Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. Isn't it a blessing to be gathered here today, in this sacred place we call our spiritual home? A place where we can lay down our burdens, where we can find comfort in fellowship, and where we can grow in our understanding of God’s Word. Today, we are going to open up the pages of our Bibles to the first letter of Peter, chapter 2, verses 13 through 19.

Before we do that, let me share with you a quote from John Stott. He once said, "His authority on earth allows us to dare to go to all the nations. His authority in heaven gives us our only hope of success. And His presence with us leaves us no other choice." Isn't that a powerful reminder of the importance of immersing ourselves in God? He is the food for our souls, the light for our paths, and the guide for our lives.

Now, let's look at the Scripture at hand. It reads:

"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. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God."

In this passage, Peter is addressing three key areas of our lives. The first is our relationship with those who govern us, our rulers. The second is our relationship with those around us, our neighbors, friends, and family. And the third is our relationship with our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we unpack this passage, let's remember that the Bible is not just a book of rules or a history of ancient people. It is a living, breathing Word of God that speaks to us today, in our present circumstances, offering us guidance and wisdom.

So, let's bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for the privilege of gathering in your name, for the blessing of your Word. As we open our hearts and minds to your message today, we pray that you would speak to us, that you would guide us, that you would enlighten us. Help us to understand your Word, to apply it in our lives, and to be transformed by it. We pray this in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let’s get started!

Reverence for Rulers

In the passage we've just read, Peter calls us to submit ourselves to every human authority for the Lord's sake. This is a call to respect and honor those who have been placed in positions of power and authority over us. It's a call to recognize that these individuals, whether they are emperors, governors, or other leaders, are there because God has allowed them to be in those positions.

What this doesn't mean: That we should blindly follow or unquestioningly obey our leaders. It doesn't mean that we ignore injustice or turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. What it does mean is that we approach our leaders with a spirit of respect and honor, recognizing their authority and their role in maintaining order and stability in our society.

Why should we do this?: Why should we submit to human authorities, especially when they may not always act in ways that are just or fair? The answer lies in the second part of the verse: "For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people." By acting with respect and honor towards our leaders, we are demonstrating our faith in action. We are showing that we are not just talkers, but doers of the word. We are showing that we are not just hearers of the word, but doers as well. And by doing so, we are silencing the ignorant talk of foolish people.

This doesn't mean that we never speak up or voice our concerns: It doesn't mean that we never stand up for what is right or fight against injustice. What it does mean is that we do so in a way that is respectful and honoring, in a way that reflects our faith and our commitment to doing good.

What does it mean to live as free people: This is what Peter calls us to do in the next verse. It means that we are not bound by the rules and regulations of this world, but are free to live according to the principles and values of the kingdom of God. It means that we are not slaves to sin, but are free to live a life of righteousness and holiness. But this freedom is not a license to do whatever we want. It is not a cover-up for evil, as Peter warns us. Instead, it is a call to live as God's slaves, to live a life that is dedicated to serving and honoring God in all that we do.

Regard for Relationships

Moving forward, we find ourselves in the realm of relationships ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO