BEHAVE, FOR BEHAVE, FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!!HEAVEN’S SAKE!!

I Peter 2: 13-25I Peter 2: 13-25

1 Peter 2:13-25 Living Translation1 Peter 2:13-25 Living Translation

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 the foolish. 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 your fellow believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

1 Peter 2:13-25 Living Translation1 Peter 2:13-25 Living Translation

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if you bear up under the pain of unjust suffering because you are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:13-25 Living Translation1 Peter 2:13-25 Living Translation

22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." 25 For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Take

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e My freedom in Christ does not free me from laws of the

land or all regional customs.

Suffering for doing the right thing comes with the territory…the land of discipleship.

Most lasting changes stem from new laws…they come from changed hearts.

Sometimes I just have to take it on the chin without a fuss so the Gospel can do it’s powerful work.

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• In California, it is illegal to drive more than 2000 sheep down Hollywood boulevard at one time.

• In Denver it is unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor.

• In Miami, it’s illegal for men to be seen publically in any kind of strapless gown.

• In Zion, Illinois, it is illegal for anyone to give lighted cigars to dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals kept as pets.

• In Gary, Indiana, persons are prohibited from attending a move house or other theater within four hours of eating garlic.

• Frankfort, Kentucky, makes it against the law to shoot off a policeman’s tie.

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• In Lexington, Kentucky, it is illegal to carry any ice cream cone in your pocket.

• In Clawson, Michigan, there is a law that makes it LEGAL for a farmer to sleep with his pigs, cows, horses, goats and chickens.

• A Harthahorne, Oklahoma, ordinance makes it unlawful to put any hypnotized person in a display window.

• In Seattle, Washington, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon that is over six feet in length.

• In Nicholas County, West Virginia, no member of the clergy is allowed to tell jokes or humorous stories from the pulpit during a church service.

What If You Lived In A Place Where Slavery What If You Lived In A Place Where Slavery Was Legal, Women Were Second-Class Was Legal, Women Were Second-Class

Citizens Or It Was Illegal To Speak Of Jesus? Citizens Or It Was Illegal To Speak Of Jesus? What’s A Guy/Gal To Do?What’s A Guy/Gal To Do?

Peter’s admonition is for believers to so respect everyone, obey the law, honor government that no aspersions would be cast against christ or the church. --I Peter 2:14

1414 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right

Suffering When Falsely Accused Is A Potent Witness

• Just look at how Jesus suffered…and changed the world by such a display of love.

• He has called us to follow on that same, often painful, path.

• God will make all things square in his time. --I Peter 2:23

2323 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

I trust Him as my Lord and Savior.

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Does This Make Christians Mere Door Mats Does This Make Christians Mere Door Mats Who Allow Everyone To Trample All Over Who Allow Everyone To Trample All Over

Them?Them?

• Some folk expect believers to raise a stink over laws aimed at them… especially in countries where a believer is a ‘persona non grata’.

• We are free to take our stand within the law… as Paul did in demanding his rights as a Roman citizen.

My Story Of A Convert To Christ…In IraqMy Story Of A Convert To Christ…In Iraq

• “I don’t have to hurt my wife anymore.”

• The gospel changed his behavior where culture and law were powerless.

In a male dominated culture Peter urged believers In a male dominated culture Peter urged believers to not make a fuss when rights were at stake. That to not make a fuss when rights were at stake. That would be a distraction for the main thing… would be a distraction for the main thing… Impacting our culture with the good news. --I Peter Impacting our culture with the good news. --I Peter 2:152:15

• Slaves…obey your masters and leave their judgment to the Supreme Judge.

• Likewise with wives.• Respect everyone.• Love the brotherhood. • Honor the King.

1515 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of the foolish.

And What Will Become Of Such Behavior? Embarrassment For Any Who Would Ridicule Or Criticize You --I Peter 2:12

• People who are mistreated are expected to curse the offenders… no, we won’t do that.

• Such dedication and solid citizenship is impressive and convicting.

• Plus it often provides a hearing for the Gospel.

• This is ‘Salt’ and ‘Light’ doing its best! Matthew 5:13-16

1212 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.

Take

Hom

eTake

Hom

e My freedom in Christ does not free me from laws of the

land or all regional customs.

Suffering for doing the right thing comes with the territory…the land of discipleship.

Most lasting changes stem from new laws…they come from changed hearts.

Sometimes I just have to take it on the chin without a fuss so the Gospel can do it’s powerful work.

Go in the Power of Go in the Power of Generous LivingGenerous Living