130120 Submission to Authority

SUNDAY MORNING (January 20th)   •   1Peter2:13-25Submission to AuthorityIn your own words, what does it mean to "be subject" to someone or something?Why would the Spirit of God instruct Christians to "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution" (2:13), especially when "the emperor" or the "governors" may stand in direct and active opposition to what our Lord taught, the reasons for which he died, and the groundbreaking nature of his resurrection from the dead?In what way is "the ignorance of foolish people" put "to silence" by disciples of Christ "doing good"2:15)?                                                                                                                                                                                             "Live as people who care free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God" (2:16). What does this mean?                                                                                                               -How would you rephrase the following instructions in everyday terms:Honor everyone -Love the brotherhood - Fear God-Honor the emperor -Why would it be important for servants to "be subject" to their masters, "not only to the good and gentle but also to the just" (2:18), and in what way is this "a gracious thing" (2:19-20)?Why does Peter, in the context of 2:13-25, point us to the example of Jesus in 2:21-24?In your own words, how would you convey the truths revealed in 2:25?