Bible Text: 1 Peter 2:13-17 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: 1 Peter, Christian Witness in Society

Christians “advertise” God to the world by a moral, ethical, unselfish lifestyle. Paul, in Galatians 5:19-21 gives a representative list of sins which should not be part of a Christian’s life. The fall into four categories: sexual sin (any kind of illicit sexual relationship including pre-marital sex, adultery, etc.); religious sin (idolatry, witchcraft, including use of drugs); interpersonal sin (hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition-getting ahead at another’s expense, dissensions, factions, envy); and alcohol-related sins (drunkenness, “drinking parties”).
Christians “advertise” God to the world by being submissive to government. The state is a divinely ordained institution and Christians are to be law-abiding.
Romans 13:1-7 teaches that:

-all authority (i.e. government) has been established by God (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; Matthew 22:15-21)

-rebelling against that authority is rebelling against God

-authority is established to maintain peace and order in society

-part of submitting to government is paying taxes

“While Christians are to regard themselves as citizens of heaven, yet they are to remember that, in a very real sense, they are now citizens upon earth; they are subject to human government, and are to show their fidelity to Christ by their loyalty to the state.” (Wm .Erdman)
Heavenly privileges and prospects don’t negate present obligations and duties.