Biblical Authority & Submission in Society #4 (BASiS) | 1 Peter 2:13-17 | Pastor Tom Drion

This message concludes a series from 1 Peter 2:11–17, addressing how Christians are to relate to civil authority. Peter’s instruction to live as sojourners and exiles frames the call to honour governing institutions “for the Lord’s sake”, doing good in a way that commends the gospel and silences false accusation.The teaching explores why Christians willingly submit to authority, even when it is costly, and where the limits of that submission lie. Drawing on biblical teaching and historical examples of persecution, the sermon contrasts outward compliance with true allegiance, asking whether obedience to human authority can be demanded where it would require disobedience to God.Central to the passage is the identity of the believer as both free and bound: free from human mastery, yet a willing servant of God, purchased by Christ and owned by Him alone. Christians submit not under coercion, but as those who fear God above all.