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!

 

Christ's Submissive Example

Christ's Submissive Example 

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 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). In the Bible, our responsibilities are always connected with Scripture teaching and truths. When Paul wrote to the slaves, he related his admonitions to principles of the grace of God (Titus 2:9-15). Peter connected his counsels to the example of Jesus Christ, God’s "Suffering Servant" (1 Peter 2:21-25; see Isa. 52:13-53: 12). (W. W. Wiersbe)

Through his own experiences, Peter learned that God’s people serve through suffering. At first, Peter had opposed Christ’s anguish on the cross (Matt. 16: 21); but then he learned the important lesson that we lead by serving and often serve through suffering. He also learned that this kind of suffering always leads to eternal benefits! Peter encouraged these suffering slaves by presenting these imagines of the Lord Jesus Christ.

MESSAGE:

I.               Jesus Is Our Example of Trusting God (1Pet. 2:21-23).

All that Jesus did on earth, as recorded in the four Gospels, is a perfect example for us to follow. The Christian can always look to the incredible example in Jesus Christ.  He never sends us to where He has not been Himself. He does not lead us into the unknown but into the well-known. Jesus is our example in suffering while submitted to God.

        A.  The Great Call of Every Believer   vs 21

1 Pet 2:21, For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: We are called to suffer as Christ did as He suffered for us while submitted to the Father’s will. 

               1.  The word ‘example’ means the pattern of some picture or letter that a teacher gives to the pupil.  The pattern is to be copied or reproduced.  The idea is that an exact copy is to be made; every detail of the pattern is to be reproduced. We are to be exact copies of Christ; We are to follow His pattern in every detail.

               2.   The word ‘follow’ is the picture of a guide leading us along a most difficult and rocky path, so difficult that we must actually put our feet in his footprints.  We are to follow Christ step by step, moment by moment, and day by day. In order to provide leadership, we must be willing and ready to follow the guidance given.

               3. The word ‘submit’ or ‘subject’ does not occur in verse 21, but it is obviously implied from verse 18,… “Servants, be subject to your masters with fear,” and verse 21, “because Christ also suffered for us”. Slave are to follow carefully Christ, Jehovah Servant’s example!

“Subject”, literally means “to stand under” suggesting subordination, obedience, submission, subservience, and subjection. Jesus Christ willingly placed himself under the Father’s authority, control, and leadership. Jesus trusted God completely!  

       B.  Christ Responded to Suffering with Submission. (1 Peter 2:19-20)

But He is especially our example in the way He responded to suffering. In spite of the fact that He was sinless in both word and deed, He suffered at the hands of the authorities. This connects, of course, to Peter's words in 1 Peter 2:19-20. We wonder how he would have responded in the same circumstances! The fact that Peter used his sword in the Garden suggests that he might have fought rather thin submitted to the will of God. Jesus proved that a person could be in the will of God, be greatly loved by God, and still suffer unjustly.

There is a shallow brand of popular theology that claims Christians will not suffer if they are in the will of God. Supposedly, if a person is right with God they will not suffer physically, spiritually, or financially. Those who promote such ideas have not meditated much on the Cross! They may claim first century believers suffered but not us today, but they have zero Bible evidence to support such claims. In fact, the Bible say much about and to suffering real believers!

It should also be remembered that our Lord’s humility and submission were not evidence of weakness, but of power. Jesus could have forsaken the Cross in his own power, but he did not. Jesus could have lived a luxurious life of opulence, but he lived like a poor man instead. Jesus could have summoned the armies of heaven to rescue Him from the cross, but he did not! His words to Pilate in John 18:33-38 are proof that He was in complete command of the situation. It was Pilate who was on trial, not Jesus! Jesus had committed Himself to the Father, and the Father always judges right. This act of trust in submission to God’s will is an example to every believer.

         C.  Suffering is Not a Means of Salvation. (1 Peter 2:22)

We are not saved by following Christ’s example, because each of us will never qualify according to 1 Peter 2:22: "who did no sin." Sinners need a Savior, not an Example. But after a person is saved, he will want to "follow closely upon His steps” and imitate the example of Christ.

