God’s Order for Husbands (Part I)

“God’s Order for Husbands” 

1 PETER 3:7

SUBJECT: SUBMISSION AND MARRIAGE

THEME: Each believing husband is to submit to God’s order in his marriage.

RELEVANCE: the best husband first views his marriage as an expression of his submission to the Lord. Abandoning the ‘traditional,’ ‘romantic,’ and ‘institutional’ models of marriage he freely clings to God’s Order. He is not loyal to his wife primarily nor worldly models; the Christian husband is devoted to Christ first—above all. He fully submits to Christ’s authority in his life and seeks to guides his family accordingly.

INTRODUCTION:

Many people including believers did not realize God’s order is fundamentally different from the other popular models for marriage. Further, many have confused God’s order with the other models setting up expectations and ideas that did not come from God at all. Even traditional marriages are just one example of this confusion.

“The traditional marriage model is historically defined as a lifelong, monogamous union between a man and a woman, focused on procreation, shared domestic life, and rigid gender roles, typically with the husband as provider/decision-maker and the wife as caregiver. It emphasizes exclusivity, formal ceremonies, and legal/religious backing.”—AI Overview  

While a great deal of this has Bible origins, it addresses entire cultures/countries from a national perspective and not exclusively believers. It is a model that virtually no one subscribes to anymore because our country and families have changed, divorces are much easier, and sinful choices are far more tolerable in society. People still erroneously associate this approach with God’s prescription, but this is not entirely what God requires.

Then there is the romantic model,

“The romantic model of marriage defines it as a lasting, passionate, and sexual partnership based on deep emotional intimacy, soulmate ideals, and mutual destiny. It prioritizes intense love, affection, and personal fulfillment over practical arrangements, aiming to sustain initial infatuation throughout a lifetime, though it requires intentional nurturing to last.”

“Risk of becoming dependent, jealousy, or disillusionment if the initial intensity fades. It can also be seen as a "flimsy" foundation compared to institutional models if not backed by commitment.”—AI Overview

Unfortunately, this is what the average couple thinks and wants from marriage! The average western individual becomes angry or disillusioned with God and others when what they expected in a relationship does not happen. But God never promised many of these expectations, so how can he be responsible? More importantly, there is no mention of marriage as a divine institution govern by God’s Word, a marriage covenant, identifying Jesus Christ as the supreme Person and real foundation in a believer’s marriage, different and distinct roles, leader and follower instead of partnership, and united holiness and devotion to the Lord over personal happiness. Furthermore, one of the primary reasons marriages exist is to raise children who will serve God with their entire lives. These are the things that should be emphasized and not the overplayed ‘Hollywood version’ that appeals to people’s carnality!

This romantic ideal for marriage has been broadly accepted in the western world and even exalted in our society leading people to believe a lie while blaming God for errors and wrong conceptions.

William Lyon Phelps, said: “The highest happiness on earth is in marriage. Every man who is happily married is a successful man even if he has failed at everything else.”

I am sorry but ‘the highest happiness on earth’ is in Jesus Christ and not even a great marriage can compare! Just because a person claims they are following God’s prescription does not mean they are!

Then there is also the institutional model for marriage:

The institutional model of marriage defines it as a formal, socially regulated union based on law, religion, and custom, prioritizing permanency, childrearing, and mutual obligations over individual feelings. It links couples to broader social structures, networks, and norms, serving as a pillar for stability and family life. Historically and sociologically, this model views marriage as a tool for social stability and the transition of individuals into families of procreation.—AI Overview 

Western governments tend to favor this type of union because it supports stability, the workforce, and paying taxes. Unfortunately, many Christians see this as God’s idea, or they accept these designs supposing they originated with God. In many respects this is not a Bible based marriage either because the primary concern is with an institution and not necessarily Christ. There is also no requirement to be born again…saved. Husbands, we cannot focus on this as our model or template either.

Additionally, some husbands are trying to guide their marriages to realize these cultural ideas and are failing because these concepts cannot be obtained or sustained. What should husbands be focused on then? What are God’s expectations for husbands? Again, God is not addressing Himself to every man, just those male believers who are “husbands”. I will extend this to include men interested in becoming a husband under God’s authority. I will look primarily at 1 Peter 3:7 and address Christian husbands from the Word. We’ll discover that husbands are to live in submission to the Lord Jesus in marriage.

