“Respect For Authority”

1 Peter 2:13-17

November 1, 2009

Romans 13:1

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities . . .”

I. We are to submit to every authority (13-15)

Every authority is instituted by God.– Authorities depend upon God for their existence.– Disobeying authority is disobedience against God.

Romans 13:2

“Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will

bring judgment on themselves.”

I. We are to submit to every authority (13-15)

Authorities serve two purposes.– Punish those who do wrong.– Commend those who do right.

Submitting to authority is God’s will.– The basis is the very God of the universe.– Even in objection, God’s will is to be submissive.

Acts 4:19

“But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.’”

Acts 5:29

“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!”

I. We are to submit to every authority (13-15)

Submitting to authority contributes to the favor of society.– Others will observe the effects the Gospel has

made on our lives.– It counters the false charges they may make

against us.

II. We are to live with freedom in the proper perspective (16).

Our freedom must never be a cover-up for evil.– Freedom does not authorize rebellion against

authority.

Galatians 5:13

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge

the sinful nature . . .”

II. We are to live with freedom in the proper perspective (16).

Our freedom must never be a cover-up for evil.– Freedom does not authorize rebellion against

authority.– We cannot use freedom to excuse or justify sinful

behavior.

II. We are to live with freedom in the proper perspective (16).

We should live as servants of God.– Genuine freedom is freedom to serve God.

Romans 6:22

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and

the result is eternal life.”

II. We are to live with freedom in the proper perspective (16).

We should live as servants of God.– Genuine freedom is freedom to serve God.– We become bondservants of God.

III. We are to show proper respect (17).

We are to respect everyone.– Every human being is made in the image of God.

Galatians 5:13b-14

“. . .rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as

yourself.’”

III. We are to show proper respect (17).

We are to respect everyone.– Every human being is made in the image of God.– We should view others as Christ sees them.

III. We are to show proper respect (17).

We are to respect everyone.– Every human being is made in the image of God.– We should view others as Christ sees them.

We are to love the brotherhood of believers.– We should be devoted to our fellow believers.

Romans 12:10

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above

yourselves.”

III. We are to show proper respect (17).

We are to respect everyone.– Every human being is made in the image of God.– We should view others as Christ sees them.

We are to love the brotherhood of believers.– We should be devoted to our fellow believers.– Christians often “kill their wounded.”

III. We are to show proper respect (17).

We are to reverence God.– He is the basis for our relationships with others.– He has placed certain people over us for a

reason.

We are to honor the king.– We do not have to agree with him.– We do have to respect the position.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be

made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live

peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”