1 Peter 2:13-25 (verse-by-verse)

Passage: 1 Peter 2:13-25

Title: Following in His Footsteps

Summary: Continuing our study in the “ordinary becoming extraordinary”, the Lord shows us the power of our witness in the world who is watching how we respect the governing authorities and the employer in the workplace, and the teachers on the campus. We think these things are so daily, until God shows us the world is watching.

1 Peter 2:13–25 (NKJV) 13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 18 Servants, be submissive to yourmasters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himselfto Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Peter’s Credentials / Still Feeding

Written by the Apostle Peter, whose credentials have been challenged because of his lack of education and training; but Peter walked with the Lord, the second Apostle called, and all could see that his power and boldness came because he had been with the Lord. For 3 years he walked with Jesus step-by-step, and now it is 30 years since the resurrection and Peter is still faithfully doing what the Lord commissioned him to do, “feeding His sheep”.

The Dispersed

He is writing to the Believers that have been spread out, dispersed form their homeland, thrown into foreign countries. Many of them are struggling and suffering; but their greatest struggle is yet to come, for in just several months Roman Empire Nero is going to launch and all-out attack and persecution against Christians, and over the next 2 centuries over 6 million Christians will die for their faith.

Why Peter Writes / Remember

Peter tells us in the Second Epistle why he writes to them (and us), to stir us up, to remind us, that we hang on to the things we have been taught in the Old Testament, the Epistles of the Apostles, and the teachings in the Gospels. He says remember these things, hold on to them, no matter how hard life may get.

(2 Peter 3:1 NKJV) Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder),

(2 Peter 3:2 NKJV) that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,

Doctrine – Duty – Declaration

Peter pretty much breaks this letter into 3 areas. Doctrine, Duty, and Declaration; this book takes on the frame work of Ephesians, except Peter adds on the Declaration – The Lord is Returning – Remember that! Doctrine, what we believe and why. Duty, doctrine in action, living it out. Declaration, soon and very soon we are going to see the King, Hold-fast until then.

Doctrine: Remember Our Great Salvation (1:1 - 2:10)

The Certainty of Our Salvation (1:1-12)

The Calling with Our Salvation (1:13-25)

The Chosen of Salvation (2:1-10)

Duty: Remember Our Example Before Men (2:11 - 4:6)

Honorable Living Before Unbelievers (2:11 - 3:7)

Submission to the Government (2:11-17)

Submission to Masters (2:18 - 25)

Submission in the Family (3:1- 7)

Honorable Living Before Believers (3:8 - 12)

Submission to One Another (3:8 - 12)

Honorable Living in the Midst of Suffering (3:13 - 4:6)

The Principle of Suffering for Righteousness (3:13 - 17)

The Perfection of Suffering for Righteousness (3:18- 22)

The Purpose of Suffering for Righteousness (4:1 - 6)

Declaration: Remember Our Lord Will Return (4:7 - 5:14)

The Responsibility of Christian Living (4:7 - 11)

The Rewards of Christian Suffering (4:12 - 19)

The Requirements for Christian Leadership (5:1 - 4)

The Realization of Christian Victory (5:5 - 14)

Theme

He tells us to remember because of the theme of this book. The theme of this book is given to us in chapter 5:

(1 Peter 5:10 NKJV) But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

The word suffering is used 16 times, glory 12, and grace 8. Peter unties these 3 words to write a letter of encouragement to those who are struggling and suffering, that their suffering will one day be transformed into glory.

Perfect / Establish / Strengthen / Settled

He writes to us so that we may be:

· Perfect- (mature) which means to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair, to complete, to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust, to fit or frame for one’s self, prepare;

· Established– to set fast, confirm one’s mind;

· Strengthen – to make one strong;

· Settle – to lay a foundation.

Practical Stuff / Reminding Stuff / Commendable Stuff – Bless the Lord

Good practical stuff, things we need to be reminded of regularly. Sometimes the word can be convicting to us, but then also the word is commendable. Commendable in that when we are doing the things of the Word, God is commending us saying, "well done thy good and faithful servant, you bless me so". What an amazing thought, that we can bless the Lord.

Gov’t & Work / Last Study – Nothing Common – God Called You to It / John 10:10

This study we will talk about two everyday things in our lives, the governing authorities and work. Remember back to last study, nothing God has called you to is ever common. We can get so use to something in our lives, and just feel like it is something common, just part of our everyday life, but that is not true, for there is nothing common about something God has called you to. Grasp that in your life, and you will see God taking you out of the routine of life, into a deeper, exciting, walk with Him.

(John 10:10 NKJV) "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Abundant Life Here & Now / Everyday Lives

The abundant life is here and now, he isn't just talking about get through this life as best you can, and then get to heaven and you'll be so blessed, no He is talking here and now - today. We live everyday lives, and that is the life people are watching, because they too live everyday lives, and that is where ministry to the unsaved happens, in everyday lives.

Prayer

The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and is ready, and will do a mighty work in our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In Every Study

· Who Is God? (How Great is He?)

