Submission is a quality which needs to be learned and applied by all who would be faithful to the Lord. Not just submission to the Lord, which is paramount, but also in certain earthly relationships. Peter begins a discussion of the need for submission in various areas of life in our text this week. Specifically, related to government and in labour.

SUBMISSION TO GOVERNMENT (2:13-17)
Peter commands by the Spirit, "...submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for this is the will of God." Paul's instruction in Romans 13 agrees. Though our earthly governments are not set in place by God, they derive their authority from God (v 1, 4). Thus, to resist the government is to resist the Lord (v 2, 5).

Why submit to the governing authorities? In doing good, the Christian is able to silence those who might from foolishness lay a charge against the people of God. The apostle Paul emphasized the importance of doing good as he wrote to Titus (Titus 2:6-8, 14; 3:1, 8, 14). When the Christian obeys the government, he obeys God, and glorifies the name of God before men. Keep in mind, Peter has just, in this very context addressed the need for us to have our conduct honourable among the Gentiles. Part of that honourable conduct is obedience to authorities.

A few short admonitions, capsulizing our responsibility to various persons, are listed in verse 17. We are to honour all (respect for all people); love the brotherhood (especially do good for those who are of the faith); fear God (acknowledging that He is supreme); and honour the king (obedience to and esteem of those who are in power).

SUBMISSION IN BUSINESS (2:18-20)
Notice, the text is addressed to servants. Why then do we label this segment "Submission in Business"? The principles given for the servant in regard to his master are applicable and useful in the relationship of all workers to their employers, whether the subjection is in the context of slavery or gainful employment.

We are to be submissive to masters "...with all fear..." Elsewhere, the Scriptures tell us how serious proper submission to those who rule over us as masters (employers) is. Hear the words of Paul: "...obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men..." (Colossians 3:22-23; cf. Ephesians 6:5-7). God's command is that we serve our masters (employers) as though we were serving Him; for indeed, those who claim to be Christian are representing the Lord wherever they are and in whatever they are doing. Paul emphasizes the importance of servants (employees) submitting to their masters (employers) with these words, "Let as many bondservants who are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed." (1 Timothy 6:1).

Peter says we should submit "...not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh." Simply, the disposition of one's master (employer) does not change the devotion of service given. Of course, in the scenario of employer/employee, the worker is free to find alternate employment; but so long as one is subject to an employer, let obedience be render with respect. The apostle tells us, "...this is commendable..." If we suffer because we are slacking on the job, it is sinful; but if we suffer wrongfully, despite our devoted service, it is commendable before the Lord (1 Peter 3:17; 4:14-16).

SUBMISSION EXEMPLIFIED IN CHRIST (2:21-25)
See that the apostle is not commanding us to do something which was foreign to the Lord. We are called to suffer wrongfully, if need be, even as the Lord suffered wrongfully. "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps..."

Though the Lord endured persecution, He did not sin in return, either in word or deed. Instead, He "...committed Himself to Him who judges righteously..." What a wonderful example we have! There is no temptation we face with which the Lord is not acquainted, and yet He overcame all (Hebrews 4:15). We would do well to follow His example of submission, both to authorities, and to the greatest authority, His Father.

His willingness to be a humble servant, and to give of Himself resulted in the opportunity for salvation for all. He suffered on our account, bearing our sins (Isaiah 53:4-5; John 1:29; Hebrews 9:28). And now, "...we might live for righteousness..." (Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21). What a wonderful Lord! What a wonderful calling is our's!!

Friend, let us submit to all forms of government, for their power is from God. To resist the governing authorities is to resist the Lord. Likewise, let us submit to those who are over us, whether they be masters or bosses, and serve as unto Christ. To not serve with our whole heart causes the name of God and His word to be blasphemed. And keep in mind the wonderful example of submission seen in our Lord Jesus.