crumbs43

 

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 43

1 Peter 2: 13-17 The Christian and Civil Authority

Scripture 1 Peter 2:13-17 New International Version 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.

Crumbs Peter has been describing the desirable way of life tor those who have accepted Christ’s salvation ; a way of life that seeks to prevent the God of the gospel being defamed. Peter deals with people in various situations; slave, married couples, elders, youth and the persecuted. In this passage he deal with citizens.

Peter’s teaching is consistent with Paul’s in Romans 13. Human authorities are ordained be God and we should put ourselves below these authorities. Scripture views such authorities as the promoters and guardians of ethical behaviour. We are to submit “ for the Lord’s sake”. As God’s people we reflect an image of Him. That image is one of submission.. We see this in Christ’s sacrificial life and death.

Sometimes Christianity is misunderstood , including by folk who have not looked into it. Believers are asked to behave so well that such accusations are seen to be false. We are free but we govern our freedom for the sake of our witness and our service to God.

Verse 17has a four fold pointer to how we should live. How ever odious the person you are dealing with, they are made in the image of God. Listen and respect. Our fellow believers may be as cuddly as hedgehogs. Love them nonetheless. The basis of it all is our reverent aweand loveof God who has appointed Charles III. Long live the King and God help the Prime Minister!

Queries( for private thought or joint discussion)1. In Acts 4:19 Peter implies that obedience to God stands above our obedience to the state. In what situationsmay weface such a challenge? 2.What we should do if the authorities are unethical? 3. Which freedoms should we sacrifice for the sake of our witness for God?

 Please note that this is also published on my blog along with poems and other items on https://pmgsblog.blogspot.com 

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