Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 1 Peter 2:18-20
The idea of submission is not favorable in the carnal world, we live in a world where everyone is taught, you must be in charge, you must be a leader, however this is not how the Kingdom of God is designed. The reality is if Jesus is your Lord, Christ is your Master, you must submit to Him. To not submit to Christ is an act of disobedience to God
The Apostle Peter uses the example of a household servant submitting to their master, now in today's culture this may be more relatable to an employee/employer relationship. When we have a job, we submit or have respect for our boss or owner of that business, and in everything we do, our conduct and work should be that to honor God. By being disobedient to the authority that is in place over you, you are not showing any honor or grace to Christ.
As the past few teachings by Peter all tie into each other, our God is a God of Law and Order, there is a chain of command in the Kingdom of God. Peter has demonstrated this in our Governments, Families, Marriages, in the Church, and our occupations, there is a chain of command in everything, Jesus Christ is Master over all these things. If the idea of submission is repulsive to a Christian then you really can't be a Christian.
Because every knee will bow to the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 1) I know many atheists will try to use these verses , like verse 18 to claim Christianity supports slavery, when in reality Christianity was the reason slavery was abolished in America. It's not about slavery, it's about understanding the idea of servanthood as a Christian.
As the Apostle Paul said "You are slaves to the one you obey" Everyone is a slave to something to some degree. If you continue in your sin, you are a slave to sin or you're a slave to Christ, there is no other option in this world. As the Apostle Peter states here "Its commendable when you suffer for Christs sake"
God is watching, he knows everything you must endure for Christs sake, please don't lose heart , you will be rewarded by your One true Master Jesus Christ, Amen!
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