Fear God, Honor the King: Opportunities in Trying Times
1 Peter 2:13–17 (NASB95)
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but use it as bond slaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
Overview of 1 Peter’s Audience and Purpose
First Peter is a letter written by the Apostle Peter to believers in Asia Minor who are in some hard situations due to their faith in Christ (1:6–7; 2:18–20; 3:1, 13–17; 4:1–4, 12–19; 5:10). Peter is encouraging these dispersed believers to stand firm in their faith amid the persecutions and trials they were enduring.
Three Struggles
I have struggled with wearing a mask during the global pandemic of COVID-19. I have learned that wearing a mask is not helpful and possibly harmful. I have also understood that wearing a mask can stop the spread of the virus. Both approaches are taught by medical authorities. I have also heard that being mandated to wear a mask is an infringement on my rights. But I have also been told that wearing a mask is the minimum I can do to love my neighbors. Both of these thoughts come from godly people whom I respect. So, I have struggled during the confusion to do what is best. Do I follow the masking mandate guidelines, or do I exercise my freedom and not wear a mask? Is the government bent on taking away my first amendment rights or is the government imposing the wearing of masks as one thing that can be done to protect myself and/or others? Maybe you have struggled as well!
Another struggle I have had is with governing authorities who are limiting larger church gatherings. Some believe that these limitations are in the best interest of communities so the spread of the coronavirus will be limited. Others believe that these restrictions violate the First Amendment of the Constitution and should be ignored. There are several conspiracy theories floating around about the motivation for these restrictions. What if churches meet together in larger settings and there is a spike caused by these meetings – even if social distancing and the wearing of masks are followed? Would churches meeting together in larger groups be responsible? It seems wise to currently limit larger group gatherings and focus more on smaller group (house church) gatherings. I’ll discuss more on this thought further down in this article.
I have yet another struggle! Are churches looking at the pandemic as an opportunity to pause and rethink how the church might function better, or are churches simply finding ways to wait out the virus so they can get back to business as usual? What might God be saying to His church through the pandemic? What does the Bible have to say about these issues?
Submit to Every Human Institution
In 1 Peter 2:13–17, Peter instructs struggling believers in Christ that they are to submit themselves to every human institution. He defines what he means by every human institution. Peter is referring to kings or others sent by God (1 Peter 2:13-14). This teaching is not ambiguous but clearly stated; believers at that time were to submit to them. This teaching is true for us today.
Peter says that human institutions are to govern “…for the Lord’s sake…”. It could not be clearer. Peter’s command to submit to every human institution is a general truth to be followed by believers in situations when encountering human governments. While submitting to every human institution is what is expected, human institutions are not the absolute authority. God is the absolute authority therefore believers should disobey human institutions when they are told to violate God’s will (1 Peter 2:15).
In 1 Peter 2:15, Peter tells us that it is God’s will for us to do what is right. In this context, to do what is right is to submit to every human institution, as long as it is not violating God’s Lordship in our lives. When we do what is right, Peter tells us we will “…silence the ignorance of men.” The emphasis is that when Christians display good behavior in their communities, this will serve to minimize attacks against them. Christian’s good deeds will normally deescalate tense situations. When Christians are full of good deeds, it will expose the attacker’s motives of hatred. The attackers will have no objective basis for their persecution of Christians. But believers may yet be persecuted even though they demonstrate good works.
Act as Free Men
It may surprise you to learn that the word “Act” is supplied by the translators and is not in the original language. The idea is better understood to be, “Submit and do good deeds as free men…” which is consistent from verse 13, “Submit…to every human institution…”. Peter is stressing that we use our freedom in Christ to live under God’s will so our lives will be seen as full of good deeds. We are to use our freedom to obey God and not sin (cf. Romans 6). We are liberated to do what is good and follow God’s will. As believers, we should not use our freedom in Christ for evil or doing whatever we want. We are bond slaves to God and are to live for what pleases Him because of the price Jesus paid for us (1 Peter 1:18-19). Whenever governing authorities require us to do what is evil by violating God’s will and standards, we are to not conform. The normal choice of believers is to follow governing authorities by freely following God’s will. Nevertheless, if governments require us to do what is evil or demand that believers refuse to worship God, then believers, as slaves of God, must refuse to obey.
God is the Ultimate Authority
Embedded in Peter’s letter to suffering and displaced Christians in the first century (1 Peter 1:1) is the truth that believers are to fear God because He is the ultimate authority (1 Peter 2:16c, 17). Like the first century believers, we are bond slaves to God because He is the ultimate authority. This means His will is for us to honor all people (1 Peter 1:17a). We are to treat every person with dignity and respect. We should be praying for and engaging with people so they are encouraged to look to Jesus. We are also to love the brotherhood of believers (1 Peter 1:17b). This includes a commitment to being together for mutual encouragement in our faith in Christ. Being committed to being together is a benefit to others as well as for ourselves. While kings are to be honored and respected, God is to be feared (1 Peter 1:17c). We are to fear God as our ultimate authority. Believers will stand before Him as our judge for how we live. In this context, fearing God means to submit to every human institution. We will be judged for how well we submit to the king, how we honor all men, how we love the brotherhood, and for how we fear God. God is our ultimate authority.
