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.
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. – 1 Peter 2:13 – 1 Peter 3:7
A. Salt and Light: Our Conduct in Public: 1 Peter 2:13-17
Why we submit, subject ourselves to rightful human authority
1. Human authority is ordained by God – 1 Peter 2:13-14, Romans 13:1-7, Acts 5:27-29
2. Submission to human authority testifies to God’s Person – 1 Peter 2:15, Acts 10:34-38
3. Submission to human authority opens Gospel doors – 1 Peter 2:15, 1 Peter 3:13-16, Acts 7:54-60
How we submit, subject ourselves to rightful human authority
1. Keep our heavenly citizenship in our thinking – 1 Peter 2:16, Phil. 3:17-21, Col. 3:1-4, 1 Peter 2:11
2. Maintain impartial attitudes toward people – 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Peter 2:9
3. Maintain the unity of love in the body of Christ – 1 Peter 2:17, John 13:34-35, 1 Peter 1:22
4. Walk in the fear of God – 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Peter 1:17, Ecclesiastes 12:13
5. Pray earnestly for all human authority – 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Timothy 2:1-4
APPLYING THE WORD
1. Am I submissive to human authority in my life as evidenced by a non-complaining attitude toward officials?
2. Do I consistently obey all the laws of the land to include traffic?
3. Do I pray regularly for those in authority over me?
4. Is my public life lived as to prove I am a Christian?