The scriptures clearly teach Christ exercises authority over men in a special way, the Christian male gender most particularly.

1 Cor 11:3, But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Eph 5:21-23, Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. ²² Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Also see Phil 2:10-11.

Husbands are the spiritual heads of their household, which does not merely give him special privileges but special responsibilities. God expects husbands to be spiritual leaders at home; the husband is to love his wife. Wives are to respect and voluntarily submit (yielding rights and loosing self) herself to her own husbands’ leadership (Eph. 5:22-24), and husbands are to sacrificially love their wives (wanting the best for her spiritually), nurturing her like Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25-30). The “one flesh” union (Eph. 5:31) emphasizes the primacy of the marriage commitment, exclusivity it requires, mutual satisfaction, and oneness.  

From these familiar verses we can see the two pillars of orderly churches—authority and submission to that authority (leadership and followership). It is impossible to have a well-functioning church or Christian home where these two principles are not observed. One of the great relationships involving authority and subjection is that of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Christian MAN. Therefore, it is impossible for a husband to have a well-ordered home without being in submission to his Lord, Jesus Christ.

How do we submit to a well-ordered home govern by God? 1 Peter 3:7, repeats this same concept of ‘submission’ by using the phrase, “Likewise, ye husbands”. “Likewise,” refers to God’s previous instructions to wives to submit to their husbands, but now he counsels the husbands to do the very same thing…be in subjection to Christ. Accordingly, the husband focuses on separation from his parents to take the leadership role in the new home, permanent union with his wife and then meaningful care for his family, intimacy and procreation with his wife to support the plan of God, and authentic transparency with each other for spiritual advancement (Gen. 2:23-25; Eph. 5:30-33). The local church supports and informs this union further ensuring the execution of God’s will as indicate in the Bible.  

What again is God’s Order? This means that we inherit the Kingdom of God by faith becoming citizens of God’s eternal dominion, enjoying His presence, authority, and blessings (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-25). We are faithful disciples, living righteously, and overcoming sin; we have not merely ‘entered’ the Kingdom through initial conversion. We enjoy a deepening experiential relationship with God, transforming our lives to reflect His character, leading to greater rewards and participation in His rule. It is God’s plan for us to tell each person of the hope of Jesus Christ in the gospel (Matt. 28:19-20; Jn. 20:21-23). As genuine believers (disciples), we are honored to serve God to achieve this end—God rules in our lives as we are devoted to his purpose. We must present ourselves, our families (the people in our care), and our resources to execute God’s kingdom agenda (Matt. 4:17; 5:3, 10; 6:13; Luk. 17:20-21; Rom. 14;17; 2Tim. 4:18; Jam. 2:5; 2 Pet.1:11). Therefore, we place ourselves on the altar of God’s will (Rom. 12:1-2), give our families to this undertaking, and steward our belongings to administrate our portion of God’s plan. The goal is to execute God’s plan demonstrating His order, rule, and authority over our lives. 

The Bible ideally regards marriage as a holy union, lifelong covenant established by God between one man and one woman, designed for companionship in the Lord, cooperation, and matrimonial unity. It represents the relationship between Christ and his bride, the church, emphasizing faithfulness, sacrificial love, respect, and leaving parents to form a new family unit.

Yes, 1 Peter 3:7, is only one verse, but it is commanding, thorough, and filled with divine wisdom capsulated in four precious percepts for Christian husbands. As Christian male spouses, we must accept the authority of God for the advancement of His kingdom through our marriages. Beloved, neither traditional, romantic, nor institutional models bring about such results! Executing God's precious will must be our focus.

God’s Order for a Wife (Part III)

 

“God’s Order for a Wife” 

1 PETER 3:1-6

SUBJECT: SUBMISSION APPLIED TO MARRIAGE

THEME: each believing wife is to submit to her own husband in God’s order for marriage as a matter of trusting God.

RELEVANCE: though much of marriage is thrilling, our experiences can become unfair and sometimes painful; those who are the most intimate can hurt us deeply. Undoubtedly this is the case in marriage. To further complicate matters, many Christian couples are oblivious of what God calls them to deeming ‘God's way’ as outdated. Regardless as children of God we are expected to accept God’s order and conduct ourselves accordingly even in poor circumstances. The obligation to trust God and embrace a better future are thus directed and reinforced in marriage.

