1 Peter 02:13-17 Governments of Men – audio

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Text: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Introduction

1. Our study in 1st Peter, shown us that those who are Christians have many blessings and responsibilities

2. In last week’s study we saw that we are to have our conduct honorable before others

3. What about our responsibilities to those governments of men under which we live?

4. When our true citizenship is in heaven, do we have any responsibilities on earth?

Body

I. OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN ONE WORD: SUBMIT! (1 Peter 2:13-14)

A. WE ARE TO SUBMIT TO EVERY ORDINANCE OF MAN

1. The word submit

a. It means be subject to, signifying to place one’s self under subjection

b. We are also told in this epistle that Christians will be submissive – 1 Peter 2:18; 3:1; 5:5

2. In this case, we are told to submit to every ordinance of man

a. The word ordinance literally means a creation

1) The Greeks and Romans were accustomed to describe the appointment of officers as the creation of them

2) Therefore, the expression ordinance actually refers:

a) Not to a particular law passed by government

b) But to the civil government or institution itself

3) NASV, to every human institution

b. Note also, we are to submit to EVERY human institution

1) Whether it be a monarchy, democracy, or totalitarian state

2) The responsibility of Christians is still the same: submit!

B. THE APOSTLE PAUL TAUGHT THE SAME PRINCIPLE

1. We are to be subject to the governing authorities – Romans 13:1

2. We MUST be subject, and show such submission by paying taxes and customs, and showing respect and honor to our officials – Romans 13:5-7

II. REASONS WHY WE MUST SUBMIT (1 Peter 2:15-17)

A. PETER GIVES US TWO GOOD REASONS

1. First and foremost, this is the will of God – 1 Peter 2:15a

a. Also, for the Lord’s sake – 1 Peter 2:13

b. That ought to suffice for all true servants of God

c. But Peter does explain why this is the Lord’s will

2. That we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men – 1 Peter 2:15b

a. Having a heavenly King, Christians are often falsely accused of treason – Acts 17:5-8

b. By doing good, we can silence (Lit., muzzle) such ignorant charges

B. PAUL GIVES US ANOTHER GOOD REASON

1. Governing authorities that exist have been appointed by God! – Romans 13:1

a. This truth is emphasized in the book of Daniel – Daniel 2:20-21; 4:17, 25, 32

b. Even those that are evil, which God uses for His divine purposes and then replaces – Exodus 9:16 (Egypt); Isaiah 10:5-12 (Assyria)

2. This being the case, to resist the government means to resist God Himself! – Romans 13:2-4

3. Lest we find ourselves resisting against God Himself, Christians freely submit

4. But is the principle of submission to government without exception?

III. THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE

A. IT IS NOT WHENEVER GOVERNMENT IS OPPRESSIVE

1. Consider the government and conditions under which Peter and Paul wrote:

a. The government was totalitarian, with Nero as ruler, an evil, vicious emperor

b. Under his reign, Christians suffered greatly – 1 Peter 4:12-13

c. Eventually, even Peter himself was crucified, and Paul was beheaded

2. Under such oppressive governments, our responsibilities remain clear:

a. We are to submit

b. We are to pray for our rulers, that peace may prevail – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

B. THE EXCEPTION: WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN!

1. As illustrated by Peter and the rest of the apostles – Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29

2. Only when we are forced to disobey God, must we then disobey the government

3. Even then, it is only the particular laws designed to force us to disobey God that we have a right to break; we have no authority to break other laws in protest

4. We are charged to pray for those in authority, and submit to them in all other areas

Conclusion

1. Such is our responsibility as Christians under whatever government we may find ourselves

a. Even though we have liberty and freedom in Christ, we should use that freedom in serving the Lord – 1 Peter 2:16

b. As we do so, we will show honor and respect to those in authority – 1 Peter 2:17

2. Of course, we who live in countries that allow freedom of religion should be especially quick to show our respect and submission, and to thank God daily for this wonderful privilege!

3. Speaking of freedom of religion, are we taking advantage of such freedom by rendering obedience to God? Perhaps there are those who have not yet done so – Hebrews 5:9