Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-25
The Example of Christ in Suffering
Intro.
1. Defining “suffering” might seem easy, but not necessarily.
a. Physical bullying, oppression, ailment, disease…
b. Emotional bullying, distresses, instability, etc.
c. Spiritual suffering, 2 Cor. 11:28-29; 1 Pet. 4:16.
d. Socio-economically defined (Illus. “1st, 2nd & 3rd world”) Homeless, hungry, oppressed v. perceived entitlement (1 Tim. 6:6-10).
2. Then again, some think they are suffering if they don’t have high-speed Wi-Fi!
3. Jesus faced suffering and overcome it, 1 Pet. 2:21-24. He is our example to overcome suffering (whatever form it takes).
I. WHAT JESUS COULD HAVE DONE WHEN HE SUFFERED.
A. Immediately Destroyed Jerusalem Instead of Crying Over It, Lk. 19:41-44.
B. Compelled Submission Instead of Establishing His Strength through the Weak (triumphal entry, etc.), Matt. 21:14-16; Psa. 8:2.
C. Called Down Heaven’s Army When Arrested Instead of Handing Himself Over, Matt. 26:50-54.
D. Come Down from the Cross Instead of Enduring It, Matt. 27:39-44; Heb. 12:2.
II. WHAT JESUS ACTUALLY DID (He was patient, 1 Pet. 2:20), Isa. 53:7.
A. He Did Not Sin, 2:21-22.
B. He Did Not Retaliate, 2:23.
1. Did not become bitter, Lk. 23:34.
2. Did not threaten, Jno. 19:10-11. Held his tongue from sin.
3. Committed Himself to righteous judgment of God, cf. Lk. 23:46; Jno. 12:48; Matt. 23:38-39.
a. Completely submitted to the Father’s will and His judgment.
b. Yielded to the abuse and injustice, Jno. 19:1-4.
C. He Served Others (Us) Who Needed His Help, 2:24; cf. Jno. 12:27.
1. Focused on us and our needs instead of Himself, Lk. 23:39-43; Jno. 19:25-27.
2. Focused on doing the Father’s will (Matt. 26:39).
D. He Prayed, Heb. 5:7.
E. He Learned Obedience, Heb. 5:8. (Our lesson, 1 Pet. 2:19-20).
F. He Forgave Those Who Sinned Against Him, Lk. 23:34, 43.
III. WHAT ARE WE TEMPTED TO DO (AND OFTEN DO) WHEN WE SUFFER? 1 Pet. 2:18-20
A. To Murmur and Complain, Phil. 2:14-15.
1. Job, Job 3:1-3 (day he was born); Against God, Job 9:21-24.
2. God explained things to Job, Job 42:1-6.
B. To Become Embittered, Heb. 12:14-15.
-Cares that come with suffering can crowd out God’s word, Mk. 4:18-19.
C. To Try to Retaliate (revenge), Rom. 12:17-19 (evil for evil).
1. To punish and vindicate (“repay”), Matt. 5:39; 1 Pet. 3:9.
2. Demand reparation (that we define, cf. 1 Cor. 6:5-7).
D. To Refuse to Forgive, Matt. 18:32-35.
1. Whether real or perceived, we refuse to forgive, and doom ourselves (Matt. 6:15).
2. Jesus forgave when crucified, Lk. 23:34.
Conclusion
1. We were called by the gospel to commit ourselves to God, the righteous judge, and to endure suffering patiently, 1 Pet. 2:19-20.
2. Under the guidance of the Good Shepherd and the care of the Overseer of our souls, we can follow Christ’s example successfully, 1 Pet. 2:25.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted December 31, 2018