INTRODUCTION:

Every relationship requires some work, labor, adjustments, growth, change, and effort if it is to serve God’s intentions and be mutually beneficial for all parties. Certainly, this is true in marriage.   

MESSAGE:

B.    God’s Instructions to Wives

Such a wife is thoughtful to respond in the Spirit’s control instead of a fleshly reaction. She lives for eternal values instead of time bound ideas. What matters to her is what will outlive her physical life and still matter in eternity for all eternity.

                                                    i.     Master Your Attitude—Bring these Areas into Focus and Under Control!

1.     1 Pet 3:4, But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

2.     The attire that makes the believer genuinely attractive to God is the beauty of the inner person. Costly hairstyles, elaborate clothing and expensive jewelry are all “corruptible,” temporary and perishable! They do not last! The ‘worldling’ emphasizes the external appearance instead of modifying the internal character—"the hidden man of the heart.” They value carnal expressions like controlling the man to use his money, nasty backtalk, and celebrating bold feminism, but a “meek and quite spirit” is of great price in God’s evaluations. Our Lord values the internal person much more; he really examines beyond the surface to realize what’s happening inside. This is the most important part of the real you! It has been well said, “You have a body, but you are a soul.” If we really live for the Lord, this area would be our primary focus.

3.     Choose a Meek Attitude.  1Pet. 3:4, “Meek . . . spirit” refers to an attitude or perspective that is gentle, pleasant, tender, humble, mild and considerate. This is the mindset of discipline and self-control always. The opposite would be a girl that is harsh, unpleasant, rough, proud, expressive, and selfish. Her carnality and fleshly nature dominates her existence. However, a meek person does not flare up with anger, talks back out of frustration, and acts defensively out of insecurity. She refuses to weaponize any weakness she may discover in Him due to her intimate proximity. She does not scheme to hurt her husband to maintain control or to manipulate his compliance. Neither does she whine and complain frequently to have her own way. She is dominated by a spirit of meekness.

a.     Gentleness is Another Way of Referring to Meekness. Gentleness is being easy on others, considering their vulnerable points, and taking care not to hurt them. I once had some dental work done in a clinic where more than one dentist worked on me. One dentist had rough hands; the other had gentle hands. The first dentist hurt me; the second one didn't. That is part of what it means to be gentle.

b.     Meekness Is Different from Weakness. One who is meek is often understood to be timid, weak, and “wimpy.” Such is not the case, however. Meekness refers to “power under control.”

                                                                                                                i.     PETER =Peter was loud and pushy. Then, he became controlled and channeled, using his great energy for the glory of God. MOSES is the “meekest” man who ever lived. Yet he was far from a wimp. He was a dramatic and powerful leader, but under the control of God.

                                                                                                              ii.     A river that is controlled can generate much power. A fire under control can warm a house. A personality under control can be used by God for His purposes. Controlled energy can achieve great good. Uncontrolled energy usually dissipates or just destroys.

                                                                                                            iii.     JESUS was arrested, taken through a series of mock trials, beaten, and mistreated. He had the power to annihilate his tormentors with a spoken word, but He didn’t, choosing instead to endure suffering for the sake of our redemption. Isaiah spoke prophetically when he said of Jesus’ controlled tongue, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7). Meekness is “love under God’s control” even to the extent of controlling the mouth!

c.      The Holy Spirit will build meekness within us individually and within our marriages. When He does, we do not hurt people or run roughshod over them. We do not “lock horns” with those who cross us. Rather, under the control of the Holy Spirit, we display sensitivity to our spouse and allow God to channel our energy for the good of our mate. Yes, submission is a mark of confidence and security in the Lord. It is not spineless cringing, based on insecurity and fear. It is voluntarily unselfishness, and willingly cooperative attitude/spirit that seeks the highest good for one’s husband. So, like a gorgeous gown, put on meekness.