· What Does He Think of Me? (How Wonderful Are His Thoughts Towards Me?)

· What Does He Want Me to Do?

· What Can I Boldly Request of Him?

· What Do I Need to Be on Guard of When I Leave Here Today?

Boldly come to the throne of grace, ask God to reveal Himself in a mighty way to you, and to do I might work in you, and through you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need

(1 Peter 2:11 NKJV) Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

(1 Peter 2:12 NKJV) having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Reminds Them of Sojourners / Get to Heaven / Heaven In Front – Fall Behind Us

Verse 11 Peter reminds them again that they are sojourners and pilgrims, and that they are just passing through. We need to be reminded of this every now and again. I think we fight for things that we really can't hold on to anyways because we are just passing through. When we get to heaven we will say what a waste of time fighting to hold on to certain things that mean nothing in light of all that we see in heaven.

· If we can keep heaven in front of us, we let a lot of things fall behind us.

War / Campaign Never Short / Plans – Entrenched

Verse 11, there is a war going on, and that war means "to wage a campaign". A campaign is never short, it goes on for a long time. Campaigns are not just something that is spur of the moment; there are battle plans drawn up, the forces are entrenched, ready for a long battle. If you give into lust it will war against your soul, it will have an effect on you, whatever it is.

Verse 12 the Gentiles refer to the unbeliever.

Evildoers / Ish 5

Verse 12, as evildoers. Isn't it so interesting that today the person who is trying to be moral as evil and narrow minded, and those who are immoral are viewed as open-minded and politically correct. Barring things like murder and rape, what is good has become evil, and what is evil has become good. Funny, you can’t put a nativity scene up on government property, but sometime ago in Annapolis we saw on government property a 15 foot blow-up jack-o-lantern, and a vampire and witch.

(Isaiah 5:20 NKJV) Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Day of Visitation

Verse 12, the day of visitation - the day that unbelieving friend or family member gets saved, and they say your witness played into this, it made me open my eyes. We are to live in purity before the Lost, to let them see purity in us that would cause them to wonder why we are so different.

There comes a time in many a person’s life, we attest to it ourselves, that when heartache enters, when illness comes, when life is lost, that many people see our (the believer) living example, our lifesong, our loves song, and how we live in such a light, we love in such a way, we treat with kindness even when mistreated, people who were watching say…… I was watching.

I remember “my first witness” as I was working in aviation industry in the 80’s, and it was a rough industry (and I don’t mean the work but the workers). But I was sitting in the breakroom and one of the workers came and sat next to me, and said I just wanted to say “thank you”. I was like for what, and he said I was watching you, I watch how you professed (you were saved and living a new life), and then I watched you change and live it like you said it. And I watched you endure all the ridicule and mocking, and you never wavered or drew back. He said, I knew there had to be something real about what you were saying and living, and when my wife left me, I had nothing, my whole world fell apart, and then my sister came over the house and said are you ready to come to an end of yourself and meet the Lord, to which he said…. Yes, and when he heard the gospel he accepted Christ. People are watching, and we have no idea they are, or who is, but God says they are….. and when He has His day of visitation, we were and will be part of that.

Submission to the Government (2:11-17)

(1 Peter 2:13 NKJV) Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme,

Their Sandals / 6 million Slaves – Nero Emperor / Hung By Toes

Put yourself in these people's sandals; you are dispersed, scattered from all you know, some of them are being persecuted, some are slaves under the Roman Empire, and Peter writes to them and says, "submit to the governing authorities". You think you got it tough in the workplace or this world. Paul is writing to slaves, and he is calling them to be obedient. There were over 6 million slaves in the Roman Empire. Often times they were treated brutally. Caesar Nero, the Emperor at the time of this writing had a slave hung by his toes until the blood suffocated him. Why? The slave accidentally killed his pet quail.

Poetry on Peace / Bloodsucking Leaches

Vidias Polimus, wrote Roman poetry on peace and love. One of his slaves spilled water on the manuscript, so he ordered the slave thrown into a pond filled with bloodsucking leaches, he then went back to his desk wrote more poetry on peace and love.

Honor our Leaders / They Burn us / Nero – Light of the World

Application for us is that we are to honor the Leaders of our Country, State, and County. Yes whether it is Biden or Trump. You mean honor politicians who make us promises to get elected, then once elected they burn us - yes. At the time of this writing the President of the Empire was Caesar Nero, and he use to burn Christians badly - he would in the future burned them literally.

· Foxes Book of Martyrs says that Nero would dip Christians into wax, tie them to a stake in his garden, light them on fire and race around them on his chariot, naked, laughing, screaming “light of the world”, “light of the world”. He would take live Christians and place them inside the gutted carcass of large dead animals and then let the dogs loose on the carcass.

Easy to Teach This in USA / Easy to Submit for Us / We have it Great – Remember – Thank Him

You know what, it is a lot easier for me to read this passage, and teach this passage today, then it was when Peter wrote it to these people. Look what they were asked to submit to, compared to what we are asked to submit to. We went to Annapolis and enjoyed the city, we met here today with no fears of persecution, we have it so good, we live in such a great country, may we remember this as we reflect back on our brothers and sisters who lived in this time. May we remember the blessings of this country as we read about our beloved brethren in North Korea, Iraq, Iran, the Sudan. We have it made, we are so blessed. We could end this study here and should be able to go right into praise and worship, and say I have such a reason to sing His praises. Enjoy this, thank Him for this.

