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
B. Salt and Light: Our Conduct in our Callings: 1 Peter 2:18-21
1. What are we to do toward authority at work and home? – 1 Peter 2:18a
2. How are we to be submitting to this authority?
a. Reverently – 1 Peter 2:18b, Eph. 6:5, Col. 3:22, Prov. 23:17
b. Impartially – 1 Peter 2:18b, Acts 10:9-16, Acts 10:34, Deut. 10:17, Col. 3:23-25
3. Why are we submitting to this authority?
a. Our identity – 1 Peter 2:18a, Gal. 5:1, Gal. 5:13
b. For conscience sake – 1 Peter 2:19, Acts 23:1, Acts 24:16
c. Jesus’ example – 1 Peter 2:21
APPLYING THE WORD
1. Do I gladly with no complaining submit to my employer, supervisor, or boss at work? Is this submission also practiced in my home?
2. Am I living out my identity in Christ as the motive for my submission? If not, what areas of selfishness do I need to address?