THE KEY TO EXERCISING BIBLICAL AUTHORITY
1 Peter 2:11-25
INTRODUCTION:
Submit. It is a word that is distained by so many people.
No one wants to submit to anybody. Many people treat submission much like the little boy who was told repeatedly by his mother to sit down on the seat in church. When he was threatened to received the hand of knowledge on the seat of learning, little Johnny finally sat down. He crossed his arms and whispered to his mom,
I’m sitting down on the outside, but standing up on the inside.’
It’s no secret, that submission is not a virtue that is held by too many people in Canada or America.
When was the last time you saw a movie where the hero was known for submitting to authority. No, the heros of todays generation, are those who turn their heads to authority. People who display a rebellious attitude are elevated as models to be emulated.
The irony is that even some Christians have the idea that they can exercise authority without submitting to anybody; whether it be to the government, police, teachers, employers, or marriage partners or in the church.
P.P. God wants each of us to exercise biblical authority; but before we can exercise authority we must be UNDER authority.
The central section of Peters letter ( 2:11-3:12) emphasizes SUBMISSION in the life of a believer.
It goes without saying that this is an unpopular subject in our culture. People want authority and the right to exercise authority, but they do not want to be under authority.
God’s word teaches, that this just is not possible.
The key to exercising biblical authority is tied to our willingness to live under the authorities God has placed over our lives.
In this section, Peter applies the theme of submission to the life of a believer as a citizen ( 2:11-17); an employee ( 2:18-25); to marriage ( 3:1-7) and as a member of the body of Christ ( 3:8-12)
Now, let’s be clear about one thing. Submission IS NOT slavery or subjugation.. Warren Weirsbe writes it is
‘Simply the recognition of God’s authority in our lives.’
God’s word shows us how God has established the home, government, and the church and HE has the right to determine how these bodies will operate.
From the beginning of the fall, man has gone to great lengths to avoid this life freeing truth.
Satan’s offer to Adam and Eve was freedom without authority, and it resulted in banishment and death. They lost both their freedom and authority.
The prodigal son thought freedom could be found in leaving the security of his fathers house. When he stepped out from under the authority of his father, the son traded true freedom for poverty, and bondage to sin. Freedom only came when he yielded to His fathers will.
Peter shares three excellent motives for submitting to authority and living dedicated, obedient Christian lives.
1. MY LIFE IS BEING WATCHED ( 2:11-12)
11Beloved, I urge you(A) as sojourners and exiles(B) to abstain from the passions of the flesh,(C) which wage war against your soul. 12(D) Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers,(E) they may see your good deeds and glorify God on(F) the day of visitation.
Peter begins this exhortation by reminding his readers who they are. To begin with they are ‘God’s dearly loved children’. Many versions render this verse, Dearly loved, or friends. In both his letters, Peter reminds his readers of God’s love for them…
1 Peter 4:12 English Standard Version (ESV)
12Beloved, do not be surprised at(A) the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
2 Peter 3:1 English Standard Version (ESV)
1This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved…
2 Peter 3:8 English Standard Version (ESV)
8But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and(A)a thousand years as one day.
2 Peter 3:14 English Standard Version (ESV)
14(A) Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him(B) without spot or(C) blemish, and(D) at peace.
2 Peter 3:17 English Standard Version (ESV)
17You therefore, beloved,(A) knowing this beforehand,(B) take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
Peter is reminding the believers that our submission to God first of all stems from our relationship with God. In ourselves there is nothing that God can love; but He loves us because of Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Ephesians 1:6
Ephesians 1:5-6 English Standard Version (ESV)
5(A) he predestined us[a] for(B) adoption as sons through Jesus Christ,(C) according to the purpose of his will, 6(D) to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in(E) the Beloved.
Our ‘love relationship’ to Jesus ought to be motivation enough for us to live godly lives in this godless world. There is something deeper than obedience because of duty , and that is obedience because of devotion. Jesus said in John 14:15, 15(A) "If you love me, you will(B) keep my commandments.
Not only are we God’s beloved children,, but we are also sojourners and exiles. The NIV says, foreigners and exiles. However, I think Eugene Peterson captures the meaning best in the Message,
Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it.
When you were given the opportunity to receive a 2012 fully loaded cadilac, why would you settle for a beat up old rusty 1972 pinto?
And yet that is the attitude far too many people take when it comes to choosing to live under God’s authority.
Next Peter adds that we are soldiers in a spiritual battle, who are ‘waging war against the passions of the flesh’..
Don’t fall prey to the lie that falsly promises you will have all of your lifes troubles solved if only my ship comes in, or that perfect job comes along or I am free from all obligations and responsibilities.
Life just does not work that way. The Bible says, that we are in a spiritual battle. The good news is, that according to Epohesians 6, we have already won the war through Jesus.
Chuck Swindoll summarizes this passage, ‘For unbelievers, earth is a playground where the flesh is free to romp and run wild. But for believers, earth is a battleground. It’s the place where we combat the lusts that wage war against oyr souls. For the brief tur of duty we Christians have on this earth, we cannot get stalled in sin or, for that matter, incapacitated by guilt.