(1 Peter 2:14 NKJV) or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

Best Commentary – Romans 13

The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible, lets read Romans 13:1:

(Romans 13:1 NKJV) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

(Romans 13:2 NKJV) Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

(Romans 13:3 NKJV) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

(Romans 13:4 NKJV) For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

(Romans 13:5 NKJV) Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.

(Romans 13:6 NKJV) For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing.

(Romans 13:7 NKJV) Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Chaos Without Order / Look at Other Places in World

The policeman, our military is to keep order, this nation would be in chaos without them, our nation would be like Afghanistan where people believe they are their own law.

Not Like Them / Yield to God / Blessed by God

Now we may not like who is in office, but if we will yield to them, God will bless us. Submission to them, is submission to God:

(1 Peter 2:13 NKJV) Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme,

(1 Peter 2:14 NKJV) or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.

(1 Peter 2:15 NKJV) For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men;

What if Contrary to Word / China – Iran -

Well then you may say, what if they require me to do something that is contrary to God and His Word? God's Word is always supreme. If we became a China or Iran, and the word came down form the government, you can no longer preach the Word - it is illegal, then I would have to call upon the supreme law, the Word of the Lord:

(2 Timothy 4:1 NKJV) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

(2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV) Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

(Matthew 28:18 NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

(Matthew 28:19 NKJV) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

(Matthew 28:20 NKJV) "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Peter – Paul Pay the Price

we obey all the way to the point that we would disobey God. So man's laws never supersede God's law. And as Peter would say, it's better for us to obey man or God, you decide. In the end of life, Peter will be crucified upside down (according to historical accounts – non bible), and Paul will be beheaded (who told us obey in Romans 13. There may come a time where God’s Word/Law supersedes man’s laws.

Acts 4:19 (NKJV) 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.

Better Know the Word / Our Authority is Not a Terror – But Minister of Good

But if you are going to not honor the authorities, you had better be sure you are sure of the Word - you'll still go to jail or be punished, but you will be able to stand tall before God and man. At this point, in the country we live in, the Governing authority is not a terror to us, but a minister of good, so it is possible that this will never be an issue to us in our day. But for those of you who miss the rapture, it will be.

Beloved, we need to be a people that sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him what does Your word say, and how does it apply to me in this situation (or said another way, how do I apply Your Word in this situation the governing authorities have put me in). I have been asked “what should believers do if they come for our guns – take away our Second Amendment”? To which I simply ask, “what are you willing to do”, and that immediately has ended that question. The bible is clear, thou shall not kill, so there is nothing more to discuss on the matter.

For Us Today / Submit – God Will Use That

But for us today, what God is saying to us is that if you submit to the authorities/laws before you, God will use that in your life to make you more like Him; and with that He will make more people to know Him through you.

How Did they Picket in Egypt

Verse 14. How did the children of Israel obey Egypt? When the command was given to kill all the firstborn, the way they handled it was they just didn't do it. But if you notice, they didn't go out and picket or make a boycott. They simply just didn't do that part that was required of them. But what you do see is they did go do everything else that they were commanded to do under that law, such as work and build the pyramids and the likes under even the brutal slavery they were under.

Exodus 1:15–16 (NKJV) 15 Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; 16 and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.”

Rome at the time of this writing was a very religious, pluralistic society. They had multiple gods multiple ways to those gods. Therefore, they had multiple religions. And they came to a point though at the time of Peter's writing, that all the religions were acceptable except one, and it was Christianity. And as we've discussed and continued to discuss through this book, Christianity is taking on a dark light. It's being attacked, it's being challenged. It's being painted into a horrible picture of the Christians. And yet Peter is still giving this call to obey and what they're to obey in their living in accordance with the law, except any law that would've violated the law of God. Peter is saying, this is how you turn the tide back against all the negative and all the attacking against Christianity. And in the end, as we have said, the word of God endures forever. Christianity will be the reason that the Roman empire will swing the whole way come 300 ad that they will acknowledge and even promote Christianity. And it will be because the Christians living a witness life before the people of Rome.

(1 Peter 2:15 NKJV) For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men;

Every Ordinance / April 15th / The Flying Fish

Please note verse 15 -For this is the will of God: It is the will of God that you submit to every ordinance. Which ones would that include besides murder, bank robbery? It would include April 15th, an honest assessment of your taxes, no extra zeros on the deduction side, and no missing zeros on the income side (especially those of you working “under the table”). Or as the State Troopers call it, the flying fish, as they make fun of the Christians doing 95 down the 95 (95 is the Interstate not the Speed Limit).

