I Peter 2:18-25
Living the New Life – His Grace
Scripture reading –
Pray
Intro
√ A new life!
Now that we are born again by Grace to a new life in Christ…
…Peter calls the Christian to action in chapter 2.
As we've studied we've found that Peter lays out for us what we need to know about living this new life.
We need a new diet - the Word of God
We need to recognize that we have a new identify - in Christ!
We have a new purpose in life - to bring God pleasure and serve Him.
We need a new attitude in life - that of a pilgrim.
Finally, Peter closes this chapter by pointing us to the perfect example of this new life to which we've been called…
…that of course is found in the Person of Jesus Christ.
Ap. Encouragement and power
As we consider this new life in Christ and what it is that we're called to do…
…we can easily become overwhelmed, even discouraged, because we see how far we have yet to go to be like Jesus!
Thus, Peter's closing comments help to remind us that God doesn't ask anything of us that He hasn't also given us the power to accomplish!
God demonstrates that truth in the life of His Son who has gone before us that we might know how to walk in Grace.
Called to Grace (vs. 18-20)
1Pet.
1Pet.
1Pet.
√ The context
Though we covered these verses in our last study, it's important that we read them again and comment briefly on them as they set the context for Peter's comments in vs. 21-25.
√ Note the instruction
Peter calls Christians to endure suffering, even when we have been wrongfully accused so that we might manifest God's Grace in our lives.
Let me call you to remember our first study in Peter where we learned that the theme of Peter's writing was God's Grace.
Mentioned in each chapter of this letter.
In verses 19 & 20 it's hidden in the word "commendable".
IPeter
IPeter
Commendable = charis (srn 5485) - same word translated "grace" in every other place in Ist Peter!
The translators chose to use “commendable” because of the context of the verse. Yet, it is also correct to substitute the word “grace”…
…which I believe communicates an even more powerful truth.
IPeter
IPeter
Grace, in what sense?
In that a life which is given over to Christ is marked by the same Grace that marked Jesus’ life when He was unjustly persecuted.
Just as Jesus was commended by the Father for His suffering on the Cross…
…so too, Christians are commended by God when they endure suffering when unjustly persecuted!
Which leads us to the following verses in which Peter shows us the perfect example of Grace in the Person of Jesus Christ.
Called to follow (vs. 21)
1Pet.
√ Called to follow
Notice that Peter makes his instructions personal in vs. 21…
"For to this you were called"
…."me!?" - called to what!? Called to follow the example of Jesus when we are suffering wrongfully.
The application then is to every person who trusts in Jesus as their savior.
The truth is that anyone who wants to honor God with their life and obedience will discover that they will be the objects of wrongful persecution in this life!
Here's a promise verse for ya…J
2Tim
But, please note that when we suffer wrongfully we are following Jesus' footsteps.
The point?
That Jesus never asks us to do anything that He hasn't already done!
He's gone before us to set an example
He's gone before us to prepare the path
He's gone before us to show us that we can make it
In other words, Jesus doesn't tell us through Peter's letter to demonstrate grace in our lives when we're suffering wrongfully…
…much more, He's already "been there, done that" so that He might demonstrate by example how we are to live.
Ex. Don't you hate it when people say…
"Do what I say, not what I do"
How many bad habits have kids picked up from their parents, or teachers, or influential friends, who held up one standard, but lived another?
Jesus was, and is a perfect example in both word and deed. He is perfect in His integrity - never requiring of us anymore than He Himself was willing to do.
One reason I could never be a Muslim - Mohamed held up one standard and lived another!
Ex. Taking his daughter in law for his own wife and then claiming Allah said he could!
The true and living God is perfect in His integrity.
His example (vs. 22-23)
1Pet. 2:22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;
1Pet. 2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
√ The ultimate suffering
Peter reminds us of the experience of Jesus.
Falsely accused by the religious leaders
Denied due process by Pilate
Mocked & beaten by a group of thugs - Roman guards
Rejected by the people whom He created in His own image to be the object of His love!
Brutally treated by the soldiers who crucified Him
Taunted by the arrogant men who watched Him suffer
Yet, in all of it, not one time did Jesus strike back at those who wrongfully persecuted Him!
Ex. Think of what He could have said to the crowds who said…
"And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” - Matt. 27:39-40
…I'm thinking I would have said…
"I'll show you what the Son of God can do!"
But Jesus said…
"Father forgive them for they don't know what they're doing"
Ap. When people speak evil of us, or even when they mistreat us.
Rather than seek to vindicate ourselves we are called to follow Jesus' example with patience and peace committing our cause to God.
Let God handle it!
Pray - tell Him about the situation and your feelings about it.
Let God be the Judge - He alone is right and is well able to defend you. You maintain your integrity - let God be your defense.
Wait on God - sin has consequences and those who sin against you will be caught by their own sin.
So, Christian - follow Jesus' example!
Purpose of His suffering (vs. 24-25)
1Pet. 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.
1Pet. 2:25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
√ The purpose of His suffering
To save us and to heal us!
"by whose stripes you were healed." - vs. 24
Please understand the context of the verse, which Peter is quoting.
Isaiah 53:5
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."
The purpose of Jesus' suffering was to:
Make atonement for our sins
Restore our relationship with the Father (make peace)
Save us from the consequences of our sins
Make us spiritually whole - or healed!
The point is that in context Peter is talking about the spiritual benefits we have received from the Lord's suffering.
Ap. Don't make this a proof text for physical healing
God has indeed promised to make His healing power available to us, this however is not the best text to prove it.
Use James 5:14-15 instead!
Jam. 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Jam. 5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Suffering has a purpose
√ Jesus suffered to save us.
Ap. Jesus never allows us to go through suffering except that it has a purpose!
I’d like you to consider something that you may not have recognized in your personal experience.
Ex. When suffering comes into our lives
We’re often quick to begin looking at our own lives for some reason for the suffering!
Discipline for sinful behavior which we haven’t yet given up.
Spiritual lesson to be learned.
However, often times you’ll find that after searching your heart in the light of the Holy Spirit…
…you don’t find anything you can put your finger on.
√ Suffering for another’s benefit
As Jesus suffered for our benefit, sometimes He will allow us to suffer for someone else’s benefit.
Ex. Classic example is Joseph – suffered for his family
What purpose, or benefit, might the Lord use your suffering for?
1) To benefit others
Like Jesus, you may be suffering so that ultimately you can be in a place to bless others.
2) To be a testimony to Christians
To be an example to Christians who watch you go through a tough time that their faith might be increased.
3) To be a testimony to non-Christians
They’re always watching us to see if our faith is real! A Christian who manifests Grace in times of suffering will prove to the unbeliever that their faith is real.
4) A closer fellowship with Christ
There’s a special bond formed when people share difficult times; when they suffer together through pain, persecution, or great trauma.
Ex. The French journalists filiming the NYFD on 9/11
“You’re a brother to me”
Paul spoke of a fellowship of suffering he shared with Jesus (Phil. 3:10).
It’s in those times that Jesus forms bonds of love between you and He that cannot be broken by anyone, or anything!
√ Look to His example
We may not look forward to those testing times when we’re called to suffer…
…but Peter reminds us that we never face those times alone when we look to Jesus as our example.