Resilient, Enduring Faith. (401)

Trust God in every circumstance.

As Americans we love our rights and we want to exercise those rights.

• Do our rights ever become secondary?
• What do we do when those rights are trampled on?

Submission is not a popular word in a culture focused on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet that is the life a Christian is called to live. when those rights are trampled on because we are followers of Jesus, our submissive attitude becomes all the more important.

1 Peter 2:13-23

1. Love, Honor, and Respect
1 Peter 2:13-17

“Submit”

• A military term indicating subordination to or ranking beneath another.
• It does not indicate slave but rather the acknowledgment of authority.

Christians and freedom in Christ

1. Instead of speaking their minds, citizens of heaven have the freedom to do good
2. Christians are to avoid the slanderous tongue of the evil one.
3. the way to silence ignorant people is by doing good.

Continue trusting in God even when we encounter persecution for our beliefs.

2. Enduring Injustice
1 Peter 2:18-20

• What does it mean to Submit to human authorities as to God.
• how do you respond to the following areas of authority:how do you respond to the following areas of authority:
• Federal government,
• local government,
• traffic laws,
• copyright laws,
• taxes,
• other?

1. God knows firsthand about injustice and persecution.
2. God punishes evil, but He also provides hope for us.
3. He doesn’t leave us to face the dire consequences of our sin.
4. God honors the one who has suffered.
5. God doesn’t forget His people, nor does He allow evil to ultimately go unanswered.

3. The Example of Jesus
Peter 2:21-23

• “What are your best tips for enduring our culture’s hostility against Christians?”

God will ultimately put an end to all suffering and injustice.

Conclude

“Trust God in every circumstance.”

1. In political involvement. Research your local and regional politicians as preparation for engaging your governing authorities in a way that honors Christ.
2. Choose freedom. To be a Christian is to be set free in Christ. Choose to exercise that freedom by not retaliating when someone wrongs or insults you.
3. Care for the persecuted church. Connect with a ministry that serves as an advocate for churches and individuals undergoing persecution. Support that ministry through prayer; consider giving financially, as well.

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