Covid

I think back on the craziness of covid, and all the confusion. Beloved, we need to be a people that sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him what does Your word say, and how does it apply to me in this situation (or said another way, how do I apply Your Word in this situation the governing authorities have put me in), because remember the world is watching. I remember during covid some of the strong resentment (and defiance) against some of the covid restrictions. I had people say I refuse to wear a mask and I go into the grocery store and shop without a mask. I said ok, but the person behind the checkout counter is scared “literally to death”, if they didn’t need the money, they wouldn’t be there. To them, you are risking their life, and to see you Christian Tshirt, that was stumbling to many. I said to people, ok I agree with your conscience on not wearing a mask, so why not just have your groceries delivered, and silence the charges people are saying about you. Christian, people are watching.

The Deal / Picking and Choosing / Every Word is Pure

Here is the deal, once you start picking and choosing which laws of the land to obey and not to obey, you are in a sense picking and choosing which words of God are important and beneficial and which ones are not. You now elevate yourself to be judge of the Word of God. When I got saved I remember saying I like this part about forgiven, and eternally saved form hell, I like that a lot. I like the part where He is going to take care of me and provide for me, but I really don't like this one about this certain thing, or that certain thing. What I found out was the things I thought really didn't apply to me, where the very things that were ruining my life. Oh how happy the day was when I said I surrender ALL! When I said All your Word Lord. Then His word also becomes a shield to protect us.

(Proverbs 30:5 NKJV) Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

Word on the Presidency / The Debate

A word on the Presidency and our government officials, we may not respect the person, but it is ever so important that we respect his position/office. Can I give some good advice during this election year; Say you meet someone that is pro-Trump, or pro-Biden, and you are the opposite, you can have quite the debate with them, but is doubtful anyone’s mind is going to be changed when it is over. But if I say, now if so-so is elected, I will support him as President of this nation, I will pray for him to be led by the Lord, and to lead this great nation. There is no debate to that, that person has to walk away and if they are honest with themselves, say you are a noble person, an honorable person. They may even say, what makes them like that, why do they give love, when others give hate, what is it about them?

(1 Peter 2:16 NKJV) as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

Free Men (Free-will) / No Cloak / Bondservants

Peter told believers to submit to civil authority willingly (not of compulsion) as men who are “free” (from elutheria, freedom from bondage) and not using that freedom as a “cloak” (epikalumma, veil, covering) of “maliciousness” (kakias, evil, spite, wickedness, as in 2:1). Instead of using their liberty as a pretext to do evil, they should use it as “servants of God” (douloi theou, bondservants of God). Peter and other apostles liked to call themselves slaves of God (see 2 Peter 1:1; Romans 1:1; James 1:1). Everyone is either a servant of God or a slave to sin (see 2 Peter 2:19). No one has absolute personal freedom. To be free indeed the believer must subject himself to the Word of Christ (John 8:31, 32).

Harris, R. W., ed. (1989). Hebrews–Jude (p. 279). World Library Press.

(1 Peter 2:17 NKJV) Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

4 Things

Peter gave four directives which are brief in expression but broad in implementation. He told believers to

(1) (1) “honor” (timēsate, esteem, respect) all men, whether they deserve it or not;

(2) (2) “love” (agapate, love much) the “brotherhood” (adelphotēta, the Christian fraternity);

(3) (3) “fear” (phobeisthe, be in awe, revere) God;

(4) (4) “honor” (timate, esteem, respect) the “king” (basilea, sovereign). Though he directed believers to honor all men, Peter specifically mentioned the king; the language used in his first directive indicates that some men deserve more honor than others. In each of the three latter directives the Greek verb denotes continuous action: believers should keep on loving the brotherhood; they should keep on fearing God; they should keep on honoring the king.

Harris, R. W., ed. (1989). Hebrews–Jude (p. 279). World Library Press.

Submission to Masters/Workplace (2:18 - 25)

(1 Peter 2:18 NKJV) Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

Servants

Many of the believers to whom Peter was writing were slaves, so verses 18–25 are directed to them. He called them “servants” (oiketai, a menial domestic, household bondservant, as distinguished from doulos, the general term for slaves).

Harris, R. W., ed. (1989). Hebrews–Jude (p. 279). World Library Press.

Again

Again, put yourself in these people's sandals; you are dispersed, scattered from all you know, some of them are being persecuted, some are slaves under the Roman Empire, and Peter writes to them and says, "submit to the governing authorities". You think you got it tough in the workplace or this world. Paul is writing to slaves, and he is calling them to be obedient. There were over 6 million slaves in the Roman Empire. Often times they were treated brutally. Caesar Nero, the Emperor at the time of this writing had a slave hung by his toes until the blood suffocated him. Why? The slave accidentally killed his pet quail.

Much Space Given / Why? – Nothing Common / God Uses the Ordinary

In the New Testament much time and space has been given on this subject of serving our masters/employers/students. We’ve had studies on this subject in Ephesians 6, Colossians 3&4, 1 Timothy 6, Titus, Philemon, and now here again in 1 Peter 2. Why, again anything that God calls you to, is not common, it is not ordinary, for He is no ordinary God, and when He is dwelling within you, anything you do becomes extraordinary. We are everyday people doing everyday tasks, and God uses the so-called common everyday things to reach out to the world, and to reach within you to do a work within you as He changes you every day more into His image.

Best Worker

Walter Sawatsky, in Soviet Evangelicals Since WW2, tells this story: He overheard two Soviet factory managers ina Moscow restaurant. One told the other that party officials were pressuring him to fire evangelical Christians in his plant, but he said he would not because the evangelicals were his best workers.

W-O-R-K

Work, that dirty four letter word:

(Colossians 3:23 NKJV) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

(Colossians 3:24 NKJV) knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

W-O-R-K

W – Whatever, you do, do it heartily unto the Lord, for it is Him you serve not man. Nothing God calls you to is common, therefore whatever He calls you to, then do it heartily unto Him. Whether it is work or school.

Because work gives you an………………..

O – Opportunity, to witness for Him, not in word, but in deed. Hey rejoice if you get all the junk jobs. People will say why are you always so pleasant, even though you get to do all the rotten jobs. Lets face it, good workers get more work, and not always more pay. If there are 100 bricks that need to be moved, and ole Joe is moving kinda slow and can only do 40, that means you get to do your 50 and Joes 10. Hey rejoice that the company sees you work over and above your minimum requirement. Companies should be calling churches and saying do you have anybody there that needs a job, we find the best workers are these people who say they are born-again Bible Believers, man they really get the job done.

The Amish have a saying, "witness for Christ, and if all else fails use words." Let you first witness at work be your hard work, your work ethic and integrity. If you can't witness first through that, if you are a 40 brick worker causing others to pick your 10 short up, then please just keep your mouth shut, you will give people reason to blaspheme the Lord.

But you hard workers rejoice in your job, because you are witnessing for Christ in deeds and actions, and be assured people are watching.

Students- the same goes for you on your campus, what a great place to witness for Christ.

3. W-O-R-K,

Whatever you do, do it heartily unto the Lord, because work gives you a………..

R – Reason, to praise Him with thanksgiving for His provisions. Tell ya what, miss a paycheck or two, you will get a whole new perspective on your job. Let the rumors of layoff come around, and you’ll realize what is at stake.

Our Father who art in heaven we pray…………..give us this day our daily bread. Work is our daily bread.

(Matthew 6:9 KJV) After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

(Matthew 6:10 KJV) Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

(Matthew 6:11 KJV) Give us this day our daily bread.

When I worked at Sikorsky aircraft, I can remember Supervisor Demarco saying, "I want all you complainers to go down to the unemployment line and complain to that guy standing in line; and after he punches you in he nose, he will then come down and apply to take your job."

The children of Israel wondering in the wilderness complained about the daily bread, manna, that supplied their physical needs everyday. Be careful about complaining about your job or you may find yourself purging quail through your nose. Father, thank you for "giving us this day, our daily bread".

Students you will be thankful when you are out of your parents house, out of college, and making your own paycheck living on your own. I was going to work in the mills of Pittsburgh which is honorable work, but thankfully my parents made me get an education because guess what, all the steel comes in through China now.

4. W-O-R-K

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, - Verse 24

K – Knowingthat from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:24 NKJV)

You have to know who your real boss is or you will continually be frustrated at work.

Hey Gang, the more they treat you poorly, and you keep your witness, the more your reward in heaven will be, and here on earth because you will become more like Jesus.

You know what, I appreciate a good attack every now and again – almost weekly now. It keeps me in the right perspective, invest in heavenly things, not earthly things. If I work to please man, so the boss man recognizes me, he is man and he will let me down. More times than not, they will take it as an opportunity to use me for their advantage.

I should work hard while I am there, but not get so wrapped up I neglect my family, devotion time, and ministry.

How often I’ll be driving home thinking about what I need to do. Or I’ll skip my morning devotion so I can hurry to work to get working…sometime 10-12 hours a day.

Then I say after weeks on a big project, and I get overlooked, or taken advantage of, why did I trade temporal things for eternal things. I can’t get that time back. There is always opportunity to make money another day, but never an opportunity to get the time back. Once our time is spent, it is spent for life.

Students, do your studies on to the Lord, it will change they way you look at school.

(1 Peter 2:18 NKJV) Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

Be Submissive

Peter’s statements are imperatives. He directed them to be “subject” (hupotassomenoi, obey, be submissive) to their masters with all “fear” (phobō, alarm, awe), not only to the “good” (agathois, benevolent) and “gentle” (epieikesin, moderate, patient, as in James 3:17), but also to the “froward” (skoliois, unfair, crooked, as in Philippians 2:15). Some slave owners were kind, others were not. The test of obedience is to believers whose masters are oppressive (see Matthew 5:44–46). Similar directions to bondservants are given in Ephesians 6:5–7; Colossians 3:22–25; 1 Timothy 6:1, 2; Titus 2:9.

It was not easy to be a slave in the First Century, even under the best of circumstances. It must have been a great test of a Christian slave to be submissive to a cruel master.

Harris, R. W., ed. (1989). Hebrews–Jude (p. 281). World Library Press.

