1 Peter 2:15-16
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

Application: 

Those who have come to Jesus Christ have transferred kingdoms and sworn allegiance to a new King. His agenda is theirs. But until Jesus returns, his followers must live in this world of nations, rulers, and laws. Christians have a responsibility to civil government. Jesus told his disciples to give “to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matt 22:21).

Once again, Peter had been listening to his Lord. He tells his Christian readers to submit to every lawful human authority (2:13). This is God’s will (2:15) because he intends human rulers to punish those who do what is evil (2:14). Paul agreed (see Rom 13:1–7). Unfortunately, though, in a fallen world, governments can be unjust and act in ways that are contrary to God’s rule. 

When that happens, we have a legitimate basis to protest (see, e.g., Acts 4:19–20; 5:29). But we are not to use our freedom as God’s people as a cover-up for evil (2:16). The world should find Christians to be exemplary citizens who honor all people, love others, fear God, and respect ruling authorities (2:17).

Ephesians 5:11 says, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” Christians are called to expose evil, not to look the other way, not to excuse evil in the cloak of compassion. This is what Peter means when he says we are not to use our freedom as a cover for vice.*

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1354.
*Reference: Ricardo R.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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