Glad Submission
Introduction
Looking at Genesis 39-40 and concentrating on the passage from 1 Peter
A young man submitting to his employer
The need to submit in our workplace and to governing authorities
An abuse of power is very serious
Examples
As old of the history of mankind
Example of Pharaoh, Potiphar, Darius edict
How are we to react as Christians when there is an abuse of power?
We can stand upon our rights – Example of Paul
Example of Detrich Bonhoeffer
We are not called to be passive
We are to pray and do good to those, not to have a vindictive spirit
Considering the normal position of the Christian
To be submissive, to cooperate, to be upright citizens
Only called to disobey when against the clear commands of God
Example of Meshach, Shadrach & Abednego and Peter & John and the midwife Hebrew women
This teaching is in the New Testament
2 Peter 13-14
Submission to the state and to our employers
Overview:
Joseph in Egypt
Jo Blogs (the Christian) in Britain
Joseph in Egypt
Genesis 39/40
Joseph suffered many abuses of power
He was an involuntary slave
He did not become insolent or difficult or hateful
He gains the trust of his master
He is a young man, a foreigner
He has no bible, church, fellowship with others
Yet God is with him
He loves and fears God
He becomes a remarkable example of a good employee
He gained the trust of Potiphar by humble submission
He prays and testifies (Gen 39:3)
He becomes second only to Potiphar / his right hand man
An excellent employee
This will not occur for every Christian employee
We have opportunities to shine before unbeleivers
We learn to be submissive
He was falsely imprisoned
Psalm 105:17-18
Consider how he might have gone over his life now in this awful situation
Years in prison
Yet God was with him
The grace of God had transformed him
The butler and baker joined him / were handed over by Potiphar to Joseph (Gen 39:1 vs 40:2-3)
Joseph might have had resentment against Potiphar
Why should he look after them?
Yet, he serves them
He gains there confidence
He interprets their dreams
The secret – God was with Him
God is especially with us as Christians
Rom 8:36-37
Jo Blogs (the Christian) in Britain
Looking at 1 Peter 2
Submission to Government
We know many freedoms – examples
We live in a society where the rule of law can quickly break down – example of riots, no respect in schools
Submission is no longer a healthy word – people no longer want to be under the authority of others
The New Testament speaks about the need for submission in many areas – because we submit to Christ
Rom 14, Eph 6, Col 3, Tit 3, 1 Pet 2
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man (v13)
Peter was writing when Nero was in power and did terrible things to Christians
Yet he advises Christians to submit to those in power (v14)
No government leads to anarchy
We must pray for governments
We are to do good at times of difficulty (v15)
We are to be peacemakers because God is a peace maker
We are not to use our freedom as a cloak for vice (v16)
Honour all people (v17)
Honour the king (v17)
Even though the emperor was a wicked and evil man
Be careful not to get caught up in slander
We must speak truth
Respect the office
Rom 13:1, Dan 2:21, Tit 3:1, 1 Tim 2:1-2
We must see what God is doing and thank Him for this
What if we think the government has gone to far?
Example of closing Churches during the Covid-19 pandemic – Heb 10:24
Churches were treated no different to others in a pandemic!
It would be different in a time of peace
Not unless a Daniel or Peter & John situation
Only when asked to do something sinful
Submission to our employer
A servant in the case of a worker (v18)
We have trade unions and others to help
Even if your boss is bad, be submissive – examples
Do what is right before God (v20)
Do not be a bad employee
Luke 6:32-35
Our spirit should honour them – even if we take things to a formal level
Because Christ is our great example (v23)
If we act as Christ, people will see and take note
He suffered terribly and by His stripes we are healed
Closing Remarks
Remember one word "submission"