You and Your Government For the Lords Sake

You and Your Government… “For the Lord’s Sake” 1 Peter 2: 13 -17

“For the Lord’s Sake” • Submit – Be a Law-Abiding Citizen (2: 13 -14) − God commands us to place ourselves under subjection to “every” governing authority (cf. Rom. 13: 1) − Resisting governing authority resists God’s will & brings judgment (Rom. 13: 2) − ONLY when edicts of men conflict with the law of God can we respectfully disregard (Acts 5: 27 -29; 4: 19 -20) − WHY must I submit to government and abide by the laws? • Because of God – “for the Lord’s sake” (2: 13) • Because they are ordained of God (Ro. 13: 1; Dan. 2: 21; 4: 17) • Because they have a God-given purpose (2: 14; Rom. 13: 4)

“For the Lord’s Sake” • Serve – Be a Good-Doing Example (2: 15 -16) − God commands us to live as bondservants (2: 16) − Set an example of “good” and “right, ” in spite of those in authority over us (Rom. 13: 3 -4) − WHY must I serve humbly and set the right example? • Because of God – “this is the will of God” (2: 15) • Because you are free in Christ from law, sin and fear (2: 16) • Because you may silence the critics by doing good

“For the Lord’s Sake” • Step Up – Be a Respect-Giving Christian (2: 17) − IT IS TIME for Christians to STOP acting like everyone else! − God commands us to “honor ALL people, ” including “the king” − These attitudes and actions are to be constantly maintained − WHY must I be the one to step up and be respectful of all? • Because of God – “Fear God” • Because of my love for my brethren, lest I cause to stumble

To Be a Citizen of Heaven • Believe Jesus is God’s Son – Mark 16: 16 • Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 2: 38 • Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10: 9 -10 • Be immersed into Christ – Galatians 3: 27 − God will wash away all of your sins – Acts 22: 16 − God will add you to His church – Acts 2: 47 − God will register you in heaven – Hebrews 12: 23 • Walk faithfully with the Lord – 1 John 1: 7