“First Peter 2:13-17”

Monday, September 04, 2017

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”

---End of Scripture verses---

It is imperative for the Lord’s people to learn respect for God-given authority. The inspired apostle urges us to willingly offer our submission “to every human institution” in verse 13. This would include forms of national and local governments, as well as smaller organizations that require rules and regulations to be followed. It works greatly to the advantage of pilgrims and strangers upon this earth for organized structure to exist within human societies, and minds enlightened by Holy Scripture know that “there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1).

Of course, when the government requires Christians to disobey God’s commands, that may require “holy disobedience” on our part, to borrow a term used by the late, great Paul Ayres. When the Jewish Council gave the Apostles “strict orders not to continue teaching” in the name of Christ Jesus (Acts 5:28), “Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5:29). They were not rebels inciting a social uprising, but respectful members of society expressing obedience to the commands of God. Under normal circumstances, however, when governments function properly and follow God’s sanction by punishing “evildoers” and “praising those who do right” (verse 14), we should submit to their authority “for the Lord’s sake.”

When we show proper respect for legitimate authority, we not only please the Lord but also make it possible to “silence the ignorance of foolish men” (verse 15). It is only “by doing right” that we can show the ways of the Lord to the people who despise our walk in Christ. Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38) to all people, even the ones who hated and persecuted Him. We will never win an opponent over to Christ and save a soul from destruction by fighting fire with fire. God calls us to “honor all people” (verse 17). “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)

In God’s governance submission and freedom go hand-in-hand. The only people who are truly “free men” are those who become “bondslaves of God” by fully submitting their will to His (verse 16). Those of us who have been baptized into Christ’s death have died to sin and must no longer live therein (Romans 6:2-3). Faith in Christ does not offer us the liberty to do just as we please, but provides freedom from the slavery and oppression of sin. “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.’” (John 8:34-36)

Please read 1 Peter 2:18-20 for tomorrow.

Have a great holiday!

-Louie Taylor

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