The Hope of Submission (1 Peter 2:11-25)
1 Peter 2:11-25
This week at Grace we're continuing our series in 1 Peter by looking at how Peter tells us to live in relationship to political and employment authorities in our lives.
Yep, that four letter word: Politics. "Ugh, I hate when they talk about politics at church!"
I get that. And there's a lot to affirm in that hesitancy. The sacredness of Christian worship is more important than just advocating for a political position. But there are times (like in 1 Peter 2) where Scripture speaks plainly and challengingly about our responsibilities with relation to politics.
I hope you'll join us online tomorrow morning to open up God's Word to this timely and relevant passage.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
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.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
-1 Peter 2:11-25