SERMON OUTLINE:
(1). The command for submission (vs 13a):
(2). The motive for submission (verse 13b)
(3). The extent of submission (verse 13c-14)
(4). The reason for submission (verse 15)
(5). The Attitude of Submission (verse 16)
(6). The application of submission (vs 17)
(7). The example for submission (vs 21-25)
SERMON BODY:
Ill:
• Ok, let’s start with the easy ones!
• Cloud watchers look at the
• Stargazers look at...
• Meteorologists look at...the weather.
• Railway Buff look at…trains.
• Twitchers look at...birds.
• Photographers look at all sorts!
• A few harder ones.
• Herpetologists look for... reptiles.
• Geocaches look for...A geocache or ‘cache’ use GPS devise to find a small waterproof treasure box hidden outdoors.
• A curtain-twitcher looks at…
• (They are a person who typically watches neighbours through the window).
Ill:
• 25 Million CCTV Cameras:
• Globally it is estimated that there are approximately 25 million CCTV cameras,
• And Britain holds a high percentage of these with a recorded number of around 4 million.
• The UK has more CCTV activity than any other European country, per capita.
• TRANSITION: Todays sermon has been given the title, ‘Somebody’s Watching You!’
• From the above information, more people watch us than perhaps we will ever know.
• Now long before the days of CCTV,
• Long before the term, ‘A curtain-twitcher’ was thought up,
• The apostle Peter informs his readers they are being watched, so live carefully! (vs 12)
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may SEE your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
• Note: not here your great gospel message or listen to your great songs,
• But see your goods deeds.
• Actions really do speak louder than words!
Note: So far in our studies in 1 Peter, the teaching has been,
• Walk in hope (1:1-12)
• Walk in holiness (1:13-21)
• Walk in harmony/unity (1:22 to 2:12)
• Today, walk in humility/submission (2:13-21)
• That is the big idea in this section, the topic is submission!
• Now let’s be honest, submission is not a word to cheer you up!
• None of us want to submit to other people,
• In fact, if we are honest,
• We like it when other people want to submit to our ideas and preferences (or is that just me)!
• Now we are going to zoom through these verses,
• Because from this section I have seven points that I want to share with you!
• So timewise I make that 3 minutes a point!
(1). The command for submission (vs 13a):
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority”.
• N.I.V: “Submit yourselves”.
• N.L.B: “Accept”.
• C.E.B: “Obey”.
The word “submission” means: “a bending to the authority or control of another.”
• Note: It doesn’t mean the one who is submitting is inferior,
• But rather it is an issue of function,
• If something is going to work well or be orderly in how it works,
• It will require a degree of submitting.
Ill:
• If you drive you practice that all the time.
• At a roundabout or T-Junction you ‘submit’ you ‘give way’
• To vehicles approaching from the right.
• As a result, the roads should run orderly and function well,
• If you refuse to ‘submit’ you ‘give way’ you will have problems.
• Note: Submission does not mean the one who is submitting is inferior,
• e.g., Christ submitted himself to the Father (John 6:38, 1 Corinthians 15:28),
• He was subject to the Father’s will, but that did not make him inferior to the Father.
• It rather shows us the unity, the order, the partnership of their relationship.
Now, in his letter, Peter will tell his readers to submit in 4 different areas of their lives:
• In society at large (chapter 2 verses 13-17).
• In the workplace (chapter 2 verses 18-20).
• In the home (chapter 3 verses 1-7).
• And within the Church family (chapter 5 verses 5).
Now I can tell what some of you are thinking!
• I can see the cogs going round and round in your heads.
• Some of you are saying…
• “Hold on……: You do not know what my authorities are like.
• You do not know what my work situation is like.
• You do not know what my home circumstances are like.
• You do not know what my Church family is like!”
• That is true, I don’t know all about your situation,
• But I can almost guarantee,
• That it will not be as unfair as the situation Peter’s readers were facing.
• And if you scan down to the end of our passage (vs 22-25).
• I can almost guarantee, it will not be as unfair as to what Jesus faced.
The point of a passage like this one is:
• God expects his people (you & I - Christians) to respect authority.
• And we show respect by being good citizens.
• And by obeying the laws of the land.
• We may not agree with those laws and we may not like those laws,
• But we seek to obey them.
• Unless those law ask us to do something that clearly contradicts his word the Bible.
