Called to Submit

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SERIES DESCRIPTION: In this series on 1st and 2nd Peter, Pastor Shawn and Krista highlight how Peter is remind the church that they are CALLED OUT of the darkness. This week P. Shawn explores 1 Peter 2:13-16 as Peter reminds us that we are called out to Submit.

Altar Instructions: Please come up when I begin the 1st of the last 3 sub points during point 3.

Series | Called Out

Pre-Message Welcome

Grace Place family! It’s awesome to have you here with us today, whether in person or online.

I’m Shawn, and along with my wife, we serve as the Co-Pastors of this incredible church.

At The Grace Place, our mission is clear: we are Caring People, Caring for People.

We pray that you experience God’s care in our time together and in your life.

Spanish Welcome - 2nd Service ONLY!

A nuestra familia de habla hispana .... Bienvenidos…

es-pera-mos que usted… y su familia.. se-sien-tan bien a-tend-idos también.

To our Spanish speaking family... welcome, we hope you and your family feels cared for as well.

Before we get into the message today….

Pastor Plug: RR & Girls Min Award

Join us next Sunday, October 12 at 6 p.m. for the Girls Ministries and Royal Rangers Award Ceremony as we celebrate the accomplishments of all the kids who have participated in these clubs on Wednesday nights. Families, friends, and our entire church community are invited to this special evening.

Transition: We’re currently in a series entitled…

Series | Called Out

We are working our way through 1st and 2nd Peter, two books found in the New Testament.

Peter is writing to a church facing lots of persecution and hardship. He is writing to encourage and remind the Church… that God has called them to STAND OUT from the darkness around them… . I believe these book speak directly into many of the challenges we face today.

One of the key verse in these books that sums up his writings is this…

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who CALLED YOU OUT of darkness into his marvelous light.”

The bottom line for this series is to remind us we have been CALLED to STAND OUT as representatives of Gods Kingdom.

As believers we are NOT called to fit into the world around us, but CALLED OUT of it.

If you missed any of the message so far in this series you listen most places podcast are played or watch our youtube channel - there is a direct link in the Church Center App.

Go ahead and open your bibles Today.. to 1 Peter 2:13-2:17

1 Peter 2:13-2:17

New Living Translation Chapter 2

Respecting People in Authority

***Feel free to encourage people to listen to the Holy Spirit speak to them personally as the message is preached

LETS PRAY

Transition: the title of our message today is...

Sermon Title | Called out to Submit

Introduction

To preach a sermon on submission today almost feels radical—maybe even extreme. Especially In light of so much abuse and over reach of power from CEO and High Powered people, Pastors, and the every day narcissist. This is one of the bonuses of preaching through the bible, when a topic comes up, you preach on it no matter how popular it is or is not.

The truth is, submission has never been natural for humanity. From the very beginning, we’ve pushed against it:

In the garden, Adam and Eve chose rebellion over submission to Gods word.

Noah’s sons, who we’re rescued by God, quickly turned to rebellion not long after the arch landed on dry ground.

Israel, despite miracle after miracle, was quick to rebel.

I’m sure when you and I inspect our lives, we can see how we to have rested God and been unwilling to submit.

This is a VERY NEEDED sermon for anyone with blood in their veins.

The word here for Submit is a greek military term.

It describes the heart position and attitude to willingly place yourself under the authority of another.

In a biblical sense this invitation to submit it not about you agreeing with or trusting the authority, but it’s about Kingdom order and your ability you trust and submit to the ways of God.

The opposite of submittion is rebellion.

Why do people rebel? Because people rebel in an attempt to regain control.

Rebellion says, “I know better than you.”

It say’s says, “I should be in charge.”

Rebellion says, “I know better than God.”

Rebellion craves independence and runs from accountability.

Thats why any person thats isolated without accountability is a dangerous person.

I constantly remind our board, I don’t want YES men… I want your opinion, I want to know hearing from God, I want to know what you are thinking.

Last week we talked about our witness as citizens of Gods Kingdom. Peter continues to drill down on our conduct and what that looks like for us as Believers.

As Christians, do we get too rebel against all human authorities when they are anti GOd

Should we be REVOLUTIONARIES that overthrow unjust governments?

Should we sit on the sidelines… whining and complaining about the government?

Should we sit i silence…. and allow evil to rule?

