Living Stone II

The Apostle Peter reminds us that as Christians we are part of something much bigger.  The Living Stone, Jesus, has made us part of his Holy Christian Church.  That isn’t where our story ends.  We live in a sinful world.  How can we interact with them in a God pleasing way?  It’s simpler than you might think.  It’s simpler, but not easy.

As you drive down the road to your place of work or grocery store, consider the posted speed limit.  The government has posted a number that you are not supposed to cross.  While true that many drive over the posted limit, consider that laws are not to be obeyed because of their merit, but because God calls us to do so.  He is the one who has instituted the governing authorities.  They represent his authority.  We are to submit to the government – including the posted speed limit – as to the Lord.

Jump into the work place.  You may not like your boss, but that doesn’t really matter.  Just as we submit to the governing authorities, God calls us to work for our employer as if it was him.  Sound like a tall order?!  Consider that Peter wrote these words to people who could not leave their jobs and seek other employment.  These were slaves, property of their masters.  God no where condones slavery, but the reality of the day was that slavery existed.  Looking at Paul’s letter to Philemon and other passages, slavery is not God’s will for the world.  God has freed us from the shackles of sin, death and the devil.  Our freedom ought to be reflected in our world.  That said, you will not rebellion encouraged anywhere in the Bible.

Want to hear about the battle that rages in your soul beyond how we relate to authority in life?  Watch the second lesson in our Bible study from 1 Peter 2-3, The Living Stone.

Please click HERE to view the Bible class slides.