Truly we lead by serving and we serve still even while suffering to do so. If God’s will involve a degree of disadvantage or discomfort, then we must willingly submit ourselves to His will to see that it is executed to His satisfaction.  

Christ submitting was taking the divinely ordered place in his relationship with the Father. Submission was not a requirement of the Father for the Son; it was given based on trust in the Father, that is, Jesus believed God’s Word and wanted to fulfil his role completely. In his person, Jesus was never made second to the person of the Father in general, but as Jehovah’s special slave, Jesus accept his Father’s leadership for our benefit.

        D. Salvation is Always by the Grace of God!

             1. What is Grace? Grace can also be described as the unmerited favor of God towards us.

a. The Apostle Paul defined saving grace in Ephesians, 2:8, 9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” We are entirely undeserving of God’s favor as sinners; He independently takes the initiative to grant us salvation motivated purely by His own character and love.

b. Donald Barnhouse said it best: “Love that goes upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace.” God’s grace can never be deserved or earned; it is afforded entirely by a benevolent God who stoops down low to fervently extend kindnesses to us.

c. Dr. J. Vernon McGee aptly explains further, saying, “The grace of God is the passion of God to share all His goodness with others. Grace means that God wants to bestow upon you good things, goodnesses. He wants to make you fine and noble, and He wants to bring you into the likeness of His Son.”

2.     What is Saving Grace?

a.      With regards to salvation God does for us what we could never do for ourselves no matter how hard we try; He delivers us from the eternal consequences of our sins because He is gracious. Though we are utterly unworthy of it, salvation is given to us based on the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (MacDonald & Farstad).

b.     Through a definite trust in the Son of God and belief of the Gospel as God's solution for our sin problem a person can be saved (Rom. 10:8-17).

c.      Clearly, Paul said, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). Christ suffered tremendously that we sinners might be saved through His sacrifice for sins.

 

Since forgiveness for sin and a relationship with God are freely offered at Christ’s expense, why not repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ to be saved? Trust Christ and God will save you by His infinite grace.

 

 

Choose to Be a Blessing

1 Peter 3:13-22 

SUBJECT: The Glory Inherent in Christian Suffering

THEME: Christ will turn our suffering and unfairness of today into triumph and glory for eternity because we are called to bless others.

RELEVANCE: being treated unfairly can leave us hurt, confused, disconcerted, and angry. The desire to get back at them…to make them feel the pains we have felt, is incredibly strong! These very real troubled heart feelings…. God addresses to guide our actions.

INTRODUCTION: No doubt Peter is addressing Believers who have already experience some lose because of their faith in Christ. These believers are not suffering because of some mental, emotional, or relational abnormality. They are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ, they are disadvantaged by society because they confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord and not some self-absorbed political leader. This is why they are suffering… (1Pet. 1:10-2:25). There is room to apply this counsel to our own sufferings rooted in a bold testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ in our own time. Many countrymen may not agree…unfortunately many ‘Christians’ will reject this notion in favor of a softer and more traditional view. None of this changes what God vitally said to hurting Believers.

MESSAGE:

BELIEVER’S SUFFERINGS FOR CHRIST’S SAKE WILL RESULT IN REWARDS; OUR SPIRTUAL TRIBULATIONS WILL BECOME TRIUMPHS IN GOD! 1 Peter 3:13-22

  A.  THE SUFFERING BELIEVER’S IS CHARGED TO DEFEND OUR FAITH IN CHRIST, 1 Pet. 3:13-15

           1. We Are Charged to Walk in Faith and Not Fear   vs 13-14

                  (a) It is unlikely that a Christian will suffer for doing good.  The government and the boss will very likely appreciate it. Husbands and fellow believers will appreciate it too.    Vs 13

                  (b) There is the possibility of suffering for righteousness’ sake, this is a blessed condition from God’s perspective.   Vs 14  

Matt 5:11-12, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12,  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

                  (c) What can I expect as the result of my suffering? 

