In this sermon, we looked at how 1 Peter 2:13-25 challenges the way we treat those who disagree with us or mistreat us. Peter writes to Christians who are being persecuted by the oppressive Roman government. After reminding them of their identity in Christ, Peter now calls them to submit to this pagan authority and to do good. While believers' citizenship is in heaven, we don’t have license to rebel and disobey our local government; Peter reminds us that human governments are put in place by God to restrain evil and reward good. According to Peter, Christians have been called to do good by honoring everyone, loving our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, fearing God, and honoring the governing authority of the land. As we applied this message to our lives, we discussed the importance of discerning between our personal convictions and clear Biblical convictions. As Christians, we are called to submit to the mandates and laws of our governing authorities, even when we disagree or are mistreated, until or unless we are forced into an action, or prohibited from an action, that violates clear and explicit Biblical conviction. In this, we honor God by trusting Him as the One who is sovereign over all earthly authorities.
