1 Peter 2:13-17 begins Peter’s specific instructions for the churches in Asia Minor. In the following sections, Peter will show believers what "abstaining from the passions of the flesh," and "keeping our conduct among the Gentiles honorable" actually looks like in different situations. This passage regarding how we live for Christ under government is not an easy one for us today. It was exponentially harder for those to whom it was first written. As we seek to understand God’s word on this subject, we will try to answer several common questions that arise when we talk about "being subject." However, the most important question that needs to be answered in each of our hearts is, "What is God saying to me through this?"

Peter doesn’t write to make sure the churches are being good boys and girls. He isn’t writing to ensure that he keeps everyone in line. He isn’t even writing to help them assimilate into this world. Peter writes specifically for the believers to live in such a way that Christ is glorified and honored in this world. So that "by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people" (v. 15), and "when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation (v. 12). Bringing glory to Christ’s name must be what drives all that we do.

At the end of Abraham's life, God's promises find their fulfillment.

Beginning at 2:11, Peter will get real practical and specific about what it looks like to serve God in a hostile world. He goes into great detail describing how Christians are to live faithfully in the different spheres of life in this world. 1 Peter 2:11 through chapter 3 are tough lessons for us to hear. But these truths are essential because God alone has the authority to define how we are to serve Him in a hostile world. Because we haven’t been in 1 Peter for a few weeks, we will take some time and review what we have learned in this letter so far, and then look at a broad overview of what 2:11 through chapter 3 will look like in the coming weeks.

Abraham acts to secure Isaac a wife while trusting in God's providence to work all things out to fulfill His promise

Paul assures the Colossians that they are complete in Christ and need nothing else. The gospel completes their standing before God. They have been united in His death and resurrection and made alive with Him.

Genesis 22:20-23:20 The Promise Beyond Death

Psalm 78:1-8 centers on the responsibility of the family and the covenant community to make known the greatness of God to the next generation. Our goal is “so that they should set their hope in God” (Ps. 78:7) and the Psalmist shows us how we strive toward that goal. Today, as our world strays further and further from biblical values, morals, and objective truth, planting the Word of God in the next generation has never been more important.

Abraham finally sees the fulfillment of the promises