                              * God could overcome the suffering for His own glory. (Example in the Book of Esther--God delivered the suffering Jews from the wicked Haman and the Jewish Holiday Purim celebrates the great deliverance of God and thus He is glorified).

                              * God could use the suffering to bring blessing to others. (Example of using your testimony of a trial to help someone else through a difficult time).

                              * God could bless the one who suffers for His name’s sake. (Example of mature saints who have suffered much and they have a real deep knowledge of God’s goodness and Faithfulness). Hudson Taylor the great missionary was a powerful Christian who suffered much, and God rewarded him over and over with the blessing of a deepening and healthy fellowship with his Savior.                            

           2. We Are Charged to Defend the Faith    Vs 15

                    (a) We are to Set the Lord Apart in our Hearts. 

This should be to such an extent that He has our entire life.  There is no room for your will anymore, only the will of God.  There is no room anymore in your life for your hang ups, only the plan of God for your life.  All that we do and say should be for his glory and pleasure.

The Lordship of Christ should dominate every area of our lives---our possessions, our occupation, our library, our marriage, our spare time---nothing can be excluded.

                     (b) We are to Readily Defend and Share our Faith and Hope in Jesus Christ.

Vs 15, ‘Answer’ here means a defense for one’s belief. Primarily this deals with the saint under heavy persecution.  They should not cower but boldly defend the faith with reverence to God and respect to one’s persecutors.

Also, we from day to day will have opportunity to witness of God’s goodness in our lives and we are to do it with gentleness ‘meekness’ and with reverence ‘fear”.  There should be no trace of harshness, bitterness or flippancy when we speak of our Lord and Savior.

  B.  THE SUFFERING BELIEVER IS CONSCIENCE OF GOD’S WILL IN THE PURSUIT OF DOING WELL, 1 PET. 3:16-17

           1.  Let Us Maintain a Good Conscience   vs 16

‘Conscience’ means an awareness of God’s presence and will.  When we conduct ourselves in accordance with His will and walk in light of His presence, we maintain a ‘good conscience’. It is the Lord God that we want to please and represent more than any thing else. The question is are our values cultural or eternal?

           2.  Let Our Suffering Be Because of Well Doing   vs 17

Christians who suffer unjustly and keep a clear conscience put to shame those who slander their good behavior in Christ. Once again Peter encouraged his readers with the fact that good behavior is their best defense against unjust punishment and persecution.

3:17. However, Peter pointed out that it may be God’s will (thelēma; cf. 2:15; 4:2, 19) for them to suffer for doing good (cf. 1:6; 2:15; 4:16, 19). This, as he told them earlier, “is commendable before God” (2:20) and so is better than deserved suffering for doing evil (cf. 2:14). First Peter 3:17 is an effective summary of the content of 2:15, 19–20.^[a]

If a Christian must suffer, which might sometimes be God’s will for him, it should be for doing good. But he should not bring suffering on himself for his own misdeeds; there is no virtue in that.^[b]

  C.   THE SUFFERING BELIEVER IS CALLED TO FOLLOW THE HOPE FILLED EXAMPLE OF CHRIST’S TRIUMPH, 1 Pet. 3:18-22

           1.  We Are Called to Follow Christ’s Example, vs 18   

(He suffered unjustly to, but it was for our benefit) “That He might bring use to God”

                *Christ suffered unjustly—we will suffer unjustly too for righteousness sake.

                *Christ suffered for our benefit—"to bring us to God”—we must suffer for others benefit.  This is part of what being a Missionary is all about.  This is part of what serving in a church is all about.  You may have to miss out on a Sunday School class or a Message to serve others. This is what serving in the nursery is all about. But we still do it to follow our Savior’s example and to bring others closer to the Lord.

                *Christ suffered even unto death—We will need to die to self to follow Christ. We must take up our cross daily and follow Him. Some may even sacrifice themselves to protect other Believers.

                *Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Spirit-- “quickened by the Spirit”.  We today as believers are to walk in the power of a new life and we in this new life are called to bring others to Christ, following our Lord’s example. Just as the Spirit raised Christ, He will empower us to fulfil the will of God.  Let God use our sufferings to bring others to God!

