Christians Attitude Towards Their Government

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 2:11-25

I. Background

1. The epistle was written to Jewish Christians shortly before the outbreak of persecution under Roman Emperor Nero in AD 64
2. Hostility and suspicion were mounting against Christians in the empire, and they were being hated and abused for their lifestyles and their talk about another kingdom
3. Theme of the entire epistle: Gospel-centered, missional living in Diaspora
4. Epistle presents Christ as the believers’ example to live missional
5. The author discusses the believer’s relationships in the world and appeals for an attitude of submission after the model of Jesus Christ

II. Analysis of the Passage

1. Extend a voluntary submission to all human authorities and government (vv. 13-17)
a. Jesus Christ modeled voluntary submission (vv. 21-25)
b. Christ death not only provides forgiveness but also empowers the believers to live righteously (vv. 21-25)
c. A respectful attitude towards human government is a spiritual behavior (v. 13)
d. God is sovereignly involved in the formation of governments and structures (vv. 14)
e. Christian attitude of submission can have two results (vv. 11-12):
i. Advertisement for the Gospel (verse 11)
ii. Unbelievers glorifying God (vv. 12, 15)
2. Exercise freedom under the supervision of God’s authority (vv. 15-16)
3. Develop a fourfold attitude while they lived in this world as Christ-followers:
a. Treat every person equally (no discrimination on the basis of their political persuasion)
b. Promote the brotherhood of believers
c. Fear God (Fear and honor are contrasted in which the king needs honor whereas to God alone belongs “respect”)
d. Honor the king

Take Away

1. Pray for our government every day
2. Play a redeeming role in your work places, home, and friendship circles
3. Extend a brotherly care to your fellow Christians