1 Peter - Part 4
This week we wade into some of the most controversial waters of 1 Peter in our day. Submission, in particular, to governing authorities. Ironically, this has become a hot topic for us today because of the similarities, not the differences, between our world and Peter’s world. Government antagonism and different worldviews caused suffering for Peter and the audience of his letter, now more than ever in Canada’s history, we find ourselves in a similar situation. Peter urges us to walk in the footprints of Christ and follow his path through these challenges.
Anchor Texts:
Psalms of Encouragement:
Questions to Ponder:
What is the role of the emperor and governors in vv.13-14?
How does living in a democarcy impact our understanding of submitting to authories? Does it make submission easier or harder? How?
Restate each sentence in verse 17 into your own words.
Read vv.20-21, have you suffered in someone way in our present system of government? What was it like, and how might you follow Jesus’ example in it?
Read v. 23 - Give examples of what these unchristlike responses might look like in our day.
Think of someone who’s unjust leadership you do not enjoy submitting to. What does giving “all respect” (v. 18.) to them entail? What does it not entail?
The Theme in Song:
I chose this song this week because it highlights the years-long journey it is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. It’s a song that highlights that through the years of suffering we endure for His sake, he is still leading us to a good land of “green and gold.” It is a reminder that no matter what happens, around us, or inside us, God’s purposes are never thwarted by humans. As Psalm 2 says - “He who sits in the Heavens laughs” - it doesn’t mean he finds evil funny, it means he is utterly above and beyond the raging of human kings. God will have his way, even after all these years!