ByFrom 1 Peter 2:13 – 3:7, the Apostle Peter expounded on the various types of submissions we believers must give to one another. And in today’s study scripture article release, I want to focus on 1 Peter 2:13-17, where Peter explains why a believer ought to submit himself to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake. Before that, let’s take a look at the scripture.
[13] “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, [14] or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. [15] For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men — [16] as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. [17] Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
1 Peter 2:13-17 (NKJV)
… for the Lord’s sake
God says in His Word that it’s good to submit to every ordinance (rule) of man for His name’s sake. That means the laws of your workplace, the nation and the community, once there, are for your good. Some might be harsh, but as long as they don’t lead you to sin, being submissive to them will benefit you in the end. For example, if there’s a rule in your workplace that be at work by 8 a.m. each day, obeying it will give you good credibility before your boss and other co-workers.
Remember what 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) says,
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Focus on glorifying God in all your life’s activities. And with that mindset in perspective, you’ll strive to do things excellently.
Two categories of people we’re supposed to submit to
According to the scriptures, kings and governors are two categories of people we believers must live in submission to without questions. In a community, the king is the supreme human being on the land. In a nation, the governor is the first person in matters of authority. If a believer does anything contrary to any of these people’s rules, he might suffer.
Recently, I saw how a branch of a large Christian organisation in Ghana cancelled one of her services due to a festival about to be held around their locality. An immature believer may think, “Doesn’t God have more power than the king of that community? Why should the church cancel service?” But, friend, don’t be deceived.
God is not honoured when His people disobey human authority. And also, it sometimes disrupts the flow of divine vision. The state has given authority to kings and governors to oversee the land they’re ruling upon. Therefore, for God’s sake, submit to them.
Don’t put your vision above God’s principles. Obey the Lord of the vision, and things will end up well with you without struggles.
Verse 15-16
[15] “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men — [16] as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”
1 Peter 2:15-16
From verse 15, submitting yourself to every man’s ordinance for God’s sake is a means of doing good. But how? It builds your credibility before the face of others as a person loyal to God and a person living without blemish.
When a child of God lives this way, nobody can have a negative report about his life to others. That means it’s possible to live a life without blemish as a child of God through proper submission.
Using your liberty as a bondservant of God
Your liberty in Christ makes you free to do whatever you like. But would you use it to commit evil or to live as a bondservant of Christ? Decide on this for yourself.
It’s not always easy living by the principles of God in this bedevilled generation. You’ll face persecution, even for doing the right thing. But always gaze upon the reward awaiting you to receive during the white throne judgement time of Christ.
Verse 17
[17] “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
In verse 17, Peter gives out shortened words of exhortation to us, which I feel is both self-explanatory and refreshing.
Honour all people
The word “honour” used in the verse means “to estimate or fix the value of something or someone.” God’s Word tells us that we should place a premium value on people in our lives, not our position or possessions.
Sometimes, you’ll not know how valuable a person is until he leaves. People are more valuable than things. So please honour them above your possessions.
Love the brotherhood
Co-workers may not be believers. But for the church family, that’s where God’s love should richly dwell. In fact, it’s good to insist on doing good to a fellow believer before an unbeliever if both come to you for a favour at the same time.
Fear God. Have reverence for Him. And honour those He has placed in authority to handle matters in our communities.
