1 Peter 2:13-3:7 | Touching Godliness Through Submission

Touching Godliness Through submission” (1 Peter 2:13-3:7)

Big Idea: Submission, as a Godward devotion, transforms us and our world by entrusting ourselves to a just God who works through our humility to reflect His glory.

V.13-14 Authority is a concept established by God and as long as it doesn’t contradict God’s clear commands, we . The reason we cringe is pride. Self-determination.

How do we submit voluntarily?

Source of motivation: Godward – V.13-For the Lord’s sake.

V.15 Actions often speak louder than words.

V.16-20 – ultimately to one master but I submit to all authority because of V.19-God . Godward devotion. God is my , not them.

V.21-25 What lessons do we learn through Jesus’ unjust suffering:

1. He submitted (entrusted) the one who judges justly which empowered him to forgive them. This removes bitterness.
2. His submission left us an example even in the most extreme of injustices
3. He did it because it accomplished far more than we can ever imagine.

3:1-7 Authority is God’s design for the world. That doesn’t mean dictatorship, it’s a with the buck stopping with the husband. Men must understand their high calling of modeling Jesus in and to self. Submission isn’t unconditional.

The only way any submission works is through a Godward Devotion. Entrusting yourself to a loving, just God.

Grow Group Questions:

1. Why do you think submission feels like a ‘dirty word’ in today’s culture, and how does Peter’s call to submit ‘for the Lord’s sake’ (1 Peter 2:13) change how we view it?
2. Share a time when submitting to an authority (e.g., boss, parent, spouse) was hard but showed your trust in God. How did it shape your faith or others’ perceptions?
3. How does Jesus’ example of entrusting Himself to a just God (1 Peter 2:23, 4:19) inspire you to submit in a difficult situation, like an unjust boss or a strained relationship?
4. In 1 Peter 3:1–7, Peter calls wives and husbands to mutual honor and submission. How can this principle strengthen marriages or other relationships in our lives today?
5. What’s one practical step you can take this week to practice ‘Godward devotion’ through submission, and how will you trust God’s faithfulness (1 Peter 4:19) in that choice?

Family Corner Summary:

Today we learned that submission means choosing to follow God’s way by respecting people like parents, teachers, or leaders, even when it’s hard, because we trust God is in charge. It’s like letting God, the best artist, paint a beautiful picture with our lives. When we obey with a happy heart, like Jesus did, we show the world how awesome God is!”

Questions to ask:

1. “How can I show respect to my parents or teachers this week to make God happy?”
2. “Why does God want me to obey even when I don’t feel like it?”