Salvation - Slavery

This is no endorsement for slavery. And what's being spoken of here is not the bond slave that we read about in the nation of Israel. This is slavery. In the ugliness of slavery, that man thinks that he would have the right to own another man. Yet still in this, through this witness, some of the slaves would lead their masters to Christ. So there's slave owners who ended up going to heaven because they're slaves, maintained this witness for Christ. And there's no doubt on the other side, slave owners who led their slaves to Christ. And so slaves going to heaven because of their witness. And then you can be sure there's slave owners who were brutal and ruthless, who are burning in hell because they've rejected the witness of the slave testifying that God is inviting all to come into the kingdom. So yes, slavery, very tough passage and topic to sort all through, but this is what Peter's given the call too, and it sets up into the place today that we applied into the workforce.

(1 Peter 2:19 NKJV) For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

Above Applies

Everything we just studied in submitting to authorities applies here also because they are so close in terms of our lives.

Easy to Submit / Respect Position / Monster.com / Don’t Yell Back / Remember Sojourners

Verse 18, it is easy to submit to a gentle and kind boss, the boss who gives you raises and praises all the time, but to submit to a harsh boss, a terrible boss, that is a toughie. You know, for the average person, probably one of the most unfair places in the world is in the workplace. You know, like why is he boss, why does she get that much money, why do I have to pick up his slack. You may say I can't respect my boss, he is a jerk. You are not respecting the person, but the position they are in. Now I am not saying that you can't go out to monster.com and see what else is out there, but the point here is that we are to react to these things differently than the way the world does, yell back, argue, gossip. Remember also, Peter starts this section off by reminding us that we are pilgrims and sojourners, just passes through, don't try to hold on to things that we really can't hold on to, don't respond the way the world does.

Take It – Don’t Respond / COMMENDABLE / Like My Son

When we take it and don't respond like the world, that is verse 19, commendable. It is commendable before the world because God sees so much of His Son in you, and that blesses Him.

I Commend You

The Lord says, I commend you. I give you high regard that you stuck it out even when it wasn't your fault. Even when you were not wrong, you stuck it out to bring me glory. And that's what the Lord would speak to all of you today who are going through some type of suffering that's none of your own fault. Or maybe even if it was and you've asked for forgiveness and you've admitted you're wrong and yet you won't receive it. And now the continual suffering that comes, the attack or the trial in the workplace, in the governing authority, take it into anywhere else in your life that you suffer and you're not wrong. And that's what caused your suffering. But you have no wrong and yet you endure the suffering. God speaks. I commend you that you stuck it out. Well done, well done, well done.

(1 Peter 2:20 NKJV) For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

No Sympathy for the Wrong

God gives really, he's not giving any sympathy here that a person takes suffering because they were wrong. And sometimes it's just laughable when we look at it that we do a wrong to somebody and then they retaliate for what we have done and then we complain and say, how could they, and then we even take the martyr that we're being persecuted when all the while, we were the one who was wrong

(1 Peter 2:21 NKJV) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

Christ Our Example

Christ suffered and left us an example, an example we are to follow.

Jesus Totally Innocent – Kept Silent / Imagine that in Work Place

Jesus was falsely accused, whipped, spit upon, and He was totally innocent and completely right, yet he reviled not back. Can you imagine that in the workplace, when you get dumped on, you like a lamb led to a slaughter, say nothing in anger or reviling back. People will see the difference and they will know, they will know, when hard times fall upon them, who has the peace in their lives. They will know the place of hope, when their life is falling apart.

The Fellowship of Suffering

When we do well and suffer, we are in a place. We get to recognize the suffering of Christ and understand what he went through for us that he who knew no sin became sin for us. The perfect lamb of God, the perfect man of God would suffer perfectly and yet willingly to bring the Father glory. How about you? How about me at work, in school, on the ball field? Can we even bring ourselves and come to the height and say, father, forgive them. They know not what they do. It's called the fellowship of suffering when we suffer for doing good and what a waste when we suffer for doing good and we don't bring him glory through the suffering, but we can find ourselves complaining and bickering and bitterness all the way through it. It's called the fellowship of the suffering. And we're aligning ourselves in a heart that brings us back to something that's uncommon in this world for the world retaliates. And God says, forgive him. Love him.

Philippians 3:10 (NKJV) 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

For This What Called

Verse 21, hard for many to receive, especially in hard times, but the word saying to this is what you were called. God is saying, I see you. I know what's going on. I haven't forsaken you, but I also am not gonna relieve you until you decide. Are you gonna glorify me through this or are you gonna choose not to? For this, we were called. It's a hard place. Many of us want to question God and his sovereignty and his love and where he is at and why he allows these hard things in our lives. But he says, this is what you were called to, and there's a peace that will come when we'll accept that and then we'll say, now glorify thy name and all the earth through this, but I'm gonna suffer, let there be a reward. Let me hear you say that You commend me. Let me hear you are pleased with me and let your heart be warm towards me because I know that you'll warm my heart and you'll touch me.

