Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Fear God - Honor the King

Bryan Schneider · November 9, 2024

1 Peter 2:13-17

sharonrpc.org/sermons/fear-god-honor-the-king

Summary

Peter commands Christians to submit to every lawful human institution for the Lord's sake, because civil authority is derived from God rather than from a ruler's personal virtue.
Civil government is charged to punish evil and commend good, and believers may make lawful use of civic rights and appeals as Paul did.
Christian freedom must never become a cover for evil; believers are free people who remain bondservants of God.
Peter gives four compact duties: honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king.
The fear owed to God is categorically greater than the honor owed to rulers, so no human command can require disobedience to God.
When obedience to God requires civil disobedience, Christians should act openly, peacefully, and with readiness to bear the consequences.
Jesus submitted to unjust authorities in obedience to his Father, giving believers the supreme pattern for faithful conduct under imperfect governments.

Why does Peter ground submission to civil authority in the Lord rather than in the ruler's character?
What lawful civic rights and appeals may Christians use while remaining submissive?
How can Christian freedom become a pretext for evil?
What is the difference between fearing God and honoring the king?
When does a government's command cross the line into requiring disobedience to God?
How should a believer conduct himself when conscience requires civil disobedience?
How does Christ's submission to unjust rulers reshape our response to unfair treatment?

Submission: A willing ordering of oneself under lawful authority for the Lord's sake, without treating that authority as absolute.
Civil magistrate: A ruler or governing authority ordained by God to restrain evil and serve the public good.
Christian freedom: Freedom from slavery to sin that enables service to God, never a license for wrongdoing.
Fear of God: Reverent allegiance and obedience owed uniquely to God above every human authority.
Honor: The respect due to every image bearer and, in a distinct way, to those who occupy civil office.
Civil disobedience: Refusal to obey a human command when obedience would require sin against God's higher authority.