Foundations Oct 15, 2010

Friday, October 15, 2010

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Proverbs 21-23 & 2 Corinthians 10

THANKFUL SUBMISSION – Submission to Authority

SCRIPTURE READING 

1 Peter 2:13-17 (NIV); “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”

1 Peter 3:17 (NIV); “It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

There IS purpose in submitting to the government and other authorities. Submission is a refreshing quality in a world that prides itself in its pride and rebellion. The church has sorrowfully neglected her role as the hands and feet of Christ. These “little lights of ours” have been smothered – hidden under bushes and “whoohed” out by Satan. We have slithered into dark corners and our witness has fallen between the cracks. We should be EAGER to submit to governing authorities. We must be in tune with the Spirit so that we know how to respond in the heat of the moment. How do you respond to the officer who pulls you over for speeding? What do your kids or friends hear come out of your mouth when the bills come in the mail? Do the things you do and say about the local authorities in your community encourage others to think, speak and act rebelliously or submissively? When we submit even the smallest areas of our lives to Christ, He will use it for the building of His Kingdom!

PRAYER & MEDITATION

1. Consider the questions presented above. What are your answers? Can you think of other examples where you have acted positively or negatively towards governing authorities?

2. Read the verses in 1 Peter a few times over. For each point, pray the truth of it into your own life. Ask the Lord to help you submit to specific authorities. Ask Him how your good deeds silence foolishness. Ask Him to reveal how you’ve used your freedom in Christ to cover up evil deeds. Spend ample time in prayer today.