CWW Week 33 - Church & State - Day 6

Devotional: Living as God’s People Under Earthly Authority
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13–17 (NIV)
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors… For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.”

In a world where rebellion is often seen as strength and defiance as courage, the message of 1 Peter 2:13–17 may seem surprising. Writing to scattered believers facing trials and persecution, the apostle Peter doesn’t call for resistance or revolution. Instead, he instructs Christians to “submit… for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” Not because the authorities were perfect or always just, but because doing so honoured God and reflected His character.

This is a crucial teaching when we consider the relationship between Church and State. How should Christians live under governments that may or may not share their values? How do we remain faithful to God while navigating the laws and expectations of society? Peter’s letter provides both a foundation and a challenge.

First, he reminds us that submission to authority is not about blind loyalty or fear, but about honouring God. It is “for the Lord’s sake.” That is, we respect human authority because we first respect divine authority. God is a God of order, and He has allowed earthly governments to exist, even when they fall short of His perfect justice.

Peter was not naïve. He had been imprisoned and beaten for preaching the Gospel. He understood that governments can be flawed, even hostile. Yet, his call was clear: honour the emperor, do good, and live as God’s people within the world. This doesn’t mean compromising on truth or silencing the Gospel—it means letting our behaviour speak for itself, silencing criticism through good conduct.

The Church should never be known for bitterness, rage, or constant protest. Instead, we are to be a people who live freely in Christ—not using that freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as a platform for humility, grace, and integrity. We are free from sin, but we are not free to be careless or rebellious. We are, as Peter says, “God’s slaves.” That’s the paradox of Christian freedom: true liberty is found in joyful obedience to God.

In our time, this means engaging respectfully with leaders, even when we disagree. It means paying taxes, obeying laws, and seeking peace—unless those laws directly conflict with God’s commands. In such moments, we must obey God above man (as seen in Acts 5:29), but even then, our disobedience should be marked by respect, not rebellion.

Peter’s final instruction in this passage summarises the heart of Christian civic life: “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.” It’s a balanced call—be kind to all, loyal to the Church, reverent toward God, and respectful to leaders. When the Church lives this way, our witness shines brightly. We aren’t tossed around by politics or driven by public opinion—we are anchored in Christ.

This kind of lifestyle is both radical and quiet. It’s radical because it goes against the grain of self-interest and hostility. It’s quiet because it doesn’t draw attention to itself through force or spectacle—it simply does good and lets the light of Christ speak.

As Christians in Australia today, we enjoy many freedoms. But even if those were to change, our calling wouldn’t. Whether under a friendly government or a difficult one, the same call remains: live as God’s people with grace, courage, and conviction.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there moments when you find it difficult to respect authority, even when you know God has called you to?
2. How can your daily actions reflect the grace, humility, and honour described in 1 Peter 2:13–17?
3. In what ways are you using your freedom in Christ—for self, or for service to God and others?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Papa God. 

Thank You for the wisdom in Your Word that teaches us how to live under authority. Help us to be people of honour, humility, and truth in a world that often encourages rebellion. Teach us to respect our leaders, not because they are always right, but because You are always righteous. Give us strength to stand for what is right, and grace to submit where You call us to. Let our lives bring glory to You, as we live in freedom—serving You and doing good in this world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.