Principles of Submission
A Study through 1 & 2 Peter
Opening Context
1 Peter 2:13-25
Principles of Submission
Submission is a word we dislike.
- It is seen as “weakness”.
- It places us in a “vulnerable” posture.
- Potentially sets us up for harm at the hands of others – preservation threatened.
Submission is a
of God.
- God created the universe with a particular order.
- Angels are subject to God.
- Christ was subject to the will of the Father.
- Husbands are subject to Christ and wives to husbands.
- And disciples of Jesus are called to be in submission.
“The easiest version of submission is when we are in agreement.”
I. Institutionalized Authority is from
13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. —1 Peter 2:13–14 (ESV)
Examples (some) of institutionalized authority:
Civil/judicial; parent/child; husband/wife; pastor/member; business; educational, government, etc.
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. —Romans 13:1–2 (ESV)
There is an important hermeneutical rule to be learned here. An
text taken at face value, can lead to poor (teaching).
- One take on Romans 13:1-2 – Christians are not to, under any circumstance, resist governmental authority.
- Doing so is “resisting God” and will result in “judgement”.
What if, however, you are being asked by the boss of your company to be unethical?
What if the government has passed a law that compromises other biblical principles?
Here are some examples to consider in light of Romans 13:1-2.
17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. —Exodus 1:17 (ESV)
Or, when the three Hebrew children refused the order of king Nebuchadnezzar to bow.
18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” —Acts 4:18–20 (ESV)
We must obey and submit to institutional authorities up until they put us in a position where
are compromised and/or obedience would result in . (Question)
“In the instance of institutional authorities that practice wrong (according to the Bible); how could God have “appointed” these?”
He didn’t appoint the wickedness; he appointed the concept.
- Civil and judicial process is designed to stop and/or punish injustice (God’s character).
- Wicked people who are self-seeking may rule in an unfavorable way for self-benefit.
Taxes for instance, may be used for ungodly purposes at times, but it doesn’t free us from not paying them!
17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. —Mark 12:17 (ESV)
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. —1 Peter 2:15 (ESV)
Even when God’s people are slandered for wrongdoing, a believer’s level of character and reputation ought to stand in stark contrast to the accusation.
16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. —1 Peter 2:16–17 (ESV)
Liberty through Christ (Christian liberty) is not to be used as a cover-up for evil.
- “Christ has set us free, so we are not subject to ruling authority”.
- “Christ has set us free from sin and death, so, it’s not that big of deal…”.
Peter is saying, Christ set us free to live as
!
- δοῦλος (“slave” “servant”).
- What was biblical “slavery” servanthood.
Indentured servanthood – contractual; working without pay in order to repay a load.
Additionally, many servants would work for hire as part of the household, sometimes electing to stay on after the contract was over.
- I witnessed a version of this in Ethiopia.
- People enroll as willing servants, a broker handles the contract between the two parties.
- The price is paid, and the servant begins work in that household.
Does this sound familiar?
- Christ is the mediator between God and man.
- We’ve been set free by Christ to “serve” (doulos) in God’s Kingdom.
II. Submission in the Face of Unjustness
As I stated earlier, the easiest version of submission is when we are in agreement.
But what about when submission is required in the face of the unjust actions or behavior of others?
- Peter uses the servant/master relationship again to further illustrate servanthood.
Submission is not only to be exercised in good households, but also households where you are maltreated.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. —1 Peter 2:18–19 (ESV)
χάρις (charis)
- Gift; unmerited kindness; favor
Submission in the face of unjustness is an act of charis (unmerited favor).
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled (abused), he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. —1 Peter 2:21–23 (ESV)
“Entrust” – to make a deposit.
- You go to the bank and make a deposit.
- You have “entrusted” them to watch over what was given.
Too many believers are walking around with junk in their pockets, they should’ve entrusted to Jesus Christ!
24 He himself bore our sins (plural) in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. —1 Peter 2:24–25 (ESV)
Additional Notes: