Submission to Authority
1 Peter 2:13-15
Pastor Jerry Koller

Verse 13: Submission is a biblical responsibility.
· because of the Lord - is what God wants us to do.
· Submit yourselves, then, to God. (James 4:7)

The word translated submit, in verse 13, is used 31 times in the New Testament. Peter uses it 6 times in this letter.
· Once it is translated submit.
· 3 times, it is translated submissive.
· Once, it is translated subject
· Once it is translated subjected.

The word for submit means to place or rank under, to subject, to obey. It is also used as a Greek military term meaning to arrange in a military fashion under the command of a leader.

Submit...to every authority instituted among men: is an all-encompassing group.

Be subject then to every man-made creation because of the Lord, either to a king as being supreme. (vs. 13)

· The word everyone is specific. It means each and every person—every soul.
· The word translated authorities means those who have power to act/authority—one who possesses jurisdiction, ruler or magistrate.
· The word translated governing is the same word found in 1 Peter 2:13 where it is translated being supreme (supreme authority NIV)
· Other translations used the words ordained or have been instituted.
· The Greek word means to place in a certain order or to arrange in an orderly manner.

Then Peter lists two specific groups: kings (vs. 13) and governors (vs. 14)
· King/Emperor
· Pontius Pilate and Felix had the title of “governor.”
· They were sent to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

The wording of this verse assumes that doing good is a part of God’s will for us.
· It silences the ignorant talk of foolish men.
· Silence literally means to muzzle.

"The Christian ought to be particularly thankful to God for the gift of government, through which God graciously preserves human life." Luther's Works, 31, p. 78

What if the authorities over us require us to disobey God? Must we submit to them? The answer is no.

You will have to allow the Holy Spirit to direct your conscience and examine the motives of your heart.

· Elizabeth (Rhonda Dobberstein's niece) had a successfully delivery on 11/4 and mom & baby are doing well. Thank you for the prayers!
· Don & Deb Jenks and their family upon the death of Don’s mother, Arliss Jenks, on 11/3.
· Tabitha Goodale (friend of Stan & Jean Robinson) was not able to have surgery yesterday because her blood work was not good. They retested a couple days later and it was worse. Her mother said that she is in desperate need of a miracle and thanks the church for all the prayers. Please continue to pray for healing.
· Karlie Mercado-Woodall (20 year-old niece of Matt & Kristy Jenks) who is recovering from a non-motorized accident which resulted in many injuries including breaking both ankles, a wrist and her back in multiple places. She is currently recovering at Mary Freebed Hospital.
· Nolan Marshall (son of Dan & Tracy) is struggling with major tantrums and other behavioral issues. Please pray for the doctors to have wisdom in choosing medication and treatments, and that the tantrums do not escalate worse than what they are. He has an evaluation scheduled at a brain specialty clinic for 12/6 and a parental follow-up meeting on 1/6. Also pray for patience and safety for him, his parents and his brother Riley as they try to work through situations.
· Carl Oisten (Sue Richmond's brother) is in the NCU at Borgess Hospital, for breathing issues.
· Shannon French (son of Curt & Patty Bales) continues eye drop treatment for an infection. It looks the damaged part is creating new cells and hopefully healing.
· Joyce Bocock finished radiation on the large tumor in her spine. She is handling the medication for the endocrine therapy well.
· Pete Danapilis is home recovering from a successful back surgery.
· Rocky (Stan Robinson' uncle) has been released from the hospital but continues to have a myriad of health issues.
· Norma Bales (Curt Bales’ mom) is receiving Hospice care.
· Linda Newell is recovering from surgery to have a rotator cuff repaired.
· Ruby Robinson (Stan & Jean Robinson’s sister-in-law, Bruce Robinson’s stepmom) has been diagnosed with colon cancer and is receiving chemo which is making her very sick. She is not able to work.
· Vincent Bryant (Miriam Bryant’s son) is recovering from a broken ankle.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com