In His Steps

1 Peter 2:13–17 (NKJV)

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,

or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Submit - Hupo -Tasso - It means to place under in an orderly fashion. Or come under in an orderly arrangement.

We are told to abide by governmental laws, to submit to every authority.

All of creation submits to God he has placed the all of the world under His control. The world has to submit because they are limited by the laws of nature.

Evidently Christians were being slandered and falsely accused of evil, for Peter stressed that it is God’s will (thelēma, a term expressing the result of one’s purpose or desire; cf. “God’s will” in 1 Peter 3:17; 4:2, 19)

Peter remedy that through our excellent behavior we silence or muzzle the ignorant talk of foolish men.

Our best defence for slanderous criticism is good behavior.

Christians at this time was facing lies and verbal abuse, but some came from a place where they faced torture and death.

But at this time Christians where still enjoying the protection of a legal system.

Right now here in America we enjoy the protection of the legal system. Though theres slander and lies being put on Christians.

We submit so we can be in harmony with people.

Anytime God asked you to submit theres an implication of to be in harmony with.

There are three categories we are told to be at harmony with someone.

Be at harmony in the world

Be at harmony at home

Be at harmony in the workplace.

We are told to submit ourselves to every institution of man for the Lord’s sake.

The motivation for submitting is not for the fear of punishment but for the Lords sake.

We are to observe man-made laws carefully as long as those laws don’t conflict with the clear teaching of Scripture.

Acts 4:16–18 NKJV

saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Acts 4:19 (NKJV)

But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.

The Apostles were severely threaten and commanded that they are not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

They weren’t told not to perform miracles but not to speak and teach in Jesus name

Titus 3:1–2 NKJV

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Romans 13:1–7 NKJV

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.