Our ultimate calling – to follow in His footsteps

What Would Jesus Do

For even hereunto” (to suffer patiently) were they “called” (eklēthēte, summoned, as in 1 Peter 1:15; 2:9; 3:9; 5:10; 2 Peter 1:3) because Christ also suffered for them, “leaving” (hupolimpanon, to bequeath) them an “example” (hupogrammon, something to copy, a writing-copy for others to imitate) that they should follow his “steps” (ichnesin, tracks, footprints, as in Romans 4:12 and 2 Corinthians 12:18). One of the great guidelines a believer may adopt as a standard for behavior in any situation is to ask himself, “What would Jesus do?”

Harris, R. W., ed. (1989). Hebrews–Jude (p. 281). World Library Press.

Seems closer and closer we get to the last days, the less and less I hear that phrase –

What Would Jesus Do

Perfect Peace

The Bible says that he will give us perfect peace that is a complete rest in him. It will be a peace that passes understanding.

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV) 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Therefore, in the midst of the hardest of situations, maybe there's something stirring in the government that brings you unrest and anxiety. Maybe your work environment is bringing you an unrest and an anxiety. Maybe the interpersonal relation of your marriage is bringing you an unrest and an anxiety. The speaks and says in his word that he will give us perfect peace and that he will give us a peace that passes understanding.

So either God is a liar or there's something to be said here that we can take and apply into these situations that as we studied last time, are so common because they're what everyone does in their life. Everyone for the most part is under the governing authority, whether it be the state or the federal level. Everyone goes to school and then goes to work. And in this application, school and work are the same as we're called to submit to masters. And then everyone, most everyone then gets married and has children. And God has a word in the midst of it all that I can give you. Perfect peace and a peace that passes understanding in all these common situations that come so often with so much hardship and heartache in the midst of them.

The word holy means set apart, sanctified. I think one of my favorite applications is uncommon. The uncommon spirit.

· There's a spirit of man.

· There's a spirit of the world.

· There's a spirit of the devil.

· Then there's the uncommon, unlike spirit, of the living God that is promised to each and every one of us, that upon salvation, he puts his spirit in us as a down payment. It's the wedding ring of the promise of God to never leave us nor forsake us. And then he offers us a holy, uncommon spirit that is unlike anything that the world can offer that gives us the power to live victorious Christian lives personally. It gives us the power to live in peace in the midst of these common things such as the government, employment, school and marriage relationships,

He calls us to be holy as I am holy. He's calling us to be uncommon in our inward lives and our outward lives. And therefore it can only be done, this calling to be holy through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our supply to bring us the fruit of the spirit, which the world cannot give, but the fruit of the Spirit as read in Galatians, is available for us. And he speaks that in the midst of anything and all things we can have love, we can have joy, and we can have peace. And so the application for the passage before us of how to have this life before the Holy God of being holy and uncommon in the midst of a common things of life.

1 Peter 1:15–16 (NKJV) 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

And hey, remember the whole back end of this book that we're gonna study is gonna be in regards to suffering. Peter's gonna tell us, don't think it's strange when trials and tribulation come upon us.

1 Peter 4:12–13 (NKJV) 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

And of course, the devil's gonna bring those trials and tribulation into your school ground, into your campus, into your workplace. He's gonna bring trials and tribulation through governing authorities with maybe overarching government requirements or wasteful spending that puts on exorbitant taxes and burdens and all the legality that has so much burden upon it because of man's wisdom compared to God's wisdom. And of course the devil, he wants to come, he wants to destroy your marriage. Why do we think that's strange when we have marriage problems? Why do we think that it's the other person that's the problem? And why don't we look and say, this is the devil and his ways in his scheme, and therefore I need to get under the covering of the blood. I need to call upon Jesus.

Vertical - Horizontal

I need to get into my vertical relationship with Jesus so that I can diminish this attack and unrest in the horizontal relationship that's going on. And I need the Holy Spirit. If I'm going to give love, I need the Holy Spirit if I'm going to have peace when I'm not given love. And you can see how we need to get vertical and get out of living in the entanglement of the horizontal.

We Are Pilgrims

Back in verse 11 starts with the reminder. And I believe it's a reminder that we're pilgrims. This isn't our home. We just don't fit here. And yet the church and Christians spend so much time trying to fit into the world and we don't understand that we don't fit, but yet we become exasperated. When the unfitting pinches us or pokes us or turns us, we should recognize how much we just don't fit in this world.

1 Peter 2:11 (NKJV) 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

We are in the world, but we are not of the world. And so why are we in the world? Well, because he told us that we are to be his family portrait to the world. That they can see what God can do in our lives when man gets off, the horizontal gets into the vertical and lets God have his rule and peace over a person. And that that person is tapped in to the move and the influence of the Holy Spirit. That we can take that back in to where the world watches work and school about our country and into our homes. Because parents, your children are watching.