4.     Choose a Quiet Attitude. Vs 4, “Quiet spirit”. She is a woman of special quietness and tranquility…a peaceful disposition. Her character is composed and free from agitation, stress, or conflict. The winds of her soul are not turbulent and anxious but calm, still, serene, and unstirred. This tranquil attitude is at peace with oneself and with God. A quality that seeks to build peace with her husband.

a.      Exhibiting godly behavior under unfair circumstances can be extremely taxing for even a good wife. Some wives under such pressure could begin to resort to substituting secret manipulation for a “quiet spirit”.  This could take on many forms: pouting, sulking, scheming, bargaining, arguing, nagging, preaching, coercing, or even humiliating. Wives who use this strategy are not trusting God to change their husbands’ lives.  They are trusting in themselves. Wives remember, you are not responsible for your husband’s life, but you are responsible for yours. You cannot make your husband something he is not. Only God can do that; transformation is His thing. Remember it is your job to submit to and love your husband it is God’s job to make him right. It is God’s job to change his life.

                                                                                                                i.     F. B. Meyer notes: “Plenty are there whose outward body is richly decked, but whose inner being is clothed in rags; whilst others, whose garments are worn and threadbare, are all glorious within.”^[1]

                                                                                                              ii.     God wants Christian wives to dress up their insides with the most attractive apparel. He desires for God-honoring wives to go through great effort and trouble to get just the right heart look. Adorn the heart with the pearls of Meekness and the diamonds of Quietness. How attractive you would be to the Lord if you did. Wives, these virtues are in fashion with God as a matter of fact he regards them as VOGUE!

                                                                                                            iii.     Christian wives should not think of outer attire as the source of genuine beauty.^[2]

b.     This concept especially applies to the Christian life. Believers often get duped into searching for happiness, meaning, purpose, and joy in the same places the world: people, possessions, and favorable circumstances. In doing so, we exhaust ourselves and end up dissatisfied, disillusioned, and even broken.

                                                                                                                i.     What we long for we already possess. The Holy Spirit lives within us, and He is willing to pour out in our lives His fruit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.  If we had those nine qualities in our lives, what more could we ask for? In Galatians 5:22–23, these qualities are not only deeply satisfying but also help us to have rich relationships with other people!

                                                                                                              ii.     They make us good “living advertisements” for Christianity to unbelievers. The wealth we long for is spiritual wealth, ours to be had if we live in obedience to the Holy Spirit.

                                                  ii.     Pursue Other Spiritual Virtues Also.

1.     1 Pet 3:5-6, For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: (6) Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

2.     This is the primary reason that Christian women are to adorn themselves with a meek and quiet spirit. When she does, she reveals that she is a spiritual child of Sarah. As a result, the precious qualities in Sarah’s life will be a part of her life.

3.     Like Sarah, Be a Wife of Holiness Vs 5, “Holy Women”

a.     Examples of holy women in the Old Testament support Peter’s exhortation. Purity of life (v. 2) and a submissive spirit (v. 5) have always been a godly woman’s lasting source of beauty and attractiveness. Sarah is chosen as a specific example of a woman who was submissive to her husband.^[3]

b.     The word “holy” signifies the object of awe and reverence. It pertains to being holy like God is holy and relates to our essential and superior morality—a fault free lifestyle.

c.      1 Peter 1:15-16, But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16, Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

d.     The holiness we are to exhibit is not our own, but the holiness of Christ in us. We are not holy, and we will not become holy humans. Christ can manifest His holiness if we yield our bodies to Him.

e.      This Is Not a Mere Human Operation; it Is a Spiritual One.

                                                                                                                i.     Becoming holy is a process which includes God's part and our part. On one hand, our part is to stay out of God's part—to yield, to surrender, to stop seeking God on our own terms. But our part also is to obey. It is to enter His rehabilitation program.

                                                                                                              ii.     When you put yourself under a doctor's care, he cannot help you if you don't follow his instructions. As the patient surrenders his own good ideas and obeys the doctor's instruction, he becomes well. The same is true in sanctification. If you and I want to be made holy, then we must willingly surrender ourselves to His care, and we must also actively obey His instructions.

                                                                                                             iii.     We have no more power to make ourselves holy than a dying man has to save himself. We are weak and tired, and we cannot offer much help. However, we can submit to His rehabilitation program—sanctification. The key to our part is faith—to seek Him in obedience.”