           2. We Are Called to Bare Witness Through Our Sufferings, vs 19-20   

(Christ never forsook His witness and no matter how low we get; we must never forsake our Testimony and Witness)

       * ‘PREACHED UNTO THE SPIRITS IN PRISON’   vs 19

               (a)  The act of Christ between His death and resurrection when He descended into Hell and proclaimed His victory at Calvary to the demonic hordes held in that part of Hell. Jesus made a proclamation of His victory over death to the rebellious angels who had been placed in prison. His proclamation was also a form of judgment on them because of their sin and rebellion. This idea also seems to be supported by <2 Peter 2:4> and <Jude 6>.  (See also Eph.4:8-10)

              (b) Vs 20, Christ also Proclaimed His Victory to the Saints of God from all the Ages and this act vindicated their faith before the unbelievers of all ages. Especially the unbelieving Souls of Noah’s day.   Just as God Vindicated the faith of Noah and His family by saving them through the flood in the safety of the Ark; He will also Vindicate the Faith of the saint who suffers for righteousness sake in our time. Just as Noah and His family experienced deliverance from judgement, and deliverance into a new day and new hope, we will also experience safety from divine judgement and deliverance into a new and glorious day free of suffering, persecution, pain, and rejection.  Delivered into the very presence of God by the Ark of Jesus Christ accompany by everlasting triumph.

THE TRUTH IS NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE ARE MOCKED AND PERSECUTED IN THIS LIFE, NO MATTER HOW STUPID WE MAY LOOK IN THE EYES OF PEOPLE FOR FOLLOWING OUR LORD’S INSTRUCTIONS….  WE WILL BE COMPLETELY VINDICATED FOR OUR FAITH AND OBEDIENCE BEFORE THE FALLEN ANGELS AND BEFORE THE LOST OF ALL GENERATIONS. OUR COMMITMENT AND FAITHFULLNESS WILL PLACE US IN THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD RADIATING WITH THE GLORY OF CHRIST JESUS! OUR SUFFERING FOR CHRIST’S SAKE IS NOT IN VAIN, IT WILL CLIMAX IN SPLENDID GLORY! THIS IS THE SUM OF SUFFERING FOR CHRIST’S SAKE!

APPLICATION: Child of God, when you are most angry…when you know the situation is not fair…when people treat you wrong for doing right…when you feel justified and encouraged to get even…think instead about the eternal, the final triumph, standing vindicated and blameless in the very presence of Almighty God. Make the conscience choice to take it, accept the unfairness from people, focus on their needs and not necessarily what they say…persist and insist on doing good regardless. Tell God honestly what you are feeling…that is enough for now…He is enough even when life hurts…. Continue to be a witness.

               3.  We Are Called to Completely Identify with Christ’s Triumph, vs 21-22 (Those who suffer with Christ will Reign with Christ)

                    (a) Jesus Christ was Raised to a Justified Life. We Identify (baptism) with this justification when we trusted Him as Savior.  His life counts for our life. His death count for our death. His resurrection counts for our resurrection. We receive credit for having paid our debt to sin and are no longer obligated to sin.  Christ suffering for our sin was a BAPTISM.

Luke 12:50, But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Mark 10:38, But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

Rom 6:3-4, Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4, Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

                    (b) Vs 21, Jesus Christ fulfilled a purpose in His Sufferings, and we must Identify with this Purpose in our sufferings, which is the answer of a good Conscience towards God.  Conscience is the awareness of God’s will and Presence.  God wants us to submit ourselves in suffering and be a good witness. We understand now what His will is for suffering saints, and we must act accordingly to maintain a good conscience before God.

                     (c) Vs 22, Jesus Christ suffered unfairly, but now He is exalted and glorified. Suffering always leads to Glory. If we suffer with Him or if we more completely Identify (Baptism) with Him, we will be glorified together with Him.  We will reign with him in Victory—Our Tribulation, Suffering and Submission will turn to Triumph, Honor, Dominion and Power!

