Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You for this new day of life to live, love and serve You! I pray that as I go about this day, I will remember the order of authority that you placed into the fabric of Your creation. You are first. May I live with You as the first thought, the first word and the first action of my life! Human authorities are always subordinate to Your authority. I pray for the faith to be obedient to the human authorities who are responsible to me such as government leaders, and church leaders. I pray that You will give them great faith and discernment, along with a commitment to serve you boldly regardless of the personal consequences. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live today with confidence in You, and in Your will. These things I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God's Word Today
1 Peter 2:13-17
13For the Lord’s sake, accept all authority—the king as head of state, 14and the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish all who do wrong and to honor those who do right.
15It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who make foolish accusations against you. 16You are not slaves; you are free. But your freedom is not an excuse to do evil. You are free to live as God’s slaves. 17Show respect for everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the king.
Reflecting on God's Word
With which authority figures in your life do struggle the most? Why?
Who is the most important human authority in your life? Why?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
According to today’s reading who has put governmental authorities in place? (2:13-14)
What does our obedience do to those who accuse us falsely, because of our faith? (2:15)
What is the purpose of our freedom in Jesus Christ? (2:16-17)
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
What is the relationship between our obedience to the governing authorities out of reverence for God’s authority, and the way we will be perceived by others?
How do Peter’s instructions apply for us who live in a “free” society? In a totalitarian society?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
What is the most important thing for you to apply from today’s reading in your life right now?
Thoughts...Freedom Not an Excuse
One of the most important realities for us as Christians is that whether we live in a free nation, such as the United States of America, or under a harsh dictator, we are FREE. The freedom we have in Jesus Christ is an absolute freedom that cannot be limited by an government or any person. The reason the Apostles Peter and Paul were so effective is that they understood this. A government, or a person could arrest, imprison, beat or even kill them, but that would not take away their freedom---their lives had been set free from sin, and ultimately free from death! That’s an awesome truth. Peter wanted to make sure that as free people we didn’t go overboard, and use the freedom as an excuse to do evil! Some have reasoned, “God sets us free from sin, and forgives our sin every time, so let’s sin that God’s grace and our freedom may abound!” Nothing is more absurd than that. God set us free to live lives of grateful obedience! Each moment that we live in faithful, grateful obedience is a witness and a testimony to others of our true freedom and God’s great grace in us!