Key Verse
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of them that do well” (1 Peter 2: 13,14).
Text — 1 Peter 2: 13-20
Message
According to Charles Cowman, “Often the crowd does not recognise a leader until he has gone, and then they build a monument for him with the stones they threw at him in life.” Many people do not value their leaders both spiritual and secular until they are no more. Leaders deserve our utmost respect and honour as well as constant prayer for fairness and the fear of God. Obeying the leaders both spiritual and secular is akin to obeying God in as much as they rule in consonance with the will of God. Christian youths should not be among those who are slandering their leaders or starting riots to discredit government, even in the face of injustice, such as persecution.
One of the reasons we should submit to government is because its purpose of establishment – preventing sin and for promoting righteousness. They prevent sin by punishment and encourage righteousness through commendation or reward. When those in authority promote good and prevent sin, they are acting as God’s servants. Obey your leaders.
Quote
Obey your leaders
Challenge
Don’t slander your leaders.
Prayer for today
Help me to pray for my leaders, oh God.