"11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." 1 Peter 2:11-1
Peter was talking to the Church as a whole.
HOW DO WE LIVE IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF IT?
"14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world." John 17:14
This world is full of sin and darkness. It has no hope. It is perishing. We need to be the light.
"11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11-12
Be different. Don't be like the world. People should see the difference. Live in the truth, in kindness, compassion, joy, peace.
YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD SO LIVE LIKE IT.
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1
We are meant to live lives that honor the Father all the time.
WHAT DOES FREEDOM LOOK LIKE?
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
There are still people fighting to get here (America) so it must be better than where they are from. So too, we are citizens of Heaven -- our home is much better than hell. So live like your home is in heaven. Let people see the different. Jesus's way -- loving, kind, joyful, peaceful, not in a hurry; patient, good, long-suffering, self-controlled.
"7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8
God's holding us to a high standard. Be an example for those who don't have Jesus yet.
WHAT ABOUT AUTHORITIES?
"13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people."
1 Peter 2:13-15
Remember, the Roman Empire, where these Believers lived, was a cruel, violent empire. Lots of people were killed by the government. It killed Christians. It would eventually kill Peter.
"25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”" Luke 20:25
If the authority tells you to go against God, then don't do that. Otherwise go with the government. But always respect authority no matter how the person acts. We always can be kind and respectful. We should exercise our right to vote and however else God is leading you to take part in politics. But we aren't to be beligerant ever. We should be living to make our world better.
"7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”" Jeremiah 29:7
Pray for peace and prosperity where you live.
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
1 Timothy 2:1-2
LIVE OUR LIVES HAS VOLUNTARY BONDSLAVES TO GOD.
"16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor." 1 Peter 2:16-17
Doulos=bondslave
A slave who was bought and paid for; released but chooses to stay with the Master voluntarily. I want to stay with my master, he or she says.
THE PRODIGAL SON
"17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:17-20
We were bought at a great price.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Galatians 5:13
FIGHT THE DEVIL TO PRESERVE YOUR FREEDOM
"But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[a]? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?" Galatians 4:9
Don't go back to what God took you from.
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love.