Footprints On Life's Road: Submission To Authority

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Introduction to Part 4 of the Series

In this part of the epistle of the Apostle Peter, he exhorts the pilgrims to leave lasting, living testimonies among the Gentiles, despite the persecutions they were receiving from these same people.

These lasting testimonies are like the “footprints” that we leave behind in our journeys.

Footprints speak a great deal about the persons or animals that left them.

The footprints that we leave in this life speaks a great deal about our faith, our struggles, our priorities, our goals and ambitions, and many more.

What kinds of footprints should Christian pilgrims leave behind?

Part 4A - Submission to Authority

Text -

1 Peter 2:11–12 NKJV

Introduction to Part 4A

Peter’s main subject from up to 4.19 is “submission to authority”

Peter’s main point is:

As pilgrims on this earth, Christians can leave a lasting testimony by keeping their conduct honorable before Gentiles so that they may abstain from the passions of the flesh.

This is possible if they learn and practice submission to authority.

Note, “Therefore...” in verse 13

Peter breaks down his thoughts in this manner:

- submission to human institution - all Christians are to submit to the authority of human institutions

- submission to masters - all Christians are to submit to the authority of their masters, whether good or harsh

- submission of women to their husbands - Christian women are to submit to the authority of their husbands

The main question then is: why submit?

why submit to human governments? The Roman Empire was number one persecutors of Christians

why submit to harsh masters? they don’t give enough food, they punish them beyond what is lawful; they do not give them their privileges.

why submit to husbands who physically and emotionally abuse their wives and children?

Main Points

First, it is the will of God

(See verse 15)

1 Peter 2:13–17 NKJV

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 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. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

God “sent” these authority to punish evildoers and “praise” those who do good.

How can we explain this?

God appointed human to take charge of the earth and govern societies and define their territories and nations

- the earth was divided from the families of the sons of Noah

- God has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings

- God

God wants His people to set the example of submitting to the laws of the land

Romans 13.1-

How do you submit to human government

obey the laws that put people in order

follow instructions

pay your taxes

respect the people in authority

God wants to “put to silence” the ignorance of fools. (see v. 15-16

when you submit to authorities, you show the unbelieving people that Christians are not the cause of evil and confusion in the land.

During these times, the presence and proliferation of Christians were thought of us the reasons for natural calamities

Second, it is commendable before God

1 Peter 2:18–20 NKJV

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

1 Peter 2.18-

“commendable” was mentioned twice (verses 18 and 19)

it is a gracious thing… (ESV)

it finds favor…(NASB)

Those who submit to “harsh masters” find favor in the sight of God.

Those who submit even to cruel leaders demonstrate a Christ-like behavior”

when he was reviled, did not revile in return

- he did not open His mouth

- He endured much hostility

when he suffered, he did not threaten

He committed Himself to the Father who judges righteously

How do do you submit to masters, good and harsh?

do not revile in return

do not threaten

do not pay back with evil

commit yourself to God’s justice

Third, it is a holy conduct

1 Peter 3:1–6 NKJV

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

1 Peter 3.1-

Holy women who trust God demonstrate submission to their husbands’ authority by their modest adornment.

not outward - hair arrangement, wearing gold, wearing fine apparel

but inward - expressing gentle and quiet spirit

Holy women who trust God do good and are not afraid of any terror.

A wife’s submission is demonstrated in the way she adorns herself

During this time, women are most vulnerable to abuse, esp. by unbelieving husbands.

her adornment is not outward

But many women who trusted God openly confessed their faith and were involved in the ministry of evangelism and missions.

her adornment demonstrates the hidden person of the heart

Examples of brave women who trusted God:

Jochebed - she hid here baby (Moses) for three months, then placed him in a basket of bulrush to float in the river

Abigail - the wife of Nabal, a “worthless” man; saved her husband from David by bringing loads of food for David and his men ()

A sidenote to”husbands”

1 Peter 3:7 NKJV

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Christian husbands must learn to live with their wives in an understanding way:

give honor to your wife for she is doing for you and your home

know here physical weaknesses and limitations

know that she is also an heir of the grace of life together with you

Conclusion

Submission is the key to abstinence from the passions of the flesh.

When you submit to God, you set aside your self-will and commit your life to His will.

When you submit to God, you leave a powerful testimony that even demons cannot deny.

1 Peter 4:7 NKJV

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

James 4:7 NKJV

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Submission to authority is a footprint worth leaving for the next generation.

Do you have trouble abstaining from the passions of the flesh?

You need to learn to submit to the sovereign will of God.

Song - He’s Got It All In Control

He’s God It All In Control

He’s got it all in control

God’s got it all in control

He’s put that reassurance way down in my soul

He’s got it all in control

I’ve put my life in His hand

So every road I walk now

I’m sure is in His plan

‘Cause I’ve put my life in His hand.

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