1 Peter 2:13-20

1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. So how many human institutions are we supposed to submit to? ALL Why? God has given authority to men, and we are to respect His decisions. (Rom 13:1-2) What if they are bad/evil people? Are they still God’s servants? Is it possible for God to use bad people for His glory? Yes, think about how God used Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 43:9) and Pharoah (Exodus) Submitting to authority is not the same as agreeing with that authority. It is not ok for us to take matters into our own hands like some people do that are against abortion (who blow up abortion clinics). We have ways to overturn those decisions but most of us aren’t involved enough to know how…there are many ways and they are done by people much more knowledgeable than me. (www.bound4life.com and www.abort73.com) and by voting. Who was emperor at the time Peter wrote this letter? Nero! Arguably, the most cruel and evil emperor Rome ever had...but what does Peter say? Submit. Peter knew from first hand experience what it was like to submit and even the time when he didn’t agree with the authority…but he did submit. Acts 4:18-20

"So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

Acts 5:17-20

"Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."

Acts 5:27-29

"And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men."

The apostles accepted their punishment from the authority for disobeying to laws that God disagreed with, and yet were still submissive to the authority. They obeyed God by telling people about Him and what He had done, but they also accepted the penalty for disobeying man's laws...they didn't fight the punishment or try to hide...they went right back into the temple and preaching again! How to respect those in authority over you…especially when you disagree! 1. Look at the person and listen carefully to be sure you understand. (without making faces, rolling eyes, sighing, etc) 2. Remain calm (especially when they say something you disagree with or know is not true) 3. Use a pleasant or neutral tone of voice. (Pr. 15:1, 16:21) 4. Acknowledge the person's decision verbally. It shows you were listening! 5. Possibly disagree at a later time. (go back later, especially after you have done what they asked you to do….that way they see you are willing to submit, listen and respect them 6. Avoid arguing, pouting or becoming angry. 15For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. One part of the will of God is to obey those who are in authority over you…who does that include? Police, Teachers, Parents, President, bosses, etc. You and I will always have authority in our lives because we will always be responsible to God! Freedom from sin not to sin! Your freedom doesn’t mean complete freedom to do whatever you want…it means responsible for your actions! Just because we are saved doesn’t mean we are free to continue sinning constantly! Rom 6:1-2, 11-15 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. Honor – “a showing of usually merited respect” Why should we honor all people? They were all created by God and in His image! (Gen 1:27) How? By being respectful, not judging, giving up our own selfishness, loving, serving, not killing the defenseless! I found it interesting that for a reason I don’t know, Peter put fear God after he said to honor all people and love the brotherhood. If we don’t fear God then we aren’t going to honor all people and love the brotherhood…but if we do fear God…we will! 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. Do you think people will notice you being different if you show respect for someone who hasn’t earned it in your eyes and the eyes of your friends? Is that different or normal? Are we supposed to stand out from the crowd as Christians? Phil 2:14-16

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain."

Light stands out in darkness...even the smallest light is very noticeable in complete darkness. In order stand out as lights, we must hold fast the word of life and if we do that then we will be blameless children of God!

Not gossiping about a person or teacher that everyone else is talking about is going to stand out and people will notice. It doesn’t mean you agree with the person or teacher….it does means you respect the person that God has put over you in authority by not arguing with or gossiping about. 19For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. We are rewarded by God in heaven for obeying Him and those He put in authority. We don’t get rewarded for sinning and suffering for it. If we want to find favor with God then we need to submit to all authority in our lives and honor all people. If we want to find favor with God we need to fear and love Him. He has given us everything…why do we hold back from Him?