Tag: 1 Peter 2:13-19
Living as Servants of God
Scripture reading for November 10: 1 Peter 2
“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 you 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.” 1 Peter 2:13-19
Peter was writing to a suffering church that was enduring persecution to help them function in a wicked culture. Following the resurrection, he was shown by Jesus how he would suffer and how he would die. (John 21:18-19) Peter emphasized that we should not suffer as a result of our own rebellion to the government or disrespect for human authorities. Here he emphasized voluntary submission, even to a wicked Gentile emperor. Governors who served under the emperor were also to be honored and respected in that they served to punish the evil-doers and encourage the upright. (Romans 13:1-5) All authority is established by God and answers to Him.
Believers have been set free from sin and it’s penalty, but should not use their new-found freedom as a license to continue in sin. They are servants of God and should reflect their Master to those in the world. Each person should be treated with honor as made in God’s image. Love should mark our every action and attitude, reflecting God the Father, who is Love! We should always honor God in all we do as well as the emperor and governors appointed by Him. If we serve as a slave, employee, or volunteer, we should serve with a respectful attitude to all, whether they treat us respectfully or with contempt and injustice. Because we have received God’s amazing grace, we are to be gracious even as we may suffer unjustly.
How do you receive the instruction offered here by Peter on respect and submission to authority, good or unjust? What does it mean to submit to authorities and why are we to do this even to the harsh ones? Why are believers to be gracious in suffering unjustly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for all authority that You place in this world and in my life. Help me to cheerfully submit to authority and honor them properly by respect and obedience. By the Holy Spirit, let Your grace flow in my life towards those who are evil and unjust. May your mercy lead them to repent. Amen.