Rom 8:17-18, And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

CONCLUSION: 

News like this will help us smile through the tears, confusion, and persecutions when life hurts the most! The temptation to settle the score or get even is tremendous, multifaceted, unrelenting, and rooted in a people or cultural sense of identity. Be really careful with ‘door mat’ or ‘good guy’ analogies they are more cultural and are built on humanistic ideas of our value and worth. Our goal is to be of value to God’s character as His witnesses, and to advance His kingdom above all else which has eternal significance. It helps when you are bent on living for eternal importance rather then cultural, political, or religious ideas.

There is no doubt, there will come a day when the Sum of Our Suffering will equal Glory!  Life may be unfair for the moment, and we may have to endure difficulties and hardships for some time. But great will be the reward of the saint who stays true to the Lord. Beloved, this is far more then an oversimplification. I get it…life is complex and messy, but these principles are still applicable to us today.

We must, therefore, conduct ourselves as brothers with compassion and sensitivity one towards others. 

We must seek peace and prayerfulness with each other and all men as much as possible; refusing to resort to an attitude of retaliation and getting even. 

Most of all, we need to look to the example of our Lord Jesus and follow closely in His steps for they lead to glory with Him in the presence of God. Beloved, we are called to be a blessing and not a curse! May we treat others like God treats everyone, including us.

Continue to follow God’s instructions as a suffering saint, He will one day vindicate our faith before this wicked generation just as He did with Noah in his day. You do not need to worry about doing this for yourself at this time in this generation.

When dreams seem to fade in this life, we will still have the hope of the next life with Christ! Therefore, it is glory all the way!

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^[a] 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), 850.

^[b] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2271. 

Refuse to Retaliate

 

1 Peter 3:8-12 

SUBJECT: The Glory Inherent in Christian Suffering

THEME: Christ will turn our suffering and unfairness of today into triumph and glory for eternity because we are called to bless others.

INTRODUCTION: No doubt you have been treated unfairly by careless Christians, relatives, or unfortunately close friends. I am also sure it left you hurt, confused, disconcerted, and angry. No doubt a part of you wanted to get back at them…to make them feel what pains you felt! Perhaps you wondered how much longer you could endure the hardships you were facing…not sure if you could take anymore. It may be that you seriously wished that life was all over, and you were already with Jesus…never to suffer again. These are the real feelings and puzzles we grapple with…part of troubled hearts…. God has addressed these real issues to guide Believers’ actions.

Believers are to be like-minded, sympathetic, tenderhearted, and courteous, which means they are to be humble-minded, not trying to lord it over one another. This is to be the attitude and action of a believer among other believers.^[a]

The Lord Jesus expressed these same ideas about showing mercy and kindness instead of getting even or retaliating against those who wrong and abuse us.

Matthew 5:43-48, Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ⁴⁵ That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? ⁴⁷ And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? ⁴⁸ Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Luke 6:27-33, But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, ²⁸ Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. ²⁹ And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. ³⁰ Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. ³¹ And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. ³² For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. ³³ And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

The key our Lord submitted was that of showing mercy and kindness to the most undeserving refusing to retaliate, but instead going the extra mile to act like we are govern by principles rooted in who we actually are from God’s vantage point. As a result, we bless and not curse, we give grace and not deserts, and we express kindness instead of retaliating. Such actions are consistent with our calling as Believers…people who are summoned to bless should bless everyone and anyone regardless of what happens to us. Peter also subscribes to this kind of thinking and behavior. 

Message:

BE SUBMISSIVE TO CHRIST AND BE GENEROUS TO FELLOW BELIEVERS (1Pet. 3:8-12). 1 Pet 3:8-9, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Peter has dealt thoroughly with various groups, Citizens, Servants, Wives, Husbands, and now he addresses them all as a group of Believers.

      A. SHARED OBEDIENCE REGARDING A SINGULAR ATTITUDE (ONENESS OF MIND) Vs 8

In the first two chapters Peter referred to “all kinds of trials” (1:6), accusations of “doing wrong” (2:12), “the ignorant talk of foolish men” (2:15), and “the pain of unjust suffering” (2:19). All these persecutions seem to have resulted from the natural reactions of a pagan society against Christians who faithfully obeyed Jesus Christ.

