1 Peter 2:21-25
1 Peter • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Follow the Example of Christ
Follow the Example of Christ
Background: Christian in a Christ-less society.
Living Godly lives in a pagan society.
The most used words (noun and verb) in 1 Peter is God (39X), Christ (22x), and then suffer (12). This tells us about the theme of the letter, which the suffering of Christ and the believers response to the reality of suffering.
What shall we do when we encounter unjust suffering? How do you respond when people malign and accuse you and say evil things about which are not true?
Shall we fight with everything that we got until we prevail? Or Surrender it to God who is sovereign and who will always prevail?
The God-pleasing answer to that question is found in the passage that we will be studying this morning. Peter draws us to the theme of Isaiah 53 (The Suffering Servant of the Lord).
20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
“For you have been called for this purpose”
this - refers to verse 20 - suffering for doing right and enduring it, finds favor with God.
We are called to do what is right even if it means that we will suffer as a result of it. Christians are called to patiently endure unjust suffering, following the example of the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our purpose in living is to give glory to God who created, called, and saved us from eternal fire.
Thus, we need to do realize and accept that this world hates God, hates the truth, and loves lies and deceits. And those who stand in the truth with God are also hated.
But we need to endure and we are assured by God that we can endure.
Peter gives us the guide, what shall we do when despite doing good, people will still malign us and say evil things about us: This is applicable to all Christians.
I. To endure, we need to look and follow Christ’s example (2:21-23)
I. To endure, we need to look and follow Christ’s example (2:21-23)
Example = a copy of characters over which the student is to trace the lines.
His response to unjust suffering: He did not revile in return and He did not threaten.
Christ was the perfect example of patient submission to unjust suffering. He did not retaliate … He made no threats...When we retaliate, and we make threats...it is not love that we show but contempt.
We are reminded again and again from God’s word not to take revenge but allow the Lord to do it for us!
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
His response to unjust suffering: He entrusted himself to the Father who is just.
This invites the believers to follow the example of Christ to trust that the Father is just.
That the suffering that the Father allows is to bring about a greater purpose:
Salvation for the sinners - his death justifies us.
Sanctification for believers - through trials and suffering.
So, we are called to imitate Jesus and to learn from Him.
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
It is also a comfort that we can follow the examples of Christ because God will do it and will make it happen.
29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
II. To endure, we need to remember Christ’s victory over evil. (2:24)
II. To endure, we need to remember Christ’s victory over evil. (2:24)
Christ’s Victory: His death on the cross paid the penalty of our sins.
His payment was sufficient to bring healing (salvation) and reconciliation with the Father.
All the wrong doings that was done to Christ, he bore it on the cross - he paid the sins of those who cursed and maligned Him. (v.24)
His victory brought us new identity and goal.
You are a new creation in Christ, you have died to Sin
you are not slaves to sin anymore and therefore do not love sin and do not commit for the sake of avenging. Our new identity implies humility like Christ. Our goal is to display the love of Christ.
You are a new creation in Christ, called for Righteous living
- God has given every believer a new heart with a desire to live a life that is pleasing to God. We have peace with God, peace with self, to cease from constant struggle for validation and for value.
Before we became Christians, we hate to be victims of unjust suffering and we usually retaliate with anger and contempt. Di gyud ta mag pa gansi ug mobawos gyud ta. Our egos / pride does not allow us to be treated with disrespect.
Now, Even if I have been maligned or judged wrongly because of my faith, so be it. I have my peace with God because I am a child of God and I am loved by God. That is enough for me to allow my heavenly father to over my situation.
Our present suffering is not comparable to the joy when we see Christ in His second coming.
Our victory in Christ should create in us a thankful heart that whatever unjust suffering may come, we will persevere.
III. To endure, we need to hear the voice of our Christ , the Shepherd and Guardian of our Soul (2:25)
III. To endure, we need to hear the voice of our Christ , the Shepherd and Guardian of our Soul (2:25)
Christ not only set the example and provides salvation, but He also gives guidance and protection to those who were headed away (like sheep going astray) from Him...
His voice (Word) is our guide. Focus on his voice because there are many voices that will keep you from hearing His voice.
His staff protects and guards us from the enemies.
“Shepherd” and “Guardian” stress Christ’s matchless guidance and management of those who commit themselves to His care.
Bear in mind that suffering on earth is temporary, our joy in heaven with Christ is eternal.
Let that be your motivation to endure suffering.