Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 2:18-20
The theme of submission has been central this week in God’s Word. God continues to get more specific about our submission and walking in obedience to Him as we examine 1 Peter 2:11-25. Today we focus on 1 Peter 2:18-20, as God says, Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. Who is a servant? All of us who have a boss in our lives. That boss may be our employer, or a parent, or a teacher, or a coach, or anyone else we have to answer to for things we are asked to do by them. God tells us that our submission is to be with all respect. We need to treat those in authority over us with honor and when we do, we honor God! But then God makes sure we understand that our submission to those authorities includes those who are unkind and even cruel. When we submit, even to the unkind authorities, God promises His favor because we choose to honor Him by submitting to these cruel people in our lives. Let’s not miss God’s favor.
Challenge & Application
1. Submission to someone who is cruel to us is hard. But, how are you doing this in your life so that you honor God.?
2. We are to treat these cruel people in our lives with all respect, so what does that look like practically?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!