In this passage, Peter shows us that we have a responsibility to earthly authorities. Though our ultimate citizenship is in heaven and our true allegiance is to King Jesus, as sojourners in exile on this earth, we must submit ourselves to every governing authority placed over us by God because this is the will of God (v.15). What does this look like in the everyday stuff of life?
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
Many people were skeptical of first-century Christians because of their allegiance to Jesus as King, thinking that such allegiance would result in a dishonoring and disrespect of governing authorities. How does Peter point Christians in a different direction?
Read Romans 13:1–7 as a parallel passage. Are there any limits on our submission to governing authorities? How should Christians respond if such authorities punish those who do good or praise those who do evil?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Read verses 21-25 again. What does this teach us about Jesus' heart for sinners?
How does this passage help you to prefer Christ over comfort?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
In what ways do you find it hardest to submit to the authorities? How does this passage both challenge and motivate you to do so?
Consider the sufferings of Christ and the sufferings of Christians around the world. If you never suffer as a Christian, what might that say about your Christianity?