Transition: We’re talking about… being

Sermon Title | Called out to SUBMIT

Bible tip… when dealing with a difficult passage… Its helpful to do a formal examination of scripture… This one of the best ways to get the full context and application of a passage in light of ALL Scripture.

Today we’re going to look at what submission from a few different perspectives… First… lets look at it IN YOUR NOTES>.. from…

A HISTORICAL perspective 1 Peter. 2:13-14

As we do this… we are going to pay attention to how the ancient people in the 1st Century viewed submittion.

Peter is addressing some concerns as he writes to these churches… its apparent they’re struggling with submitting to Roman authority that they disrespected.

Jews and Christians saw it as unlawful to obey any rule that was not a from God. For example when a family converted to Christianity they we’re known shift their loyalty from the Roman Empire ONLY to Christ ONLY and Peter say’s… NOT so fast.. ARE STILL required to obey human authorities that are outside the faith.

Peter indirectly helps them understand that submission is not worship — it’s a way to live honorably in a pluralistic world.

We see this beginning in v. 13

***Clay when you bring this passage up… include the previous point on the slide to keep it all in view please.

For the sake of the Lord… Submit to ALL human authorities

How would an ancient household understood this idea of SUBMISSION?

Really Peter…. Submittion ALL HUMAN AUTHORITIES?

See Ancient Homes had a code of conduct that they lived by. It included how to behave towards authorities like, parents, religious teachers, coaches, bosses, institutions or Government and this even extended to the elders in the community.

I could only imagine the church arguing… as the letter is being read to the congregation… as people may have wondered or even shouted… why should we submit to this heathen Government… that Killed our JESUS! We are people of God… and we wont bow down to their ways!

It’s almost as if Peter knows how they would respond to this so He puts down the HAMMER…

in v. 14… and answers the quesiton everyone was thinking WHY SHOULD WE SUBMIT?

becuase The Lord HAS APPOINTED them.

I can’t imagine how hard it was for them to hear this news…

So Peter… your saying… The Government that Killed Jesus, was appointed by the Lord?

This makes NO SENSE AT ALL

I don’t know about you… but if your anything like me, when I Look around at different authorities and their decisions :) Honesty… I have questions how about you?

The problem for these Christian is in their outright rebellion towards AUTHORITIES… we’re compromising their witness for Christ. WHICH Peter dealt with in the previous chapter

So a question I posed earlier…

As Christians, do we get too rebel against all human authorities when they are anti GOD? CLEARLY the Answer is no

Here a good question I think we should ask ourselves today… Lets look at it on the screen together…

Question: How can I honor authority without compromising my witness for Christ?”

You might have a teacher, employer, or governing authority that does NOT represent Christ…

How can you submit w/out losing your witness?

What do you need to change, your attitude, your posture, your heart

Transition: We’re talking about… being

Sermon Title | Called out to SUBMIT

We have looked at this from a HISTORICAL PERSEPCTIVE.

But sometimes this still leaves us with LOTS questions…

Why has the Lord allowed this?

If God is controlling ALL Authorities, why is there so much evil, whats the point of my involvement, whats the point of my vote?

This leads me to the next point which I believe will help us grapple with these questions. Lets look submission from… IN YOUR NOTES from…

A THEOLOGICAL perspective.( Gen 1:28, Ps 8:4-6, Jn 19:10-11)

When we read passages of scripture like this we need to keep other scripture and ideas about God in mind. Otherwise we might fall in EXTREME IDEAS that are UNBIBLICAL.

I don’t want to oversimplify what I’m going to say… because I do not think it is simple, but let me define a few things for you: that might be of help.. First lets talk about… IN YOUR NOTES

The Sovereignty of God: This describes God as the Supreme ruler of the world, this speak’s of Gods POSITION.

As Supreme ruler… God does something with some of his power and his authority…

Lets look at Gen. 1:28 to see what God did with his authority to RULE… earth

Genesis 1:28 NLT

Then God blessed them(Adam and Even) and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern(take dominion/rule) it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

God hands over SOME …NOT ALL but some of his Supreme rule … to HUMANS…

He gives them authority to fill, govern, manage, steward and RULE over living beings.

So its clear here that authorities have been given choice to rule how we see fit.

This means… When there is a evil ruler there is death and scarcity, when there is a fair ruler there is order.

Ok, so we know that the sovereignty of God has to do with SOME of his power and rule being given over to humanity.