Peter then warned that a time of more severe persecution and suffering was close at hand. He cautioned Christians to keep clear consciences when facing injustice, to endure the inevitable suffering with Christlike courage.^[b]

We as believers will not see everything in the same fashion.  We won’t agree on everything, but we should have a singleness of heart and oneness of mind. We should remain focused on Christ! The best formula is contained in the well-known expression: “In Fundamentals, unity; in non- essentials, liberty; in everything, love.”

             1. Our minds should be focused on becoming more like Christ.

             2. Our minds should be focused on living holy, righteous, and pure lives.

             3. Our minds should be focused on bearing spiritual character and fruit.

             4. Our minds should be focused on carrying out the ministry and mission of Christ to the world.

      B.  SHARED OBEDIENCE REGARDING COMPASSION Vs 8

Literally, this means to suffer with and this admonition is especially appropriate when given to those undergoing persecution.  We as believers are to:

           1. Suffer with those who are suffering

           2. Weep with those who are weeping

           3. Rejoice with them who have been honored

           4. Understand the pressures of a leader when he leads

           5. Grieve with the sorrows of others.

Real compassion will build unity in a church! These are the things that REAL CHRISTIANS do for each other from the Heart.

      C. SHARED OBEDIENCE TO LOVE, TENDERNESS OF HEART AND COURTESY Vs 8

We as believers must develop a real sensitivity and genuine affection for each other.  We should be the kind of Christians that will deny ourselves for someone else benefit.  We should experience such real love and pity that we are moved to act, help, comfort, support and solace with all humility of heart.

Love as brothers. An unknown author writes:

Providence does not ask us whom we would like to be our brethren—that is settled for us; but we are bidden to love them, irrespective of our natural predilections and tastes. You say, “That is impossible!” But remember that true love does not necessarily originate in the emotions, but in the will; it consists not in feeling but in doing; not in sentiment, but in action; not in soft words, but in noble and unselfish deeds.

Tenderhearted means having a heart sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. It refuses to turn cold, callous, or cynical in spite of abuse.

Courteous—It seems so proper that courtesy should be taught as one of the Christian virtues. Essentially it means humbly thinking of others, putting others first, and saying and doing the gracious thing. Courtesy serves others before self, jumps at opportunities to assist, and expresses prompt appreciation for kindnesses received. It is never coarse, vulgar, or rude.^[c]

      D.  SHARED OBEDIENCE REGARDING BLESSING Vs 9-10

Mutual Christian submission is not characterized by backbiting but with blessing! We are not people with a spirit of retaliation towards those who do us evil; we instead look to be a blessing.  We do not fight with the weapons of hate and evil but with the weapons of love and righteousness.  We are not overcome with evil, we overcome evil with good!

              1.  The Lord Jesus Christ Taught This Concept.

Matt 5:39, But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matt 5:45, That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Luke 6:35, But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

              2.  The Wisest Man that Ever Lived (King Solomon) Taught This Concept.

Prov 20:22, Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

Ps 37:34, Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Prov 24:29, Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

It takes real faith to believe God through a situation where we are hurting and where we are being treated unfairly, but that is exactly what we are to do. This temptation is amplified by our feelings of fair play. The more justified we feel, the harder it is to refuse to get back at them. But we are not to have a retaliatory spirit; the Lord (His job alone) will make sure that every man gets what he deserves. Rom 12:19-21, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  20, Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21, Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

IN LIGHT OF THESE TRUTHS, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY THAT ONLY A CHRISTIAN WOULD DO?

-That boss at work did not treat you right or fairly; do you want to get back at him or her for that obvious wrong?

-Your wife didn’t speak to you with the kindness and respect she should have; do you yell and scream back at her to show her failure?

-That Brother didn’t speak to you at church, so now you aren’t going to speak to him anymore. Is this Christian?

-That Sister hurt your feelings by saying something insensitive to you before others; are you going to make sure you hurt her somehow?

