Serving God by Honoring Men

Serving God by Honoring Man 1 Peter 2:13-17 Context • Peter gives every Christian a clear commission – to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness and into the light (2:9). • From that commission, Peter addresses various ways that Christians are to do that. Last time, Peter addressed the war within. Now, Peter is going to address civil government. • Reasons Peter’s message is hard for us to hear: 1. “Current” political climate 2. Persistent, anger-based news coverage 3. Anti-authoritarianism in our national DNA 4. America’s long fusion of religion and politics Peter’s Personal History • Peter’s Political Lessons under Jesus – “Jesus … did not entrust himself to them” (John 2:24); “render to Caesar” (Matthew 22:15-22); “the sons are free” (Matthew 17:27); “all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). • Peter’s Personal Suffering under Politicians – flogged for preaching Christ (Acts 5:40); Herod killed James and violently imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:1ff); Jesus’s prediction that Peter would suffer a martyr’s death (John 21:18-19) Peter’s 4 Principles 1. Peter places God at the center of our civic involvement: • • • • • “For the Lord’s sake” “Governors sent by Him” “This is the will of God” “Servants of God” “Fear God” 2. Peter wants Christians to focus on Christian behavior: • • • • “Be subject” – voluntarily bring yourself underneath “Doing good” – all manner of good (Luke 6:9; 35) “Honor everyone” – show respect no matter the person “Love the brotherhood” – special Christian attention Peter’s 4 Principles 3. Peter addresses the limitations of human government: • • All human authority is derived authority Human government is a “carrots and sticks” institution – and these motivations have their limits. 4. Peter presents the paradox of Christian freedom: • • Believers are free from all manner of constraints – free from sin; free to please God; free from the sinful dictates of tyrannical government. Believers are slaves of God, servants of people, and beholden to righteousness. Applications 1. For the politically inclined: • • • Be sure to give your life to matters of eternal consequence. Cultivate habits of mind that foster the fruits of the Spirit. Carefully review Luther’s doctrine of two kingdoms or Augustine’s “The City of God.” 2. For Everyone Else: • • Formulate political opinions with humility. Reflect on what Peter might have done if he had the same political liberties we enjoy.