This does NOT give us a complete picture… so Let’s talk about a 2nd theological phrase… IN YOUR NOTES…

The Providence of God: This describes how God governs, protect and guides the world towards his ultimate will. This speaks of Gods ACTION.

The difference here is Gods sovereignty speaks of Gods POSITION and His Providence speaks of his ACTION.

I believe there is more of a tension between human free will and God’s will to act that we realize.

Its NOT FREE WILL or NO WILL.

Its true that God allows human rulers to exercise free will wether (good or evil) and asks us to obey for His sake.

Its also true that in his Providential Will… He guides the world towards his ultimate purpose and HE will prevails.

You might want to write this down:

There are times that TRUSTING GOD will help you more… than trying UNDERSTANDING God. (REPEAT)

Why… becuase His ways are HIGHER that yours.

So a question I posed earlier…

Should we sit on the sidelines… whining and complaining about the government?

No, we should NOT, we should submit to HUMAN authority (Its how God established human governance.

But its also true that within our structure we have a free will… to vote… and our voice to influence, I believe as CHRISTIAN should use it.

We know that despite EVIL ruling… GOD WILL Make sure his ultimate WILL PREVALES!

v. 13 of our text says… we do this for what? THE SAKE OF THE LORD.

For the witness of God through his people is a representation of Christ on earth.

Here is the question I believe scripture is asking us today…

Question: Am I trusting God’s providence right now, even when I don’t agree with the leaders He allows to rule?

How is your behavior and attitude revealing a heart under submission or in rebellion?

Transition: We’re talking about… being

Sermon Title | Called out to SUBMIT

We have broken this passage down as we have looked at it from the

Historical Persepctive

Theological Perspective

And now I want to get really practical as we look at it from IN YOUR NOTES…

A CHRISTIAN perspective.(v.17, Gen 1:28, Ps 8:4-6, Prov. 22:3,

Lets talk about the daily live of the beleiver… I think its important to realize… IN YOUR NOTES

I believe we should be keenly aware… IN YOUR NOTES

When submittion is HELPFUL

Church we need to remember that Godly submission brings order and is helpful to societies and family.

v. 17… sums it up for us and says… Fear God respect the King

Scripture is clear that Authority is intend to be Gods TOOL for injustice and punishing evil.

***Just because there are injustices does NOT mean we ignore God’s word all IN ALL.

Without order, and submittion to authority, society collapse into complete anarchy it never works.

Proverbs 11:14 says it like this… “Where there is no guidance, a people falls(Where there is no rule and leadership-society crumbles) , but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

This is why Peter says towards the end of his SUBMISSION to authority speech he says in v.17, “Respect everyone.”

Listen, we may not always respect a person’s character, but we can respect their position that in God he has allowed.

We don’t submit becuase we approve on their moral stance or religious beliefs… but becuase we accept the AUTHORITY of Christ as he tells us to submit.

This does not just extend to governments, but to ALL Authorities, our bosses, our teachers, coaches, and Spiritual Leaders.

It’s popular today to DISHONOR authority, to be a rebellious REVOLUTIONARY.. but its NOT GODS will.

If want to know the attitude of a home…listen to the children… (They usually carry your attitude towards authority, your posture, your heart, your agers and your frustration)

****Friends, when are not in submission, things will NOT go well for you..

If you are in REBELLION overtly or even in your heart against your boss, your teachers, Pastor’s… how can we expect Gods blessing when he has asked us to SUBMIT to ALL AUTHORITY.

Godly Submission is HELPFUL.

This includes Church Authority… godly submission is biblical. Godly authority will bring accountability, and wisdom if you let it.

CHURCH… I want to remind you that for every pastor, boss, police officer, coach, or teacher or person of power who has abused their authority, there are hundreds of pastors, teachers, officers, and coaches with a genuine heart to do what is right and honorable.

Lastly for today… I think its important from the Christian perspective to realize… IN YOUR NOTES

When submittion is HARMFUL(Dan 3, Acts 5:27-29, 1 Sam. 19, Pro. 22:3)

We don’t see Peter Directly address this here, but we do see this principal throughout scripture. This is WHY we must keep scripture in light of scripture.

What do I do when obeying authority means disobeying Scripture?

Lets look at a few instances

We this it in Daniel 3…

When Hebrew boy’s would not submit to Governing Authorities as they we’re asked to bow down to an idol.

