Aliens and Exiles: 4

1 Peter 2:13–17 (ESV)

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Opening

Story of how I struggled with authority.

When I was a young(er) person I had a problem with authority. I was smug and arrogant I though authority was just there so suppress and oppress. I thought I was top stuff that I was right and the authorities around me were behind the times. In all honesty I had a sense of self righteousness that was not God honouring at all.

Once time during covid we all had to wear masks, we were at an event and the church just announced that we had to. being smug I put it on and wore it at my chin. when i was called on this by someone I thought i was above the law and simply said “I am wearing the mask”

A good friend of mine called me on this and asked if this was God honouring?

It was hard to defend my actions in place of scripture

the thing is that often especially as young adults we have a hard time going along with properly implemented authority. I disagreed with the governments but in my response I was being foolish and dishonouring not only human institution but also the Lord.

Being subject

1 Peter 2:13–14 ESV

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

What does being subject look like?

being subject comes from the greek word ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō)