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Understanding Obedience and Submission (The Role of…)

Two Approaches Employ those affected by atrocity crimes to play a meaningful role in pursuing justice. Employ those affected by atrocity crimes to illustrate how Christian are more than conquerors

They (Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom) lay back, struggling against nausea that swept over them from the reeking straw. Suddenly Corrie started up, striking her head on the cross-slats above. Something had bitten her leg. “Fleas!” she cried. “Betsie, the place is swarming with them!” Descending from the platform and edging down a narrow aisle, they made their way to a patch of light. “Here! And here another one!” Corrie wailed. “Betsie, how can we live in such a place?”

Two approaches against this horrible evil The approach of justice would seek that such things never happen again Another approach seeks to allow God to supply His child to make it through whatever happens

The approach of justice must influence people and governmental behavior in an attempt to control the evil in this world God in His mercy gives us such assurance that we do not seek to control evil – We trust in Him

Which Approach do you choose [Mat 5: 38-39 NIV] 38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

Submission and the Savior [1Pe 2:22-23 NIV] 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

[Phl 2:5-8 NIV] 5b… Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

[Heb 5:7 NIV] 7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

[Heb 5:8-9 NIV] 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

Not only did Jesus teach us not to resist evil, it was how he lived… (and how He died) How is it that this pleases God the Father?

In the case of Jesus it is said… He entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 It leaves the ultimate responsibility and authority with the author of right and wrong to decide who is right or wrong.

God has said… [1Pe 3:9 NIV] 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

[1Pe 1:3-4 NIV] 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,

[1Pe 1:6-7 NIV] 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The Letter of Peter does not end with the suggestion that we live in a submissive manner Peter gives specific examples of how and to whom we are to live submission to lives

Submission - our mission [1Pe 2:13 NIV] 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,

[1Pe 2:14 NIV] 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

[1Pe 2:17 NIV] 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

[1Pe 2:18 NIV] 18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

[1Pe 2:19 NIV] 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.

[1Pe 3:1 NIV] 1 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,

[1Pe 3:7 NIV] 7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

[1Pe 3:8-9 NIV] 8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.