Thirdly, Peter says we are witnesses to the lost world around us.’
One of the lies that incapacitates many believers is when you choose to believe, :
‘It’sm my life. I can live it the way I want too. It’s no ones business what people thnk about my lifestyle.’
WRONG!
Peter tells us the first motive to living a committed life that is submitted to God’s will, is simply that PEOPLE ARE WATCHNG.
To live the kind of life God requires, Peter offers four suggestions,
• Live a clean life. Don’t think for a moment that it makes no difference to unbelievers how Christians live. We live out our faith to a watching world. That’s why Peter urges us to abstain from fleshly lusts, ‘in order to get their attention’ and to prove what we believe really works.
• Leave no room for slander. The most convincing defense for our faith is the silent integrity of our character, not how vociferously we deny the charges.’
• Do good deeds among unbelievers. It is one thing to do something for someone we know, and who shares the same values we have. . However, if you wish to make an impact, then try doing something for someone who is a total stranger. A peson who does not share your Christian values. Notice, Peter says, ‘on account of your good deeds…’ not your good words. The unsaved are watching our lives. When our good deeds are indisputable the unbelievers says, ‘there must be something about these Christians. Chances are good that we will win the right to be heard.
• Remember, others are watching me. Eugene Peterson paraphrases this verse, Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.’
The world is watching us to see if what we believe is true in our lives. Let’s not give them any reason to doubt. Warren Wiersbe tells a story that powerfully illustrates this point.
ILLUSTRATION: In the summer of 1805, a number of Indian chiefs and warriors met in council at Buffalo Creek, New York, to hear a presentation of the Christian message by a Mr. Cram from the Boston Missionary Society. After the sermon, a response was given by Red Jacket, one of the leading chiefs. Among other things, the chief said: …
‘Brother, we are told that you have been preaching to the white people in this place. These people are our neighbors. We are acquainted with them. We will wait a little while and see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will then consider again of what you have said.’ [Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Hopeful (Wheaton, IL: SP Publications, Victor Books, 1982), p. 57. Quoted in Hope in Hurtful Times, by Charles Swindol
We do not only witness with our lips; Our talk must match our walk. There should be nothing in our conduct that will give ammunition to attack Christ or the gospel. Jesus said,
Matthew 5:16 New International Version (NIV)
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
I will live a dedicated, obedient Christian life because my life is being watched and secondly because,
2. MY LORD IS BEING GLORIFIED: 2:13-20
One day a police officer stopped a driver. The police officer said, “Since you were wearing your seat belt, you win $5000, what are you going to do with the money?”
The man said, “I’m going to get me a driver’s license.”
The lady next to him said, “Don’t listen to him officer, he always talks crazy when he’s drunk!”
The loud talking woke the guy in the back seat. When he saw the police he said, “I knew we wouldn’t get far with this stolen car!”
Then the police heard a voice from the trunk and in Spanish, the voice said, “Are we over the border yet?”
Some people just don’t get it, do they?
What about this seat belts? Do you wear yours?
For over thirty years, wearing seatbelts have been the law in Ontario, and still the OPP say at least 12% of drivers do not comply.
There is definitely a problem of submission to authority in our society. So Peter writes the solution.
13(G) Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution
Wait a minute. I am having great difficulties, things are bad, they look like they are going to get worse and Peter’s advice is…submission?
It’s not a popular subject today, and it would have even been a greater virtue in Peters Day.
First of all, Peter says the believers are to submit to EVERY HUMAN INSTITUTION. Have you ever heard anyone say, I don’t have to listen to them, its only man., Peter says, ,[a] whether it be to the emperor[b] as supreme, 14or to governors as sent by him(H) to punish those who do evil and(I) to praise those who do good. 15For this is the will of God,(J) that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16(K) Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but(L)living as servants[c] of God. 17(M) Honor everyone.(N) Love the brotherhood.(O) Fear God. Honor the emperor.
It is obvious that people today desire freedom and authority. However, most try to attain freedom by doing their own thing and walking out from under the umbrella of God’s will and authority.
True biblical freedom can only be experienced when we align ourselves under God’s authority.
The word used in our passage is a compound word meaning "to arrange under." It is generally used as a military term, we see the concept in Matthew 8:8-9. Matt. 8:7 "Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.” 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith."
There the centurion is talking about – submission. In the Roman military the emperor had full authority. But he delegated his authority to others – so when the centurion spoke an order, he spoke an order with the emperor’s authority and to disobey, would be to disobey the emperor – an act of treason. An act of defiance resulting in death.
The point is, freedom and authority will only be experienced when we choose to come under the authorities God has already placed. Beginning with our government authorities.
But Authority and submission must also be practiced everyday in the arenas of work and at home. Listen to Peters insructions
18(P) Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19For this is a gracious thing, when,(Q) mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
It would not have been easy for slaves in Peters day to think that their Christianity gave them the freedom to break with their masters. Peter says this was not to be the case.
