1. The apostle Peter wrote two of the New Testament "epistles" [letters]. 2. In his first letter, Peter: a. wrote to Christians who were facing great trials (1:6-7; 4:12) b. instructed his readers to "be holy" (1:15-16; 2:5, 9) c. exhorted his readers to live honestly before unbelievers (2:11-12). 3. This lesson is a study of the information presented in 1 Peter 2:13-25. 4. These verses reveal three important principles that relate to "submission." Discussion: I. (vs.13-17) CHRISTIANS ARE TO SUBMIT TO CIVIL LEADERS
A. Government: 1. is one of the institutions ordained by God for man's benefit 2. is responsible for: a. punishing evildoers b. protecting law-abiding citizens. B. Civil leaders receive their authority from God (John 19:10-11). C. God requires His people to submit to civil leaders, including national and local leaders. D. An exception would be in the case of a civil law violating a law of God (Acts 5:29). E. As servants of God, Christians are to be ideal citizens. F. Proper respect is to be shown to God as well as civil leaders (Matthew 22:21). G. Similar instructions are given in: 1. Romans 13:1-7 2. Titus 3:1. II. (vs.18-20) CHRISTIAN SERVANTS ARE TO SUBMIT TO THEIR MASTERS
A. Slavery existed in the first century. B. In the early church there were: 1. Christian servants (ex. Onesimus) 2. Christian masters (ex. Philemon). C. God required Christian servants to submit to good masters as well as abusive masters. D. God is pleased when His people suffer patiently when they are mistreated for doing His will. E. Similar instructions are given in: 1. Ephesians 6:5-8 2. Colossians 3:22-25 3. 1 Timothy 6:1-2. III. (vs.21-25) CHRISTIANS ARE TO FOLLOW CHRIST'S EXAMPLE OF SUBMISSION
A. In these verses Peter referred to the Lord's suffering as it was prophesied in Isaiah 53:4-12. B. Even though Jesus was treated unfairly, He submitted to the Father's will as well as His own teaching when He did not retaliate. C. Many people were blessed because of Jesus' submission when He suffered. D. God requires His people to follow His Son's example so we can be a blessing to others. E. Similar instructions are given in: 1. Matthew 5:43-45 2. Romans 12:14, 17-21 3. 1 Peter 3:8-9.