Peter is saying, “Grow up and stop acting like little children!” Your calling it to render a blessing!

Peter says that we are to refrain from constantly speaking evil of others. And we are to refrain from speaking “guile,” from being deceptive and not telling the truth.^[d]

        E.  SHARED OBEDIENCE TO PURSUE PEACE AND PRAYERFULNESS Vs 11-12

                1. We as Believers Are to Turn from Evil and Do Good.

‘eschew’ means to avoid evil or to turn away from evil.   Vs 11

                        (a) We should Turn from the evil of Fornication     1 Cor 6:16.

                        (b) We should turn from the evil love for Money    1Tim. 6:9-11

                        (c) We should turn from the evil of Youthful Lust     2Tim. 2:22

                        (d) We should turn from the evil of Retaliation      1 Pet. 3:9

                2.   We as Believers Are to Pursue Peace.  Vs 11

‘seek’ and ‘ensue’ means to chase after or press after peace.  We are not to wait on it to happen we are to get after it and pursue it.

                         (a) The pursuit of peace is a central theme in the Christian life. Peace with God, Peace with self, and Peace with others. Our Mission is also a mission of peace to the world.

                         (b) The pursuit of peace is the responsibility of the believer when we have offended someone or when someone has offended us. Matt 18:15, Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Also Luke 17:3-4,

IF GOD FORGAVE US THEN WE ARE TO FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER!  WE DO NOT HOLD GRUDGES OR HARBOR HATRED AND WE DO NOT WORK DECEIT AGAINST EACH OTHER!  GIVE THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS! Matt 6:14-15, For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15, But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

               3.  God Will Hear the Prayer of Them That Do Good.   Vs 12

Ps 34:15, The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

Isa 65:24, And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.                                 

               4.  God Will Not Hear the Prayers of Them That Do Evil.   vs 12

Ps 66:18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

We who belong to Christ and are possessed by Him should bring blessing wherever we go and through whatever we do. To be sure, we live in a world in which we are often confronted by evil. Our natural response is to do evil to those who do evil to us. But Peter reminds us of the basis of Christian ethics and lifestyle: we should not render evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, we should do good to those who do evil. In fact, bringing blessing to others is a part of our Christian calling (v. 9).^[e]

CONCLUSION: 

Clearly, these “figures emphasize God’s watchful oversight and careful attention to His people’s needs (cf. 2:25).”^[f]

Beloved, we must disconnect ourselves from any notion of getting even, fighting fire with fire, retaliating, having our pound of flesh, or reacting in kind! This is a worldly approach to unfair treatments, and it destroyed everyone who is involved in some manner and to some degree. We must respond to unfair conditions in love and generosity in doing so we commend the kingdom of God and fulfill our calling as Blessers!

News like this will help us smile through the tears when life hurts the most because we subscribe to a higher and greater purpose! Certainly, we are sacrificed in the process…we are reduced for the time being…we endure shame to our person. But there is something more important than the world’s definition of our pride, dignity, and worth. There will come, no doubt, a day when the Sum of Our Suffering will equal Glory!  Life and many circumstances may be unfair for the moment, and we will endure difficulties, false accusations, mistreatments, unfair results, and hardships. But great will be the reward of the saint that stays true to the Lord through the hard stuff. 

We must therefore conduct ourselves as brothers with compassion and sensitivity one towards the other. We must seek peace and prayerfulness for each other and all men refusing to resort to a spirit of retaliation. Look further to the words and example of our Lord and follow closely in His steps--for He leads to glory with Him.

We must continue to follow God’s instructions for the grieving saints. God will one day vindicate our faith before this wicked generation just as He did with Noah in his day.

When dreams seem to fade in this life, we will still have the hope of the next life with Christ!

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^[a] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 5 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 699.

^[b] 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.

^[c] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2269–2270.

^[d] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 5 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 700.

^[e] Paul A. Cedar and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, James / 1 & 2 Peter / Jude, vol. 34, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1984), 161–162.

^[f] 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), 850.