STUDIES IN I PETER- PART 11

                              Jan.1, 2006

Intro: Ch.2:13-18- the context is submission under the fear

of the Lord.  Peter develops this theme.

I. The persuasion of good deeds- vs.15

1. Called to disarm critics by “well-doing”

2. If submission to authorities is will of God, then good

works are as well.

3. Such attacks on the faith is called “ignorance of foolish

men”

II. The principle of wise restraint- vs.16

1. Believers first allegiance is to God- 2:9,12, 16

2. The believer’s freedom requires a willing restraint.

3. But our freedom is not a cover for evil deeds.

4. This “freedom with responsibility” influenced founders

 of our nation

III. The prescription for appropriate response- vs.17

1) Respect toward others is minimal

2) Love must mark relations with fellow-believers.

3) Maintain a fear of God

4) Specific respect toward authority figures.

IV. Perseverance under difficult authority- vs.18-19

“servant” is not doulos, but oiketai=domestic servants

1) “with all fear” = toward God, (vs.17) not man

2) Submission occurs 5 times- 2:13, 18, 3:1, 5:5 –twice

3) Why require a believer to submit to such?