2:16
In Christ we are free, but that does not mean we are free to sin. It cannot be stressed too strongly, sin is not good for us, nor for anybody else. Sin is always destructive. On the positive side, living God’s way is always good for us, and also for everybody else. Through the cross and resurrection we are set free, free to live for God. So we do not use the forgiveness of the gospel as an excuse to get away with sin. Instead we live as “God’s slaves”.
2:17
So we show respect for everyone. We are to love the “family of believers”, we are to fear God, and we are to honour our rulers. In Peter’s day that meant honouring the Roman emperor, in our day it means honouring the government and praying for them. That certainly does not mean agreeing with all that they do, but we are to honour them. It is interesting that respecting people and loving believers is put ahead of fearing God. When Jesus said love your neighbour as yourself He said it was like the greatest commandment. In 1 John we are told that we cannot truly say we love God if we hate our brother. Fearing God and loving people go together.
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