Freedom & Service (1 Peter 2:13-17)

Sermon Series: Between Two Worlds   Speaker: Pastor Josh Sherrell   __________     Description: In this passage, Peter shows us how we are to live as citizens of this world on our way to a better world by lives of good deeds in submission to earthly authorities. After introducing this section on how we are to live as chosen strangers on a journey between two worlds, Peter now begins to show how this is applied in all areas of life. It begins with recognizing earthly authorities as a part of God’s good design and how we relate to the authorities of this world as citizens of a better world in a way that shows our identity as beloved children of God.   _____   Main Idea: Our witness as citizens of this world shows that we are citizens of a better world.   _____   I.As citizens of a better world, we submit to earthly authorities out of reverence for Christ. (2:13-14)       a. We submit to earthly authorities for the Lord’s sake.        b. Our willing submission shows that we are citizens of a better world.      II.As citizens of a better world, we silence our opponents by the goodness of our lives. (2:15-16)        a. We silence the world by our actions in it.        b. Our lives show the goodness of freedom in Christ as servants of God.      III.As citizens of a better world, we show honor to all in recognition of God’s good design. (2:17)        a. We show our love for God as we rightly order our allegiances as citizens of this world.        b. Our witness in this world shows that we are citizens of a better world.