The Arkansas Traveler

CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP

I Peter 2: 9-17

INTRO: We are told here that we are citizens of heaven if we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ as savior. But now we are living in this world as aliens and strangers (vs. 11). What kind of life should we live?

SUBMIT TO AUTHORITIES (vss. 13-14)

   Submit to every authority

      For the Lord's sake

   They are sent by God:

       To punish wrongdoers

        To commend those who do right

   Honor and respect (Romans 13: 7)

WHAT ABOUT OPPOSITION?

    When authorities go against God

        Peter and John must obey God. (Acts 4:18-19)

     Contacts (letters, calls, etc) to express opinions

PRAY FOR LEADERS

     Pray for all men -- kings and all in authority. (1Tim. 2:1-2)

     Pray for prosperity for country (Jeremiah 29:7)

SEEK GOD'S FACE (2Chron. 7:14)

     God's people must:

          Humble themselves and pray

          And seek God's face

         Turn from wicked ways

     God will hear and heal the land.

CONCLUSION: We are pilgrims here in this world, but we are charged with seeking prosperity for the world. We do this by seeking always to be obedient to God, the creator who has a right to expect such obedience and disciplines those who do not obey.

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Sermon for July 4, 2010, Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church, by Pastor Fred D. Kerr