1.     1Thes 2:12, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

2.      1 Cor 1:30-31, But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:   (31) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

4.     Like Sarah, be a Wife of Faith   Vs 5, “Who Trusted in God”

a.     Evidently, she trusted in God. She followed her husband and therefore was faithful to the Lord!

b.     Faithfulness is being trustworthy; it is “hanging in there”; it is persevering. It is being the kind of person who can be counted on to do what is right. Repeatedly the Bible admonishes us to be faithful to the Lord. Matthew 25:21 says that if we are faithful in little things, the Lord will give us bigger things. In Revelation 2:10 we read, “... Be thou faithful until death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

c.      We should be faithful to our words and marriage vows. We should be faithful to our responsibilities as husbands and wives. But above all we should be faithful to God. God wants to be able to count on us. If we are willing the Holy Spirit help us be faithful people. Do you have a weakness in being faithful? Many do. It is not a highly valued characteristic in modern times. But it is highly valued by God.

d.     Women of faith today ought to bare the family likeness of her spiritual mother Sarah. Almost the only one who will emphasize Christlike qualities is God in the Bible. Remember, the world and the economy cannot make money by emphasizing faithfulness, but God views it as a rich priority! Even many churches will emphasize faithfulness in attendance and giving because that benefits them, but they fail to elevate this trait like God does. Be faithful to God because it matters to Him.

e.      Many modern women adopt a ‘worldly standard’ or have godless expectations of ‘husband material.’ Some claim the 6X6X6X6 idea for any possible male contenders…six figures annual income, six pack of Abs—physically fit, at least six feet tall, and six or more inches…. Some checklists require a man to have a deep voice, emotionally mature, correct color/ethnicity/hair, mentally and emotionally tough—he must be able to handle her (she thinks she is perfect already and does not plan to grow, change, or accommodate), athletic ability, and economic success. The wrongs, delusions, assumptions, fantasies, and ludicrous nonsense in these lists are off the charts ridiculous!

f.      God specified servant-leadership, provision, protection, and holiness-priest in the home for the man as a husband. This is what real masculinity looks like; this is what the Lord Jesus modelled. Wives and prospective wives should adopt this as their ‘standard’ and stop looking for ‘worldly’ requirements. Too many of the future wives cannot secure a masculine husband even though they claim they want one or keep a godly man even if they happen to end up with one. I will more thoroughly address male qualities soon.

5.     Like Sarah, Be a Wife of Obedience. Vs 5, “Even as Sara Obeyed Abraham….”

a.      Some key passages on Sarah include Genesis 12:1–5. Consider the difficulties Abraham’s obedience may have caused for Sarah. She had to leave her home, her family, and her friends. She had to suffer hardship and even risk her life because her husband obeyed God.

b.     She is viewed as a woman who “obeyed” her husband as an aspect of her submissive heart towards God and him.

c.      Sarah is cited as an example. She obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. This takes us back to Genesis 18:12 where we read that Sarah said this “within herself.” She did not go around and make a loud profession of submission to Abraham by publicly calling him lord. Rather, in her inward life, she recognized him as her head, and this recognition was displayed by her actions.

d.     Those women who follow Sarah’s example are her children. Jewish women are descendants of Sarah by natural birth. But to be her daughters in the best sense, they must imitate her personal character. Children should carry the family likeness.^[4]

CONCLUSION:

Husbands, wives, and prospective spouses need to give careful attention to these instructions from the heart of God. Many of us understand the bulk of what I have covered, but we all need to practice these truths far more than we currently do. The problem is we refuse to submit ourselves because of ideas from family, friends, associates, worldly beliefs, self-centered motives, and devilish advice seem more relevance, convenient, and beneficial. As a result, we fail to believe the wise council of God paying too much attention to our own feelings. Value God’s point of view more! Growing stronger, developing unrealized qualities, and meaningful change through these challenges are viable expectations for us all! So much marital injury could be avoided if we listen to God.

It is true life can be unfair at times and even cruel! The people closest to us can cause unbelievable pain and sorrow even in the husband & wife relationship. But one thing remains constant…that each the child of God is expected to acknowledge God’s order and conduct oneself accordingly regardless of current circumstances.

It is imperative that we acknowledge God’s order for marriage, because therein is the hope of happiness and fulfilment for couples. Above all our Lord will be honored, respected, and obeyed through our submissive lifestyles.

 

---

^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2268.

^[2] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 849.

^[3] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 849.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2268.

Jesus is Our Sacrifice for Sin

“Jesus is Our Sacrifice for Sin”

1 Peter 2:21-25

SUBJECT: THE PROFIT IN SUBMISSIVE LIVING

THEME: There are immediate and eternal benefits to living submissively unto God.

