Life.101 (Part 5)

A Life of Submission (Part 1)
1 Peter 2:11-17

Our Identity: We are people who do not belong to this world.

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world…” (v. 11a). We are in the world but not of the world. “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).

Our Lifestyle: We are to live lives that are above reproach.

· Remember: Our actions are determined by our desires.

“…to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul” (v. 11b).

There is a war being waged within us: the Spirit versus the flesh (see Romans 7:14-25).

· Remember: Unbelievers are watching.

“Live such good lives among the pagans…” (v. 12a).

· Remember: The greatest tool for evangelism is living God's way.

“…that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (v. 12b).

Accusations made against Christians in Peter’s day: (1) Disloyalty to that state (because Christians refused to offer incense on the altars to the emperor); (2) Atheism (because Christians didn’t worship a visible god, i.e., an idol); (3) Cannibalism (because people misunderstood the meaning of “eating and drinking” the elements representing Christ’s body and blood).

The Greek word translated "see" refers to a careful watching, over a period of time. Peter wanted his readers to live such good lives that they would silence their critics. (There are still critics of Christianity today.)

What is “the day of visitation” (KJV)? God visits people for two reasons: (1) judgment (Isaiah 10:3) or (2) blessing (Jeremiah 27:22). “The day of visitation” may refer to the day of Christ’s return (on that day everyone will praise God; Philippians 2:10-11) or the day of conversion.

THE BIG IDEA: Our lifestyle, including our attitude and actions toward the government, will either glorify or shame the name of Christ.

How should we act as citizens of Canada?

1. We should submit ourselves to the authority of our government.

“Submit yourselves…” (v. 13a).

a. We should recognize and accept that human government is established by God (Romans 13:1-4).

(1) To protect its citizens.
(2) To punish wrongdoers.
(3) To promote the welfare of society.

b. We should pay our taxes to our government (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:7).

c. We should pray for our government leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

2. We should submit for the Lord's sake.

“…for the Lord’s sake…” (v. 13b).

3. We should submit no matter how bad our government is.

“…to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, 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” (vv. 13c-14).

When Peter wrote these words (probably early 60s), Nero was the Roman emperor, who was the first emperor to persecute Christians. The persecution began after the great fire of Rome, a rumor circulated that Nero had ordered the fire. So Nero blamed the fire on the Christians. He ordered Christians to be thrown to dogs, while others were crucified or burned. Both Peter and Paul died during this period. Christians are expected to be good citizens even in extreme situations.

4. We should submit except when commanded to sin.

“Then [the Sanhedrin] called [Peter and John] in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:18-20). If we must make a choice between obeying the government or God, we must always choose to obey God (see Exodus 1:17; Daniel 3:13-18; Hebrews 11:23).

What about when a government permits evil (example: abortion). In such a situation, we should voice our concerns and beliefs and try to change the laws of the land (but in a peaceful and respectful way).

5. We should submit to be a witness to unbelievers.

“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men” (v. 15).

6. We should submit as servants of God.

“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God” (v. 16).

Martin Luther: “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” We are not servants of the government; we are servants of God. And He has told us to submit to our government.

“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (v. 17).