1 Peter 2:13-17

Today's Passage: 1 Peter 2:13-17

If I could give this passage a title, it would be: Jesus and Politics.

Currently, we live in a world of political polarization. If one side made a good decision, the other side would find some way to complain. Something like, “Well, why didn’t you do this earlier?” Many employers don’t want their employees talking about politics, because it can lead to disruption in the office or disunity amongst the team. We could live in a bubble and still be aware of the drama happening in politics.

As Christians, what stance do we take? Peter gives us a stance, and it may not be the one we want: be subject to and honor the governmental authorities.

Here is what we know:

• God has ordained those who are in charge
• God is sovereign and in control of everything
• God has commanded us to obey and honor who He has put in positions of power

 
Does this mean we have to agree with every policy or law? No, but as long as it does not disobey God, then we are to follow it.

How are we to live this out as Christians?

• Obey earthly laws that do not go against God’s will
• Watch the words that come from our mouth – there are some bad jokes about the President right now that Christians should not partake in
• Pray for those in authority instead of complaining about them

I love this passage for two reasons:

• We complain all the time about the government, but the Christians during this time had much more to complain about. If you remember, Peter is writing to the “elect exiles in Dispersion” (1:1). Christians were scattered because of their mistreatment. (You think you have something to complain about?) But even in the midst of difficulty, God is calling them to honor Him through their obedience to earthly authorities. Same is true for us.
• Peter reminds us of the goal – when we do God’s will, we silence the ignorance of foolish people (v. 15), and in that way, we honor God and represent Jesus to the lost world.

Written By: Brice Stockton