RELEVANCY: But why is this important to us?

Christ’s example and the message of the gospel impact our lifestyles and behaviors of submission giving credibility to our faith claims and confidence in our experiences.

INTRODUCTION:

Christ’s Submission to God Involved Suffering to Secure Our Eternal Benefit. Please consider that the Lord Jesus suffered in life as a Servant to God (1 Pet. 2:21-25).

MESSAGE:

I.       Jesus Is Our Voluntary Sacrifice to Our Benefit (1Pet. 2:21, 24). Again, the Lord Jesus is not our Example in suffering wrongfully merely, He died in our place and for our sin! He is our Substitute. His submission to the plan of God involved suffering and dying for our sins at Calvary. 

1.  Jesus Died as Our Substitute and Not a Martyr. This reminds us of the great “Servant Chapter,” Isaiah 53, especially Isaiah 53:5-7, but also verses 9 and 12.
1. Jesus did not die as a martyr; He died as a Savior, a sinless Substitute. The word ‘for’ (1Pet. 2:21) when used in conjunction with the death of Christ has the meaning of a substitute.  This is NOT teaching that Jesus left us the example of how we should be willing to die for the truth or some great cause. It is teaching that Christ died in our place, in our room, as our substitute. The Substitutionary death of Christ.

                                                    i.     John 10:15, As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

                                                  ii.     John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

                                                iii.     Isa 53:5, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. He suffered for the supreme benefit of others!  That we sinners might be saved; let our sufferings lead to the conversion of sinners!

2. The word translated “bare” (1Pet. 2:24) means "to carry as a sacrifice." The Jewish people did not crucify criminals; they stoned them to death. But if the victim was especially evil, his dead body was hung on a tree until evening, as a mark of shame (Deut. 21:23). Jesus died on a tree—a cross—and bore the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13).

                                                    i.     Christ did not deserve to suffer (1Pet. 2:22), because He did not sin at all. The Lord Jesus lived a completely sinless life, therefore He did not deserve to died.

                                                  ii.     There was NO SIN in His pure perfect holy life and there was NO GUILE in His mouth or there was no deceit in His heart either. Matt 12:34, O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

                                                iii.     This means that Christ was the perfect candidate to die for the sin of the world. God required a sinless sacrifice and Jesus provide exactly that. 1 Pet 1:18-19, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19, But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

3. Secondly, it means to us that we must live pure, clean and holy before God and the world. Jesus’ heart and life were free of any anger towards God, any bitterness about His circumstances, or any resentment in his emotions! He was not secretly holding these events against God; he did not expect better treatment because he was the Son of God; he did not feel slighted or mistreated by God for these developments. While he recognized that people were treating him unfairly, he did not make the mistake of blaming God for his pains. Remember there is nothing thank worthy or praiseworthy in being knocked around and beat up for our faults but if we suffer for living godly this is tolerable with God! His kingdom is not of this world.

2. Jesus Died in Complete Surrender as an Act of Trust. Christ suffered willingly and voluntarily as a matter of Trust in God (1Pet. 2:23).  This can be seen in three facts.
1. He was reviled but He did not rail back at His attackers.  He had the power to fight back and end it all with His spoken word, but He didn’t do it.  It would have been lawful for Him to protect Himself, but it would not have been expedient for His cause and us sinners.

                                                    i.     We need to keep this important principle in mind when we want to wage war against our government or when we have a legitimate complaint at work.  You may have a good argument and the right or power to voice your opinion. But remember our Lord suffered and died unjustly.

                                                  ii.     Sometimes we may have to overlook the immediate issue, surrender our power to fight back, look at their need for the Savior, and willingly suffer wrong that they can see Christ in us.

2. He was abused, beaten and crowned with thorns, but He suffered it willingly. He ‘committed’ Himself, His life into the hands of a just God.

                                                    i.     According to verse 23, He knew that God would vindicate Him and He fully ‘Committed’ (handed Himself over to God).  And certainly, God vindicated Him early one Sunday morning when we raised Him from the dead. 

                                                  ii.     We must TRUST God’s wisdom and God’s way. Suffering for any reason at all is not easy, but we must trust the council of God written in this passage. It Will take real faith…super trust…to Commit ourselves to God as Jesus our example did.

