Standing Firm by Respecting Government

1 Peter 2:13-17
 
Honor the government in order to display the gospel of Jesus.
 
I. Stand firm on the gospel by _______________ to government, 2:13-17.
   A. What does it mean to submit?
  
   B. Why should I submit to the government?
       1. The Christian community is to be attractively unique,
           2:9, 12.
  
       2. For the Lord’s sake.
           See Matthew 22:17-21; 1 Peter 2:21-23.
  
       3. Doing good accomplishes God’s will in evangelism.
           See Daniel 6:4-5; Matthew 5:14-16.
  
    C. How should I relate to the rest of society?
          1. Act as a “free-slave.”
          2. Honor everyone.
          3. Love fellow Christians.
          4. Fear God.
          5. Respect the President.
 
    D. When should I not submit to government?
         1. When man’s law opposes God’s law.  For example...
              a. Mandated abortion, Exodus 1:15-22
              b. Anti-conversion laws, Acts 4:19-20; 5:28-29
  
    E. Is God’s gospel derailed by unjust government?
        See Acts 2:22-24