1 Peter 2:13-25
Silencing by Submissiveness vv.13-15
Look at Romans 13:1-7
God has put into place those in authority over us. It is always for His glory, sometimes it may be uncomfortable, discipline, persecution, or even death. It’s rigged! If we believe that God doesn’t know what He’s doing or doesn’t care, we have made God into a small unbiblical imagine. We put man-centered theology on a God-centered command.
Why are we to submit to authority? To show a broken world that our God and our Hope is out of this world! To silence the critics! What happens when we complain? People start to wonder where are hope is. Have we put our hope in here and now? If so, that’s all we’ll receive, an empty life, a life separated from Christ for eternity!
1 Thessalonians 4:11
Silence those who examine your life, and may they see Christ broke through! May they want what we have!
Sever and Savor vv.16-17
v.16- Freedom in this context is not a freedom to sin, but a freedom from the bondage of sin. Sever that bondage.
Galatians 5:13-14
v.17 Savor the love through Christ, for everyone, your fellow Christians, God the Father, and authority over you.
Special Sacrifice vv.18-25
What if I have an authority, a boss, or an organization that tries to punish me for my relationship with Christ? I’ve lived a life that was God honoring and people loving, but they are bent on punishing me. I ask this question, because I believe that this question is something every Christian should wrestle with. Count the cost! If it cost me my life, will I still follow Jesus? Only the Holy Spirit can answer in that moment, yes! Yes Jesus is worth it!
1 Peter 4:12-14
James says count it all joy!