1 Peter 2:13-17

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.  Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.  Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Human governments are flawed, yet divinely appointed institutions.  Those who are in charge of government have been placed there according to God’s sovereign plan.  There will be times when we do not understand or appreciate the decisions those governors make, but it is still our duty to be submissive to them and honor them to the best of our ability.  Peter lived under a corrupt and violent government that ended up killing him and yet, he instructs us to understand these principles.

SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY: God is the ultimate authority so when we submit to our human authorities, we are submitting to Him.  Human authorities are not superior to us in value or worth, they are simply established by God to fulfill His purposes on the earth.  Government’s basic job description is to punish evil and reward good. Unfortunately, many governments reward evil and punish good.  This is not an excuse to be rebellious or disrespectful.  When governments prohibit what God commands (Daniel was forbidden to pray) or command what God prohibits (bow and worship a statue); we are to obey God rather than man.  However, we are to do so with respect and be prepared to face the consequences as we trust the Lord in this.

SILENCE THE IGNORANT: There are those who look at Christians as rebellious and a detriment to society. Our priorities are different, and our worship should be far different.  Especially in a pagan society, this can be misinterpreted as rebellion.  We must do all we can to put these accusations to silence by loving and serving the people around us.  Believers in Peter’s day were being unjustly persecuted by both the Romans and the Jews.  Instead of protesting and striving to overthrow the authorities, they responded by loving their neighbors, respecting authorities, being good citizens, meeting the needs of others, and caring for the poor.  We should not expect people without God to be godly.  Persecution and injustice should not take us by surprise.  We should surprise and silence the unjust with our kindness and obedience.

SERVE THE LORD: We have been set free from slavery to sin, from the traditions of a corrupt religious system, and from placing our hope in human governments.  We don’t serve, sin, religion, or government; we serve the Lord.  Freedom from worshiping these false gods does not give us a license to do evil against them.  Instead, we are to honor the people around us, love one another, live in fear of the Lord, and obey the governments God establishes to the best of our abilities.  This kind of living in the face of persecution is what God used to overthrow the corruption of the Roman Empire.  God calls us to fight hatred with love, not more hatred.  We would do well to remember these principles.  

APPLICATION: Obey the laws of the land in which we live and don’t speak disparagingly of the government officials God has established over us.  Be aware that the world is watching us to try to discredit the message of Christ we preach.  Our love, obedience and service should silence their criticism and attract them to Christ. We worship God by submitting to the authorities He has established and loving the people for whom Christ died.

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