Says Who?

·32 min·3 clips

A pastor admits he doesn't trust authority and wrestles with a Bible passage telling Christians to submit to a dictator like Nero.

The episode is a sermon titled 'Says Who?' from Living Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church. It opens with a scripture reading from 1 Peter 2:13-17, which instructs believers to be subject to every human institution, including the emperor. The pastor begins by acknowledging Nate Ash, a longtime church member moving to Colorado, highlighting the church as a family. He then introduces the main topic: submission to authority, specifically in three areas—government, servanthood/slavery, and marriage—as outlined in 1 Peter. The pastor admits he personally dislikes this passage due to his American distrust of authority, especially unjust governments like Nero's. He explains he won't delve deeply into all three parts but focuses on the overarching theme of submission to God. He argues that the quality of one's faith depends on this posture, not on the specific examples. The sermon references Romans 10:3 to contrast submitting to God's righteousness versus one's own. A scene from the movie 'Boys in the Boat' is used to illustrate submitting one's will to authority, even when disagreeing. The pastor discusses how authority is only tested when there's disagreement, and he critiques modern individualism. He emphasizes that Christians are to honor human institutions but worship God alone. The sermon then shifts to Jesus as the ultimate example of submission, citing 1 Peter 2:21-25 and Isaiah 53. Jesus submitted to unjust authorities and his heavenly Father, demonstrating 'not my will, but yours be done.' The pastor notes that God uses even unjust authorities for his purposes, referencing Romans 13:1 and Jesus' interaction with Pilate. Practical applications include asking if listeners are people under authority, especially God's, and considering how to live freely while submitted. The sermon concludes with communion, symbolizing Christ's submission to God's wrath for believers' forgiveness. The pastor prays for listeners to learn submission in less unjust situations, and communion is served to baptized believers.

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