Working it Out
How do we evaluate both mask wearing and large gathering issues believers are facing in light of what Peter is teaching? When I think about wearing masks, I think the best way forward is to allow each person to live by their convictions. Each person must be humble and give grace! Whether wearing a mask is effective in dealing with the coronavirus is hotly debated. Some consider it as a commonsense solution, much like wearing a seat belt in a car. Others view it as another step in taking away another freedom. Still others consider mask wearing as having detrimental effects like; decreased oxygen intake, carbon monoxide build up, increased social isolation due to decreased visibility of facial expressions and a false sense of security from the virus. Some believe that masks make no difference in containing the virus – they feel the government is overreaching and even wrong – based on the data they have found most convincing. Both sides can be passionate about their perspectives. Arguing about whether to wear a mask or not is currently dividing believers. This is not the will of God, it is not honoring all people nor loving the brotherhood nor honoring the king. To move beyond these divisions, I suggest that believers give room for all sides on this issue. I do not think my suggestion is easily accomplished in our current environment where divisions are tearing some apart. If we desire to avoid divisions, it seems to be the only way forward and requires humility. Practically, this would mean allowing people to wear masks or not to wear masks without prejudice. If you are uncomfortable being around people who choose to not wear a mask, then simply letting the other person or group be aware of this would be helpful. Grace should be given.
How do we as Christians respond to a government that mandates that we cannot gather indoors in larger groups? Many churches are choosing to not physically meet together while others are choosing to defy the mandate and hold in-person church gatherings…and this number is increasing. I know of people who are choosing to leave the church community they have been part of to gather with other believers who are meeting in person. This begs the question: what is the will of God in this matter? What are our good deeds to be in this situation? Are the governing authorities asking believers to violate God’s will and therefore, churches should disobey the government’s mandate and meet in large gatherings? How do we respond to believers who are not comfortable meeting together in person due to the fear of the spread of the coronavirus in larger groups? How does a church consider ministering to those who are not comfortable meeting together currently? What do we say to those who are more vulnerable to the virus…how do we care for them? Do we have options to create unity?
What are the Options?
I think churches must establish that worshipping God is paramount for every person. For most believers, worshipping God means gathering in a church building to pray, sing songs to God, experience the bread and cup, and hear a message from a pastor. This practice of church has been a long-standing good experience. However, believers must also know that there is so much more to worship! I believe the COVID-19 pandemic allows the church an opportunity to rethink our practices and trade in what has been good for something better. Change is always scary and uncomfortable. We have been comfortable worshipping God in our buildings, and it has been convenient, but now we have an opportunity to pause and think differently. Is our current difficulties happening to us, or for us to rethink and retool the church? COVID-19, with all of the trouble, confusion and anxiety it has caused, gives us an opportunity to grow, learn and work towards something different and even better.
Several churches immediately went to online worship services. Families watched from their computers or mobile devices to hear announcements, enjoy music from the worship band and listen to a pastor share a message. Recent survey’s reveal that 48% of churchgoers before the pandemic have not watched any online services. This indicates a huge shift and should alert church leaders to think deeply on what God is saying to us through the pandemic.[1] Other churches encouraged people to ask their neighbors what needs they have and then work to meet them. Meeting needs is particularly helpful to serve those who are more vulnerable should they contract the coronavirus. Meeting the needs of people is a step in the right direction; it is demonstrating good deeds.
I humbly suggest that those who are in good health, are of an age that does not predispose them to the virus, and do not have co-morbidities begin to gather together in small groups and be the church. When people share a meal in a home, look to Jesus and pray together, have the freedom to share their fears, and look together at the Scriptures with interaction, hope begins to emerge. It has been my experience that decentralizing from buildings to workplaces, homes, parks, and pools makes church more inviting. People who join together to worship God are likely empowered to meet the needs of their communities.
For those who are more vulnerable, joining smaller groups via an online platform is most certainly an option (Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, etc.). When the most vulnerable are in need of help, the house church can pool their resources to meet those needs be it food, small repairs, meals, and any other need that may arise. This is part of the good deeds (1 Peter 2:15) that will silence foolish men.
Where the governing authorities are prohibiting smaller church gatherings, I think disobedience to the governing authorities is warranted. This would not be the first time the church has had to take a strong stand and protest against over-reaching governing authorities in order to obey and follow God’s will.
My humble opinion regarding larger church gatherings is for churches to submit to our human institutions and not meet in this format. The Scriptures do tell us to not forsake meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25), but the size of the group is not of importance. When we choose to not meet in larger gatherings, a focus on the church as rebelling is removed. The church is then viewed as being good citizens, doing good deeds and will silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Peter 2:15). While mostly unconventional, meeting in smaller house churches will accomplish the worship of God together, equip the saints to be involved in meeting the needs of the community and offers the opportunity to be even more fruitful by meeting the needs of those around them. This will make the church even more attractive. More believers are actually engaged in ministry instead of watching ministry take place on a platform. In smaller group meetings, believers have the opportunity to use their spiritual gifts instead of watching a few use their spiritual gifts.
This shift from larger church meetings to smaller house church meetings will present several challenges to pastors and spiritual leaders. It is how the first-century church lived out their faith, so the precedence has been given to us (Acts 2:42-48, 20:20; Romans 16). We must obey God’s will first. We must worship Him together for our good and the good of the community around us. Finding a smaller way forward offers the opportunity to empower and release people to be making disciples in their workplaces and neighborhoods. The reward of decentralizing the church for a broader gospel impact is worth the risk! Keep searching for the better in our pursuit of making disciples.
[1] https://www.christianpost.com/news/nearly-half-of-churchgoers-say-they-havent-watched-any-online-service-in-past-4-weeks.html, https://lifewayresearch.com/2020/03/16/livestreaming-services-hasnt-been-an-option-for-many-churches/