Sermon Tone Analysis

Get in Line_2

1 Peter 2:13-17

 

We have already spent some time defining the word submission, and I have mentioned that my favorite explanation is to line up under.

We have noted that the main problem with submission is that sinful man does not respond well to authority.

/Romans 8:7-8 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God/.

One man, who authors Christian counseling books, says that the main problem he sees in the majority of his counseling sessions is a failure to submit.

It is really by miracle of the new nature that we can find it in ourselves to be submissive.

/Ephesians 2:14-17 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh./

And that is in line with the harmony of the Bible, because we could not have the gift of salvation if it were not for the submission of God the Son to the Father’s will.

Ph/ilippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross/.

Now tonight, we have come to a passage of Scripture that once again goes against the grain of many, including Bible believers.

To submit ourselves to the authority of government.

We have before us many examples of government out of control, and we are sometimes guilty of railing against the current trend of government rather than learning to obey God’s Word on the matter.

The same world who was watching us in verses 11-12 are watching us again as we respond to laws, rules, and regulations.

The Lord used Paul to write similar words in Romans 13:1-4.

Of course it was easy to write at that time because the Roman Government was a peace loving, Christian tolerant, institution of good will.

Actually the Roman Empire was known for its infanticide, sodomy, abuse of women, corruption, immorality and violence.

One of the first reasons we have here is for the Lord’s sake.

That can be interpreted in one of two ways.

It is for the Lord’s sake because we are to be a reflection of our Lord.

Secondly, it is for the Lord’s sake because powers are ordained by God.

/John 19:10-11 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin/.

Verse 14 tells us why these powers are given.

For the punishment of evil doers, and to the praise of them that do well.

I think we are blessed when those that do wrong are punished.

Verse 15 gives another reason for the Christian to submit to authority—to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Your response to authority will either give the enemy ammunition or take away their bullets.

Verse 16.

You cannot be any more free than when you are redeemed by Christ.

We are not to use our freedom in Christ as a cloak for maliciousness.

Here is a mindset found in the fringes of Christianity.

I am a citizen of heaven, so I will not pay taxes to any earthly organization.

Just get over yourself, and follow the lead of Jesus Christ.

/Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's.//

Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's/.

Or that seatbelt law is a violation of my individual liberty.

Verse 17.  Look at the order of these last two phrases.

Fear God.

Honor the king.

There are times when we must obey God rather then men.

1.

When the law violates the sanctity of human life.

/Exodus 1:15-17 And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive/.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

2.  When our ability to freely worship is hindered.

Dan 3.

3.  When our personal devotion to God is compromised.

Dan 6.

4.  When there is an attempt to silence our witness.

/Acts 5:28-29 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name?

and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men./