Now, the bible does not condone slavery. Peter uses a common institution of his day to illustrate a practical point that is timeless. Your Christian faith does not give you license to abuse your rights as a Christian. As a follower of Christ you and I have a greater and higher call at work. Paul says in everything we do, we do it as unto the Lord.
We do not have an excuse to shirk our responsibilities at work, or shortchange our employers. Or to slack off in school.
The reason we are to have this attitude is that we are doing it for the LORD’S SAKE. Not only is the world watching our lives, but Jesus is watching how we act and react to the injustices that inevitably come.
Do you have an uncaring boss? Do you have a supervisor or a manager who isn’t fair? Do you have to deal with unreasonable people? Do you have a techer who pushes all the wrong buttons for you?
The natural tendency of the heart is to fight back against unreasonable treatment. But Peters point is that seeking revenge can be a sign of self appointed lordship. Revenge, then, is totally inappropriate for a person who claims to be submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Christians must stand in contrast to those around them. This includes a difference in attitude and focus. Our attitude should be submissive and our focus should be toward God. And how is this change viewed by God? It ‘finds favor’ with Him. He gets the praise and glory.
Now I just want to stop here and clarify something. This does not mean that we back down from our convictions as belivers. When governemtn or worldly authorities do things which infringe and but against our faith, then and only then does the Bible say we take a stand.
Our focus then, should not be consumed with getting the raise at work but with getting the praise from God, not with getting the glory for ourselves but with giving Him the glory.
20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But(R) if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
Notice the contrast in verse 20. Peter is saying that there is no credit due a person who suffers for what he has coming to him. If you break into a house and steal you will be arrested and jailed. And if you patiently endure your jail sentence, no one is ging to think you are wonderful for being such a good and faithful prisoner. YOYou won’t get elected ‘citizen of the year.’
If you cheat on an exam, you will receive a failing grade, and probably get kicked out of college.
But if you are a hard working employee, diligent and honest, productive, caring, positive, and if you patiently endure working for a boss who gives you nothing but grief, then THAT FINDS FAVOR WITH GOD.
Another word for favor is grace. Chuck Swindoll says when you endure patiently you put grace on display. And when you put grace on display for the glory of God, you could revolutionize your workplace ‘ or your school.’
Is it any wonder that the Christian way is so radical and revolutionary? We don’t work for the credit or the prestige or the salary or the perks! We work for the glory of God in whatever we do.
1 Corinthians 10:31 English Standard Version (ESV)
31So, whether you eat or drink, or(A) whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
The purpose of the Believer in society is to bring GLORY TO GOD , not to be treated well or to have life be easy or happy as wonderful as those things are. Again this is a radical teaching that flies n the face of contemporary culture.
There is a third motive for submission that Peter offers,
3. I AM BEING TRANSFORMED INTO CHRISTS IMAGE ( 2:21-25)
21For(S) to this you have been called,(T) because Christ also suffered for you,(U) leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
You are called for this purpose. That’s the reason you’re with that company. That’s the reason God has placed you in your school. That’s the reason you are filling that role. That’s the reason things are happening to you. WHY? So that you might follow in the steps of the Lord Jesus who suffered and died for you.
No one was treated as unfairly and unjustly than Jesus. He was misunderstood, maligned, hated, arrested, tortured. And then they finally crucified Him.
Peter says we are to walk in the steps of Jesus.
22(V) He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23(W)When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten,(X) but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24(Y) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we(Z) might die to sin and(AA) live to righteousness.(AB) By his wounds you have been healed.
Despite all His efforts of demonstrating the Fathers love, the people still mocked Jesus,, bruised Him and beat him. Then they crucified Him.
And Jesus never lost focus. Peter says Jesus ‘kept entrusting himself to His father who judges righteously.’
WOW. What an example. Who are you trusting today when things don’t go your way.
Are you defiantly throwing your fist in God’s face. Or are you humbly bowing your head and raising your hands in surrender as you pray,
Lord, this is a hard moment for me. I am having a tough time today. Here I am again, dealing with this unreasonable person, this person who is treating me unfairly. Lord, help me. I entrust myself to you. I give you my struggle. Protect me. Provide the wisdom and self control I need. Help me do the right thing.’
You are never more like Jesus than when you respond in this manner. Consider the benefit that accompanies this obedience.
25For(AC) you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to(AD) the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
I love that word OVERSEER. When you are unfairly treated, the world says, Fight back. Exert your rights.’
The Bible way to exercising authority, is turning to the Lord and coming under His oversight. I love that word OVERSEER. Do you know what it means?
It is the greek word epistomai, and refers to the person who is charged with the duty of seeing that things are done rightly. Another word is curator or my favorite, a GUARDIAN.
When you chose to respond with revenge, and seek to exert your rights you operate from outside the covering of God’s protection. But when you choose to submit your case to the Lord, He covers you and guards you with His care, and authority.
CONCLUSION: If we take this whole passage and bring it down to one application, I think we have this: Whatever is happening in our lives, we should again entrust our lives to the Lord, for even if it is the ultimate worst case scenario – slavery, we can still act in a way that treats others well.
God has given us so much. In fact he has even given us the power to overcome the worst that can ever be thrown at us- through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
