July 6
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1 PETER 2
13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. – 1 Peter 2:13-17
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1 PETER 2 WHEN YOU SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY AND DO GOOD
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When you committed to the Lord God as your Master
He expects you to submit to everyone who is your leader
It doesn’t matter if they are not following the Lord
He gave those leaders in your life so you’ll be ruled
This is God’s will, that you submit to your superiors
Never question why he allowed those people to lead you
Even if you think that they are not worth respecting
It is your duty to obey authority and not be dishonoring.
Do not abuse the freedom you were given when you were saved
Instead, use the freedom to be exemplary as you live for Christ
Do good without criticizing others and your deeds will guide them
It will pave the way for the ungodly to reflect and examine their lives
Fear the Lord your God and honor your king and leaders
Pray for them so that they will hear the truth of the gospel
By submitting to authorities placed in your life, you follow God’s will
When you do good to others, you fulfill the royal law and stay free. ________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think we need to submit to authority even if they are corrupt and leading us wrongly?
• Why is “freedom” according to the world very different from God’s view of freedom?
• Why do you think it is important to obey authority according to these verses?