May 5, 2023

“A Word for Wives and Husbands”

The subject of “authority” is a sticky issue in our day and age. Sadly, some authorities, both institutional and individual, have proved unfaithful and even dangerous. Many have failed miserably in their call to exercise authority rightly and justly.

As we work our way through 1 Peter, we come to some passages we don’t often consider. This coming Sunday I’ll be teaching from one of those passages, so I hope you’ll take the time to look over 1 Peter 3:1-7.

Any discussion on authority needs to begin by acknowledging the ultimate authority of God. He is the Author of life. He is the Creator of all. He is the Sovereign, Who has always been and will always be. There is no one above Him.  He answers to no one but everything answers to Him. Further, the Bible reminds us that those who rebel against God’s authority commit a very serious sin that he will not overlook.

God, Who holds ultimate authority, has chosen to delegate authority in an effort to secure order and to avoid anarchy in this world. To this end, God has delegated authority in government, in the workplace, in the family, and in the church. As believers and followers of Jesus, we are called by Scripture to rightly respond to these authorities appointed by God.

When we, as believers, rightly respond to delegated authority, we provide an example to the unbelieving world around us. Our biblical response to delegated authority can even influence unbelievers towards Christ. It’s important to note that our obedience to these delegated authorities isn’t to be blind, as the Bible would never call us to submit to someone or something that dishonors God or opens us to abuse. However, submission to good, delegated authority is biblical and right.

This Sunday we’re going to unpack a difficult passage that has something to say to all of us, not just husbands and wives.

Learning to submit for His sake,

pastor jamie