• Then we follow the word of God and our consciences.
Remember:
• The apostle Peter penned his letters during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero.,
• One of the worst tyrants known to history.
• And yet his advice is, submit to those in authority.
Quote: Sean Kernan (is one of the most renowned writers on the question-and-answer site Quora)
“Nero embodied tyranny and madness.
In his shadow, most modern political ‘bad guys’ look like peace figures…
…Nero killed his own mother. He had both of his wives executed. He murdered thousands on a whim and likely burnt down Rome on purpose. He mutilated a young boy to turn him into his husband.
Nero was so hated, that for centuries, there were countless false stories about him. Historians of his era made it a point to bury him and present him as a hyper-tyrant, as a form of retribution.”
The apostle Peter lived in an openly sinful, decadent societies:
• Rome was infamous for evil: e.g., Homosexuality, infanticide, government corruption,
• Abuse of women, immorality & violence, to name a few things that were wrong.
• Yet, neither of these apostles told their readers to defy civil authority.
• The New Testament is quite clear – submit to authorities.
• We may or may not like our government,
• But Peter & Paul gives us clear commands regarding it.
ill:
• Joke: Boris Johnson and His Cabinet.
• Were meeting over a lunch to discuss some very important decisions.
• The waiter, approaching Boris with his notepad and asked him:
• "Sir, what will you have?"
• "I'll have the Beef Wellington," replied the Prime Minister promptly,
• Eager to get on with the business at hand.
• "And for the vegetables?" continued the waiter politely.
• Without looking up Boris replies, "They'll have the same."
• TRANSITION: We may or may not like our government,
• (And when an election comes around you have your chance to change it – unlike the apostles)
• But until that time. Peter & Paul both tell us to respect it and submit to it.
• Bible does not recommend one form of government over another,
• It is not concerned with dictatorship or democracy.
• Rather it simply asks Christians,
• To accept the government under whose authority they find themselves.
• That does not mean we cannot protest about bad or wrong decisions they make,
• That does not mean we cannot even try to change the Government at election time,
• But it does mean our protests should be peaceful,
• It does mean our protests should be within the laws of our country.
• And we break those laws as and when those laws oppose God’s word.
(2). The motive for submission (verse 13b)
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority”.
• N.I.V: “Submit yourselves for THE LORD'S SAKE”
• C.E.B: “THE LORD WANTS you to obey all human authorities”.
• Christians are called to ‘submit’ because this pleases God.
• And that should be the only motivation we need!
Ill:
• Last year the rock/pop star Elton John's autobiography, ‘Me’, was released,
• I did not buy a copy, but I did hear excerpts read on BBC Radio 4's Book of the Week.
• Whether you are a fan or not, Elton John is a huge music star.
• e.g., Elton John went on to become the fifth highest-selling recording artist of all time.
• e.g., He was the first musician to enter the US album charts at number one.
• e.g., He has won a Brit award for outstanding achievement three times.
• e.g., And he owns six gold, 38 platinum and one diamond albums.
• Now that might impress you but alas none of this, impressed his father.
• Stanley Dwight, a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force,
• Never attended one of Elton's shows, and never expressed pride in his son's success.
• Their relationship was strained until his death from heart disease in 1991.
• In that autobiography, ‘Me,’
• Elton admits he spent his whole career "trying to show my father what I'm made of".
And in an BBC interview about the book the star said,
"It's crazy, but I just wanted his approval, I'm still trying to prove to him that what I do is fine - and he's been dead for almost 30 years."
• TRANSITION: As Christians we are called to please our heavenly Farther.
• We can win his approval.
• And we do that NOT by our achievements but by our attitude!
• We are called to ‘submit’ because this pleases God.
• And pleasing God should be the only motivation we need!
(3). The extent of submission (vs 13c-14)
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right”.
Ill:
• A Russian goes into a post office in Moscow.
• And complains that the stamps will not stick to the envelopes.
• Handing him a stamp, the cashier says; “Here, try licking this one”.
• Then the cashier says,
• “I see your problem, Comrade you are spitting on the wrong side of the stamp”.
• TRANSITION: we may not like those in authority,
• But we are to cooperate with those authority figures,
• And obey the local and national laws of the land, within the boundaries of God’s laws.
Notice: the breadth of this instruction.
• “Every human authority” That is very wide, very broad, very extensive.
• Peter says, “From the person at the top to those at grass roots.”