We also see it in Acts 5:27-29

When the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and the Apostles NOT to preach Jesus, they reply’ed, “We must obey God rather than men.”

Here’s the bottom line General Principal:

We submit to human authority as an act of obedience to God; but

When obedience to man means disobedience to God, we must respectfully refuse — even if it leads to suffering. (Repeat)

How about this…

What do I do when obeying authority means ignoring injustice and abuse?

We also see in 1 Samuel 19

When Jonathan disobeyed authority to protect David from unjust authorities that wanted him killed… so he helped rescue David to flee from his Abuser…

Scripture also say’s

Proverbs 31:8–9 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

This is why we contend for abused spouses and children, and unborn babies who can not contend for themselves.

Prov. 23:3 say’s…

Proverbs 22:3 “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”

Friends there is a time to step up and set up and step out… to seek refuge rather than continuing to suffer.

As believers and citizens, we:

Submit by being good citizens and seeking the welfare of others.

Engage through prayer, advocacy, and our civic responsibilities (Jer. 29:7; Rom. 13:7).

Remember that no election or candidate will bring heaven to earth — only Christ will, as the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I asked this quesiton in the beginning of the message”

Should we sit ini silence…. and walk in direct disobedience to scripture or allow evil to rule?

The answer is clearly NO, there are times we do not.

Here is the question I believe scripture is inviting us to ask ourselves today…

Question: Do you have an authority you are struggling to submit to? Do you need to be healed from an overreach of authority?

How can I honor those in authority this week, even when I disagree so that my conduct reflects Christ rather than rebellion?

I want to invite our prayer team to come forward…

PRAYER…

-Lay on hands

Those in DISOBEDIANCE

Those in Abused by ungodly AUTHORITY(Causes a resistance to submission - which is also disobedience)

Transition: As I close today….

So today… if you do NOT know Jesus as your Lord and Savior today is your day…

Salvation Altar Call

I believe Jesus is here today, and He wants to save you. Salvation simply means to deliver or to free. It’s not just about delivering you…

It’s about believing

Believing in Jesus means trusting what He say’s—about sin, and eternal punishment, thats the bad news.

The good news is this… that His death on the cross paid the penalty for our sins, making us right with God.

Ephesians 2:8 reminds us: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Salvation requires two things:

1. God’s Grace—His undeserved gift of forgiveness and life because of His love for you.

2. Faith—placing your trust in Him for salvation.

If you’ve never asked Jesus to save you, today is your day. If you’d like ask him… , raise your hand.

I want to invite you to Repeat a prayer after me

· There is nothing magical in this prayer.. it simply is a way of declaring to Jesus what has taken place in your heart.

Here is how I would like to end the service for everyone else….

Call to Action Altar Call

We’re going to end the service with A question as we do nearly every week.

ALL ACROSS THE ROOM – HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT spoken to you in anyway today?

Resources

Backers Encyclopedia of the Bible ONLINE LINK (https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/slave-slavery.html)

Adam Clarks Commentary ONLINE LINK (https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc/1-peter.html)

Going Deeper

What stuck out to you the in this passage? v. 13-16

How can I honor authority without compromising my witness for Christ?”

Am I trusting God’s providence right now, even when I don’t agree with the leaders He allows to rule?

Do you have an authority you are struggling to submit to? Do you need to be healed from an overreach of authority?

What might the Holy Spirit be saying to you in light of this teaching?

How might the Holy Spirit want to transform you in light of this teaching?

What actions might the Holy Spirit want to take in light of this teaching?

Tongues & Interpretation

1. To STRENGTHEN the Church (1 Cor14:5)

For prophecy is greater than SPEAKING in TONGUES, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be STRENGTHENED.

Believers, God has operated through this gift today to strengthen you today. Let your faith be strengthened and know that God is in control and using supernatural measures to speak to us.

2. Is a SIGN for unbelievers. (1Cor. 14: 21a, 22)

1 Corinthians 14:21–22 (ESV)

In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.

22 -  So you see that speaking in tongues is a SIGN, not for believers, but for UNBELIEVERS.

The Bible explains to us God has chosen to use this gift to be a sign for you. A sign for what? It is a sign of his realness for those of you who have been doubting or questioning the existence of God. He wants you to know he is REAL and he wants to bring you spiritual life and health. If you're in here today and you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior... he wants you to know he has gone to great lengths to show you his love today. (Great opportunity for a salvation altar call if it fits).