This Exile Life - Part 9: Jesus & Authority

Part 9 - SERIES: This Exile Life
Peter expounds on the call to live a holy life by giving instruction on how to live under authority in 1 Peter 2:13-25. God has given us authorities in government and work (and throughout life) for our good. Our perfect God uses imperfect people to carry out his will. Because of sin, some authorities act in unjust ways, but even then we're to honor them. We're to submit to authority unless it 1) forbids us to do what God commands or 2) commands us to do what God forbids. In those cases we appeal to Jesus as our higher authority and obey him. It's also important to recognize that submission does not mean blind obedience. If you're in danger or being abused physically, sexually, or in other ways, that is not a time to submit but to find help and flee to safety. Peter wraps up this passage by pointing us to Jesus who is our perfect example of God-honoring submission to authority. God calls us to submit and do good just like Jesus.