• From the Queen, the Prime Minister to the lowest local official.
• Though we may not like them or agree with them, we are to still show them respect.
• Because (vs 14) they are appointed by God.
• Their responsibility is to punish those who do evil and praise those who do good.
• Now this ideal was certainly not reached in Peter’s day and still isn’t reached in our own.
• But the point is we respect the office even if we cannot respect the officer.
• e.g., In the armed forces you respect the office even when you do not like the officer.
• Also, it does not refer to each individual law,
• But to the institutions that makes and enforces the laws.
• It is possible to submit to the organizations and still disobey certain laws.
• As Christians we will need to exercise discernment with our lawmakers,
• The norm should be that we seek to follow the laws of those in authority.
• But we can resist and oppose those laws when they are contrary to the word of God.
Ill:
• We see examples of that in the New Testament and even in the life of Peter.
• When the apostles are arrested and put them in prison for preaching.
• Acts chapter 5 verse 29: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”
(4). The reason for submission (vs 15)
N.I.V.:
“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people”.
The Message:
“God wants you to silence stupid and ignorant people by doing right.”
• God has willed that we silence the critics, it literally reads, ‘muzzle’ our critics,
• Even if they are like a pack of barking dogs,
• We silence them by doing good and not by opposing authorities.
Foolish accusations come from the mouths of foolish people:
• Peter does not pull any punches, he calls them “Stupid and ignorant”.
• But Peter always did tell it like it was.
Ill:
• We live in a world full of foolish & stupid people:
• I read this week about the man who phone 111 and spoke frantically into the phone,
• "My wife is pregnant, and her contractions are only two minutes apart!" "
• The person at the endo of the line asked. “Is this her first child?"
• "No!" the man shouted, "This is her husband!"
• TRANSITION:
• Peter tells his readers to expect to encounter, foolish, “stupid and ignorant” people.
• Who will make false accusations against you?
Ill:
• In the Roman Empire many false rumours were being spread about Christians.
• They were accused of cannibalism,
• Because they would supposedly “eat the flesh & drink blood” at communion.
• They were accused of incest,
• e.g., Because the expression, “Love your brothers and sisters” was misunderstood.
• e.g., They were accused of atheism,
• Because they had no idols and only worship one unseen God.
• e.g., They were accused of treason, the were loyal to another kingdom,
• Because they declared, “Jesus as Lord” instead of Caesar.
• The apostle Peter says, the way to ‘muzzle’ your critics,
• Do good and where possible obey the authorities.
• Let your actions and attitudes speak louder than words.
(5). The Attitude of Submission (vs 16)
N.I.V.:
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.”
The Message:
“Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules”.
• At our conversion we were set free in Christ:
• Free from condemnation.
• Free from the Law’s penalty.
• Free from Satan’s bondage.
• Free from the worlds control.
• Free from deaths power.
Peter cautions us (those who are free):
• Not to use that freedom as a ‘covering’ for evil.
• ‘Covering’ indicates placing a mask or veil over something.
• We all know that evil people like bank robbers wear masks (Joke: Covid-19 masks).
Now freedom is not an excuse for licentious (living as you please).
Ill:
• An angry church member once went up to her pastor.
• And asked him.
“Why do you keep on preaching to us Christians about sin. After all, sin in the life of a Christian is different from sin in the life of an unsaved person”.
• The pastor replied,
• “Yes, you are correct, sin in a Christian is different. It is much worse.
Ill:
• A policeman who breaks the law is worse than an ordinary person,
• You expect better, higher standards!
• TRANSITION: A Christian who breaks the law is also worse than a non-believer,
• Because we ought to know better, we ought to be living for the king!
Note: Having the right attitude is so important:
• ill: During the war a chaplain was speaking to a soldier on a cot in a hospital.
• “You have lost an arm in the great cause,” he said.
• “No,” said the soldier. “I didn’t lose it--I gave it.”
• TRANSITION: A right attitude –
• And Peter wants his readers to have the right attitude.
• Not to be good citizens on the outside but full of evil on the inside.
• Have the right attitude, it will help us stay pure,
• And it will turn our ‘submitting’ into service for God rather than it being a burden!
(6). The application of submission (vs 17)
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.”
• In this verse Peter summaries into four practical, and applicatory points.
• The things that he has been sharing about submission & citizenship.
