LIVING HOPE

“Who’s In Charge?”

Pastor Duane Cross | 10.28.2012

“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 2:13-17(NIV)

HOW DO WE LIVE IN THIS WORLD?

I. Submit to earthly rulers.

II. For the Lord’s sake.

III. Submission brings freedom.

“A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all. -Martin Luther

“Two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly by the love of self, even to the contempt of God; the heavenly by the love of God, even to the contempt of self.” -Augustine

“...follow in his steps.” (1Peter 2:21)

GOING DEEPER QUESTIONS

For the Week of October 28

1 Peter 2:11-25 | Pastor Duane Cross

These questions are designed to help you go deeper with the sermon during your week-to take a closer look at the Scripture and find fresh ways to live out the main points of the sermon. Going Deeper questions also are used for discussion in all of our Grow Groups at Hope.

Getting Started

What insight or principle from this weekend’s message did you find helpful, interesting or challenging? Explain.

In different areas of your life, how would you answer the question “Who’s in charge?”

In what areas of society are you submissive? Not submissive? And why?

A Closer Look

What do you think it means to submit to authority instituted among men? (vss. 13-14)

Read vss.18-22. Does this text imply slavery is good? Read Philemon and Galatians 3:28. How do you interpret Peter’s words in the light of these texts?

What example did Jesus leave us in dealing with authorities (both just and unjust) in our lives? (vss. 21-25)

Digging Deeper

How do you differentiate between a just authority or unjust authority?

Do you respond differently to just or unjust authority? If so, how?

What does it mean to live as free men and women? (vss. 16-17)

For you, what does it mean to “follow in his steps”? (vss. 21-25)