1 Peter 2:13-16 (KJV) “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”
In these verses, we find a powerful exhortation to live as exemplary citizens in our society. As followers of Christ, our lives should reflect the light of His truth and love in all areas, including our relationship with the governing authorities. Let us dive into the wisdom of 1 Peter 2:13-16 and explore how we can practically apply these instructions today.
Submission to Authority: Peter urges us to submit ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake. This submission extends to all levels of authority, from the highest positions to those appointed to govern at various levels. Whether it is the king or governors, our attitude should be one of respect and honor. Our submission is not just an acknowledgment of their power but a recognition that God has established these positions for specific purposes.
Recognizing God’s Will: The apostle reminds us that the will of God is for us to do good and to live righteously, even in the face of challenges. Our obedience and well-doing should serve as a testimony, putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men. When we display godly character and conduct ourselves in a manner that aligns with His Word, we can impact those around us and be a witness to the transformative power of Christ.
True Freedom: As believers, we have been set free by the grace of God. However, this freedom does not grant us a license for selfishness or malicious behavior. Rather, our liberty should be used to serve God and others. We are called to be the servants of God, reflecting His love and compassion in our actions. Our conduct should be marked by integrity, honesty, and a genuine desire to bless those around us.
Living as exemplary citizens requires a perspective that goes beyond our own desires and preferences. It is an opportunity to honor God, display His righteousness, and positively impact our society. We can contribute to the common good, uplift those in authority, and inspire others through our Christ-like character.
Last Updated: June 21, 2023 by Johnathan Bass
Exemplary Citizens
1 Peter 2:13-16 (KJV) “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”
In these verses, we find a powerful exhortation to live as exemplary citizens in our society. As followers of Christ, our lives should reflect the light of His truth and love in all areas, including our relationship with the governing authorities. Let us dive into the wisdom of 1 Peter 2:13-16 and explore how we can practically apply these instructions today.
Living as exemplary citizens requires a perspective that goes beyond our own desires and preferences. It is an opportunity to honor God, display His righteousness, and positively impact our society. We can contribute to the common good, uplift those in authority, and inspire others through our Christ-like character.
Category: Uncategorized Tags: authority, christian living, citizens, godly, godly living, government