(1). HONOUR ALL PEOPLE
“Show proper respect to everyone”.
• Every person was made in God’s image.
• And therefore, due some respect.
• In the first century slaves were viewed as ‘non-persons’ ‘living tools. They had no rights!
• Yet there was one place in the world where every slave was equal with his master,
• That was in the Church!
Peter tells his readers that they are not to treat anyone that way.
• We are not to discriminate against any people because of.
• Race, nationality, economic status, even sexual preferences!
• That does not mean we tolerate everyone’s behaviour or ideology.
• It does mean we show respect for the individual made in God’s image.
(2). LOVE OTHER CHRISTIANS “Love the brotherhood of believers”.
• Christians are to show that they love one another.
• This is so basic but so nescercery and we will pick up on this in future sessions.
Ill:
• Fish do not attend classes to learn how to swim (pun: even though they swim in schools),
• Birds do not attend classes in order to fly.
• They do it automatically, it’s their nature.
• Because a fish has a fish’s nature, it swims; because a hawk has a hawk’s nature, it flies.
• Because a Christian has God’s nature (2 Peter chapter 1 verse 4),
• We love, because “God is love” (1 John chapter 4 verse 8).
(3). FEAR GOD.
• Fear God are words that weave themselves all through the Bible.
• Respect him and trust whatever your circumstances.
• And you will respect other people and authorities.
• And I will go on record as saying, if you don’t respect other people and authorities.
• That is probably because you do not really fear God!
• Respect at the top,
• Leads to respect in other areas of our lives.
(4). HONOUR THE KING.
• Which brings the issue full circle back to the basic command in verse 13.
• This application echoes Paul’s teaching in Romans chapter 13.
• Especially vs 7:
“That's also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfil your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.”
Ill:
• Words of Jesus come to mind (Luke chapter 20 verse 25).
• “Give to Caesar what is Caesars…”
When persecution comes:
• The only accusation against us should be for who we follow and why,
• And not because we are bad citizens who cause trouble and do not pay their bills.
(7). The example for submission (vs 21-25)
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
‘He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.’
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’ For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
Ill:
• Do you remember the “What Would Jesus Do?” craze?
• We don’t hear or see too much about it these days,
• But at one time it was big,
• And wrist bands and badges and all sorts had the letters ‘WWJD’ on them.
• TRANSITION: The idea behind of ‘WWJD’ is that,
• We use Jesus’ example in the various decisions and activities of our lives,
• We ask what would Jesus do in that situation.
• Well in these verses Peter tells us, no need to be unsure,
• We have a living example of how Jesus put these truths into practice!
Ill:
• Jesus was mistreated, abused and killed,
• By the unjust and unrighteous rule of the Jewish & Roman authorities:
• Yet, he never opposed their right to rule.
• He did denounce the sins of the Jewish leaders (Matt 16:11-12&23:13-33).
• But he never sought to overturn their authority.
• Instead of being preoccupied with political and social reform.
• Jesus always focused on matters pertaining to his kingdom.
• If you want to change society, you start by changing people’s hearts and minds.
• And that is what the gospel did and continues to do.
And finally:
• Jesus is our example in life (vs 21-23).
• Jesus is our substitute in death (vs 24).
• Jesus is our watchful Shepherd in heaven (vs 25).
Jesus is our example in life (vs 21-23).
• He suffered and warned all who follow him will suffer (John 16:33)
• When we face unfair treatment don’t be surprised,
• For most Christians in the world, that’s the normal Christian life i.e., persecuted Church.
• Learn from Jesus, how to handle it with dignity.
Jesus is our substitute in death (vs 24).
• These verses are a reminder that not one person here today or watching is perfect,
• We are far from it in fact we are rotten to the core!
• (Romans chapter 5 verse 12 & Psalm 14 verse 2).
• Likewise, our leaders are flawed sinful human beings, they too are far from perfect,
• So, should we be surprised when they fail in their decisions and behaviour?
Jesus is our watchful Shepherd in heaven (vs 25).
• We are not on our own, whatever our circumstances, good or bad,
• The Lord is with those who trust in him!
• Let us fix our eyes on him for daily strength to face those daily difficulties.
SERMON AUDIO:
https://surf.pxwave.com/wl/?id=kwFB73hmaUiVoGHcKuvYAFuCQj4gxoxj
SERMON VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/nQp8dBEp-3Q
