What is the purpose of rulers as described in 1 Peter 2:14? Purpose Defined in 1 Peter 2:14 “or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:14) The Two-Fold Calling of Civil Authority • Punish wrongdoing – restrain evil, uphold justice • Praise right-doing – protect, commend, and encourage good Supporting Scriptures • Romans 13:3-4 — “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad… he is God’s servant, an avenger for wrath on the wrongdoer.” • Genesis 9:6 — foundational mandate for justice after the flood • Deuteronomy 16:18-20 — judges commanded to “judge the people with righteous judgment” • Proverbs 29:2, 4 — the welfare of a nation tied to righteous leadership • 1 Timothy 2:1-4 — believers urged to pray so rulers may enable “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness” How Believers Respond • Acknowledge rulers as God’s servants for our good • Submit in every area that does not conflict with God’s higher law (Acts 5:29) • Practice and promote good citizenship, making it easier for rulers to “praise those who do right” • Pray for leaders to fulfill their God-given task faithfully When Rulers Deviate from Their Purpose • Scripture condemns corrupt leadership (Psalm 82:1-4; Isaiah 10:1-2) • God ultimately judges unjust rulers; believers may appeal through lawful means while maintaining respect • The church models righteousness, shining as “lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15) even under flawed governments Looking to the Ultimate King • Every earthly government is temporary; Christ will reign in perfect justice (Revelation 11:15) • Until that day, rulers are instruments through whom God restrains evil and encourages good—exactly the purpose Peter highlights in 1 Peter 2:14 |
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