Previously, we have been taking time together to sit at the feet of the Apostle Peter. His life, more than any other New Testament figure, demonstrates God’s power to help us overcome our prejudices, and preconceived ideas about God and people. Peter uses vivid language to tell us that while we were once “not a people,” now we are the people of God.

That’s a great truth because the Christian Church is filled with people from all different backgrounds and cultures. God’s church is a wonderful mosaic of experiences, languages and expectations that all provide a picture of Christ’s redemption. Today’s church is a strong and vibrant body of believers who bring glory and honor to God but who must be cautious to preserve the unity and integrity of our witness.

That’s why Peter shifts gears in I Peter 2:12-3:12 and tells us that we must always ensure that we are known for the respect that we show to others. In fact, Peter goes to great lengths to outline how that respect must be lived out each day. Let’s look at this together.

Peter begins by telling us that we must respect everyone in chapter 2:13-17.

Let’s read this together:

• 1 Peter 2:13: Place yourselves under the authority of human governments to please the Lord. Obey the emperor. He holds the highest position of authority.
• 1 Peter 2:14: Also obey governors. They are people the emperor has sent to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.
• 1 Peter 2:15: God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing what is right.
• 1 Peter 2:16: Live as free people, but don’t hide behind your freedom when you do evil. Instead, use your freedom to serve God.
• 1 Peter 2:17: Honor everyone. Love your brothers and sisters in the faith. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

When I look at what Peter was saying, I find that he has taught us that respect is the key to living in the world. We know that as believers this world is not our home. That’s why Peter referred to us as pilgrims and sojourners. But, we will be here for a while, so he urges us to show respect for authority.

If you live in a place where the government is founded on godly principles, that might not be much of a challenge. Unfortunately, many believers find themselves in nations that have not chosen God’s way as the standard for their behavior. That makes these words more difficult to accept.

The truth is that Peter lived in a very ungodly kingdom. The Romans were a harsh and unforgiving people. In fact, they were responsible for the martyrdom of countless believers in Christ and would eventually execute Peter. But, he still urges us to respect authority.

What a powerful lesson! Peter had already seen the hand of government at work scattering the church, imprisoning believers and killing those they could not control and yet he taught us in verse 15 to respect government so that our critics will be silenced!

Peter takes it a step further when he declares that if we do so, we can live as free men. That truth has allowed the church to live under very harsh circumstances and yet prosper and grow!

Just about the time we are feeling the joy and pride of living as free people in Christ, Peter gives us a sobering reminder. He tells us not to hide behind that freedom in order to sin. Think about that for a moment.

We are free in Christ, but not free to do as we please. Our words and actions must agree. We are obligated because of our salvation to live in a way that pleases God and demonstrates respect.

That’s why Peter concludes this thought with the words we find in verse 17: Honor everyone. Love your brothers and sisters in the faith. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Suddenly, Peter shifts gears and challenges his audience with a new idea. It was pretty controversial at the time and it might take some effort on our part to understand it.

So let me give you a little Bible training here.

There is a principle in hermeneutics, the study of the Bible, that tells us that the author’s intent is the only intent we can take from a passage of God’s Word.

So to understand the next few verses in I Peter, we must understand who Peter was writing his message for and what they would have understood when they heard it.

Slavery was common in the Roman Empire. One person could own another. It is a practice that the Church has opposed for centuries, but it was a practice that Peter’s audience clearly understood.

Peter gives instructions for those who were enslaved in order to help them live better lives. He couldn’t free them himself, but I believe he genuinely sought to improve their situation.

Here is what he wrote in verses 18-20: Slaves, place yourselves under the authority of your owners and show them complete respect. Obey not only those owners who are good and kind, but also those who are unfair. God is pleased if a person is aware of him while enduring the pains of unjust suffering. What credit do you deserve if you endure a beating for doing something wrong? But if you endure suffering for doing something good, God is pleased with you.

Peter then provides us with an example from the life of Christ that helps to explain why he would encourage slaves to show respect for their masters.

The Example of Christ (2:21-25): God called you to endure suffering because Christ suffered for you. He left you an example so that you could follow in his footsteps. Christ never committed any sin. He never spoke deceitfully. Christ never verbally abused those who verbally abused him. When he suffered, he didn’t make any threats but left everything to the one who judges fairly. Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so that freed from our sins, we could live a life that has God’s approval. His wounds have healed you. You were like lost sheep. Now you have come back to the shepherd and bishop of your lives. 

Can you hear the heart of the Apostle Peter in these words? He compares the suffering slaves endured to the suffering of Christ. He compared our desire for revenge against our oppressors with God’s desire to redeem and free mankind. Those are powerful truths that can transform the way we live today.

He closes his teaching with three promises that await those who show respect for authority:

1. We will live a live that shows God’s approval!
2. We will have our wounds healed by God.
3. We will be gathered together by God like a shepherd gathers his sheep.

Peter brings his whole teaching back where we began in week one of our study. Because of Jesus Christ, “we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood a holy nation, a people belonging to God.”

• As I close today, why not ask yourself a few honest questions?
• When it comes to respect, can people see that you belong to Jesus?
• Have you shown respect to those in authority over you?
• Have you been enslaved by anyone or anything?
• If so, have you chosen to live as though you enjoy freedom anyway?

These questions can really help us identify areas in our lives that haven’t lined up with God’s expectation for our lives. If you’re not satisfied with the answers you gave, I encourage you to pray.

If you prayed, but aren’t sure what to do next, please click the button the screen that says: “I need Jesus”

If you still have questions that you need answered, please click the button that says “I have questions” and someone will contact you soon.

Until next time, Live for Jesus!