1 Peter 2:11-16

11Dear friends, since you are foreigners and temporary residents ⌞in the world⌟, I’m encouraging you to keep away from the desires of your corrupt nature. These desires constantly attack you.

12Live decent lives among unbelievers. Then, although they ridicule you as if you were doing wrong while they are watching you do good things, they will praise God on the day he comes to help you.

13Place yourselves under the authority of human governments to please the Lord. Obey the emperor. He holds the highest position of authority.

14Also obey governors. They are people the emperor has sent to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

15God wants you to silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing what is right.

16Live as free people, but don’t hide behind your freedom when you do evil. Instead, use your freedom to serve God.