Peter 2:13-17, we will look into:
The Principal of Submission
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution.
In military terms, submission is instantly being ready to do whatever the superior wants us to do.
The Particulars of Submission
1 Peter 2:13-14
Whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.
Just as how the early Christians did, we are to submit to the government no matter what type of government we are subject to. As Christians of today, let us think of how we can better submit to the laws of the land? How specifically will we do this?
Romans 13:1-7, says “Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities.” This is the reason we respect the government (verses 1-5) and the reason we pay taxes (verses 6-7).
In the same book of Romans, we can find the application part of how we are to work within the church (Romans 12:1-21) and how we are to work within the government or the state (Romans 13:1-14) through public obligations (13:1-7).
We are encouraged to choose to obey when given choices (Exodus 1, Daniel 1 and 3).
The Purpose of Submission
For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. This is the higher purpose, it is the purpose of God that we submit in every way that is possible to our government.
Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. This is the outward purpose, we have freedom, be careful not to misuse that freedom.
The Practice of Submission
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
We have a responsibility to submit to God, a responsibility to honor all people around us (submit toward all people), to love the brotherhood of believers (submit toward believers), to fear the Holy God (submit toward God), and to honor the king (submit toward the government). To submit to the king is our action, to honor the king is our attitude. Not only are we to act, but we also need to have the right attitude.