3. We as Christians need to stop looking entirely to the government to turn our country around and Trust God to bring us a national revival. We as Christian must first get right with God and then we will see the healing of our land. 2 Chr 7:14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. It is not the government’s fault that our society is going to the devil; it is our fault. Perhaps we have been cowardly quiet where we should have boldly spoken righteousness! And it will not change until Christians repent! 

3. Jesus Suffered to the Ultimate Degree, and it was Extremely Severe. 1 Pet 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree,
1. Isa 53:5, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
2. 1 Pet 3:18, For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
3. Jesus Christ took our sin, our guilt, our judgement and our punishment -----and bore them for us. When we trust Him we receive His payment for our sins and we receive His righteousness. We as Believers cannot die for our own sin—as our own substitutionary sacrifice. But it may be necessary to DIE FOR OUR SIN BARER. Not to atone for or sins, but out of loyalty to Jesus Christ. The reality of Christian persecution in America will continue to increase as our society becomes more anti-God and anti-Bible. There are reports of Christians being arrested for street preaching, witnessing, and passing out tracks all the time.  Those who preach on the streets are being arrested all the time.  Churches are attacked with lawsuits and court battles regularly. It is no longer a distant possibility it is an own going battle today and it could mean our lives one day for the cause of Christ. 

4. Jesus Suffered for Our Sin That We Should Live in Righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24 ....that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. This is the clear and expressed purpose for his suffering; that we should live unto righteousness. And the hold purpose of our submission is to point people to our righteous God! So continue to do right!

5. Jesus Died to Secure Our Spiritual Healing. 1 Peter 2:24 ...by whose stripes ye were healed. The paradoxes of the cross never cease to amaze us. Christ was wounded that we might be healed. He died that we might live. We died with Him, and thus we are "dead to sin" (Rom. 6) so that we might "live unto righteousness."
1. The healing Peter mentioned in 1 Peter 2:24 is not physical healing, but rather the spiritual healing of the soul (Ps. 103:3). One day, when we have glorified bodies, all sicknesses will be gone; but meanwhile, even some of God's choicest servants may have physical afflictions (see Phil. 2:25-30; 2 Cor. 12:1).
2. It is not Jesus the Example or the Teacher who saves us, but Jesus the spotless Lamb of Cod who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
3. Clearly, suffering for the benefit of others in not child’s play. Such trust in God is what Christ exemplified. Are we willing to submit to God’s leadership…to be His sacrifice…to lay ourselves down for His offering that will benefit someone else? Will we sacrifice rights, privileges, and opportunities for the spiritual benefit of others?   

6. Jesus’ Death is significant because all sinners abide under the wrath of God and we were all correctly sentenced to death. But JESUS CHRIST SUFFERED AND DIED IN OUR STEAD AS OUR SUBSTITUTE AND AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE! HE DIED FOR US! Therefore, if He took my death then I as a believer am no longer obligated to Death. That’s GOOD NEWS to us sinners!
1. Ezek 18:4, Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
2. Rom 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
3. Rom 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
4. God Has Declared That the Proper Punishment of Sin is Death. We all have sinned; we all have a tendency to sin and God has condemned that tendency in us all. Because we have sinned against God, we deserve death. This death is threefold:

                                                    i.     Physical Death—This is the separation of the Spirit and Soul from the Body.

                                                  ii.     Spiritual Death—This is the separation from God, we are born in this condition because of a sinful nature. (Ps. 51:5; Ps. 58:3)

                                                iii.     Eternal Death—This is separation from God forever in the Lake of  Fire (Hell) also called the Second Death. (Rev. 20:11-15)

5. The Good News is that Jesus Christ Died for Us. He took the punishment for sin that we deserved.  He was completely sinless and could not sin, therefore He did not deserve death.  But He willingly died in our place and as our substitute.

                                                    i.     2 Cor 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

                                                  ii.     1 Pet 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

                                                iii.     Isa 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The truth is that since Jesus Christ died for me and the penalty of sin was paid for everyone by Him, then we who have accepted Him need not die for our own sin.  If we accept His sacrifice for all sin…our own sinfulness, we receive complete payment to our sin debt the credit of death. We are no longer obligated to pay a debt that is paid in full by Christ. THIS IS GOOD NEWS!