Love Does Not Insist On Its Own Way - Society

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March 18, 2007 - 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:5b This study guide is from 1 Peter 2.13-25.

Open It

  1. Who are some people (famous or ordinary) who have suffered for something in which they believed?

  2. How do people in different countries view and treat their leaders differently?

  3. What is your general attitude toward people in authority over you (bosses, parents, police, etc.)?

Explore It

  1. To whom did Peter urge his readers to submit themselves? Why? (2:13-14)

  2. Why does God allow government? (2:14)

  3. What effect does obedience to government have on many people? (2:15)

  4. What did Peter tell his readers not to do with their freedom? (2:16)

  5. What role does respect play in our interactions with authority? (2:17)

  6. To whom did Peter encourage his readers to submit? Why? (2:18-19)

  7. What commendable act is unique among Christians? (2:19)

  8. How did Peter contrast just with unjust suffering? (2:20)

  9. To what were the readers of this letter called? (2:21)

Get It

  1. To what authorities or masters should we submit ourselves today?

  2. Why is it so difficult to submit to people who have authority over us?

  3. How would you paraphrase God's will as Peter described it?

  4. When have you suffered under someone's harsh authority?

  5. When have you suffered unjustly for Christ's sake?

  6. What does it mean to fear God?

  7. How might we use our freedom to cover up evil?

  8. What example has Christ left for us to follow?

  9. What challenges does Christ's example give us?

  10. What does it mean to live for righteousness?

  11. How can you exercise your freedom in a way that honors God?

Apply It

  1. To what authority (person or institution) will you ask God to help you submit today?

  2. In what situation can you follow Christ's example of suffering without retaliating?

Notes

1 Peter 2:13-17: When Peter told his readers to submit to the civil authorities, he was speaking of the Roman empire under Nero, a notoriously cruel tyrant. Obviously he was not telling believers to compromise their consciences; as Peter had told the high priest years before, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). But in most aspects of daily life, it was possible and desirable for Christians to live according to the law of their land. Today, some Christians live in freedom while others live under repressive governments. All are commanded to cooperate with the rulers as far as conscience will allow. We are to do this "for the Lord's sake"-so that his Good News and his people will be respected. If we are to be persecuted, it should be for obeying God, and not for breaking moral or civil laws.

1 Peter 2:18-25: Many Christians were household slaves. It would be easy for them to submit to masters who were gentle and kind. But Peter encouraged loyalty and perseverance even in the face of unjust treatment. In the same way, we should submit to our employers, whether they are considerate or harsh. By so doing, we may win them to Christ by our good example.

2:21-22 We may suffer for many reasons. Some suffering is the direct result of our own sin; some happens because of our foolishness; and some is the result of living in a fallen world. Peter is writing about suffering that comes as a result of doing good. Christ never sinned, and yet he suffered so that we could be set free. When we follow Christ's example and live for others, we too may suffer. Our goal should be to face suffering as he did-with patience, calmness, and confidence that God is in control of the future.

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