How to Relate Rightly in a Civil (Political) World

SERIES: GODLY LIVING IN A FOREIGN WORLD

MESSAGE: How to Relate Rightly in a Civil (Political) World

TEXT: 1 Peter 2:13–17     

MESSAGE BY: Pastor Tim Lewis

1. Be submissive to governing authorities. (Vv. 13–15)
   (Rom. 13:1–7)

   • The purpose of governing authorities.

   • The institution of governing authorities.

   • The motivation for submission.

     • For the Lord’s sake.

     • For your sake.

2. Live as free men before all people. (V. 16)
   (Gal. 5:1, 13–14)

   • Live holy. (Rom. 6:17–18; John 8:34–36)

   • Live lovingly.

3. Respect all men. (V. 17)
   (James 2:8–10; 3:9–10; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:5–9)

   • All people are made in the image of God.

   • All people are valuable to God.

   • All of us must give an account to God.

4. Love your brothers and sisters. (V. 17)
   (John 13:34–35; 1 John 5:1)

   • Love acts.

     Love verifies.

5. Fear God supremely. 
   (Prov. 1:7; 8:13; 9:10)

   • Be loyal.

   • Be trusting.

6. Honor the King. (V. 17)
   (1 Tim. 2:1–4; Mat. 5:14–16)

Take-away questions:

1. Do I have to obey the laws of the ruling authorities as a Christian?

2. Why do I have to obey civil government?

3. What if the civil authorities are not Christians?

4. When do I not obey the civil authorities?

5. If I think it is wrong, do I still need to obey?

6. If a law is evil, do I have to obey it?

7. Is civil disobedience always sinful? Can it be righteous to disobey?

8. What is the difference between a wrong law and an evil law?