Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 2:16-17
Yesterday we saw that God called us to submit to the authorities He’s placed over our lives. But even with authorities over us, God has given us freedom through our Lord Jesus Christ. The freedom God has poured out on us is choosing to love Him, obey Him, and serve Him (by serving those in our lives). We also have been set free from the power and penalty of sin. Therefore, God tells us in 1 Peter 2:16-17, Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. The blessing of freedom that God has provided is incredible! But, even in our freedom, we are still God’s slaves/servants. Someone might think that being a slave is a negative thing, especially how it is discussed today in our culture. But whether people believe it or not, everyone is a slave. People are either slaves to the spiritual forces of darkness and their sin and sin nature (Ephesians 2:2-3; 2 Timothy 2:26; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), or we are slaves to the God and King Who created us (Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1; Philemon 1:1; James 1:1). Many times, the saints of old described themselves as “bond-servants, slaves, or prisoners” of our Lord. We must understand, we all serve either the god of this world or the One True God. Respect everyone, love all believers, fear only God, and respect authorities.
Challenge & Application
1. With the freedom God has given you as a believer, how are you guarding against giving into evil and staying submitted to God?
2. We are slaves to sin or slaves to our Lord, so how are you living differently as a slave to Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!