John 15:19 (NKJV) 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Notes from Pastor Chuck

“I believe,” he said, “that man has only one problem. His relationship to God. If man is fully committed to seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, then problems, frustrations, the strivings for recognition, popularity, you-name-it, will disappear. “I look at man as having a vertical and horizontal axis to his life. The vertical represents man’s living relationship to God through personal faith in Jesus Christ. The horizontal represents man’s interpersonal relationships. If our vertical axis is straight our horizontal axis will also be straight and in balance. But if the vertical relationship is off balance, so will be the horizontal, and our day to day life becomes a purposeless drag or frantic round of activity. I discovered a right vertical relationship produces unbelievable strength and grace to cope with all the stress factors of life.”

Excerpt From - TheReproducers

(1 Peter 2:22 NKJV) "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth";

Isaiah 53

As prophesied in Isaiah 53:9, Christ “did no sin.” Peter had already pointed to His sinlessness in 1:19. Neither was “guile” (dolos, deceit, subtlety, trickery, as also in 1 Peter 2:1; 3:10) “found” (heurethē, perceived, discovered after close scrutiny) in His “mouth” (stomati, implies speaking, as in 2 Corinthians 13:1).

Harris, R. W., ed. (1989). Hebrews–Jude (p. 283). World Library Press.

(1 Peter 2:23 NKJV) who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

Jesus was Silent

Jesus said nothing, but I'm reminded of Adam. The first thing he wants to do is defend himself even when he is wrong, and blame it on the woman and really he's blaming it on God

He Who Judges – Don’t Seek Vengeance

But committed to him who judges don't seek vengeance. Don't seek revenge. It will consume you, it will rob you, and it will drain all of your spiritual life out of you because it is not the heart of the Lord. Just let the Lord do the judging, and you do the repenting and the forgiving.

(1 Peter 2:24 NKJV) who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.

Bring Sacrifice to Altar

Christ himself “bare” (anēnenken, carry, offer up, a verb commonly used of bringing sacrifices to an altar, as in 1 Peter 2:5) their sins in His own “body” (sōmati, as Isaiah 53:12 states, “He bare the sin of many”) on the “tree” (xulon, timber, not a live tree). The cross became the altar, and Jesus became the perfect sin offering (Hebrews 9:28).

Peter here explained the purpose of Christ’s death and resurrection, as Paul did also in Romans 6:1–23. It is that believers, being “dead” to sins (apogenomenoi, departed, absent, having renounced all sins) should “live” (zēsōmen, vital existence) unto “righteousness” (dikaiosunē, equity, doing right, as in Hebrews 1:9; also in 1 Peter 3:14; 2 Peter 1:1; 2:5, 21; 3:13).

Referring again to the Crucifixion, Peter said that by Christ’s “stripes” (mōlōpi, black bruise, bloody wound) they were “healed” (from iaomai, heal, make whole). Numerous believers to whom Peter was writing were slaves who may have received such stripes. Usually iaomai denotes physical healing, but sometimes, as in Hebrews 12:13, it means spiritual healing. Peter’s meaning here is restoration as the context indicates. Christ healed their waywardness and sin so they could be restored to the sheepfold, live righteously, and not be as sheep going astray (2:25).

Harris, R. W., ed. (1989). Hebrews–Jude (p. 283). World Library Press.

Unless we are Put to Death

Unless we allow ourselves to be put to death, the old man crucified, we will never experience the resurrection life and all these things we've covered. If we don't die to them and maintain our rights and our wills, we will never experience the resurrection life and we'll never experience the peace that God, his promise, that passes all understanding and will never experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit to live the life that Jesus lived

(1 Peter 2:25 NKJV) For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Sheep Going Astray

Before being healed they were as sheep “going astray” (planōmena, seduced, roaming into danger, as in 2 Peter 2:15). Peter was recalling Isaiah 53:6. Now, however, they have “returned” (from epistrephō, turn about, convert, come back; used negatively in 2 Peter 2:21, 22) unto the “Shepherd” (from poimēn, keeper of sheep; translated “pastors” in Ephesians 4:11) and “Bishop” (episkopon, overseer, supervisor) of their souls. Here alone is Christ called the believers’ Bishop who faithfully watches over His people. This verse recalls Jesus’ words in Luke 15:4–7, the Parable of the Lost Sheep. Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).

Harris, R. W., ed. (1989). Hebrews–Jude (pp. 283–285). World Library Press.

Jesus in Action

Look at Jesus in action, in these circumstances:

· He was reviled - did not revile in return

· He suffered - did not threaten back.

Takes More Holy Spirit / Die to Self

You know it takes more Holy Spirit to do the above things then to preach to the multitude, talk in tongues, teach Bible studies, or do missions. The things above we must die to ourselves, we suffer unjustly and yet you keep your mouth shut. That is real Christianity right there.

Peter Saw those Stripes / We Were Being Lead / True Freedom

Verse 24 - by whose stripes you were healed: Peter saw those stripes first hand, he remembers them, he isn't just writing a story, he is recanting history. We were being led to the slaughter, but returned (means turned to) to the Shepherd. People who say I won't come to Jesus and all His rules and regulations, it is total bondage, I want my freedom. That freedom leads to the slaughter. The Christian Life is true freedom, for our Shepherd leads us into green pastures, and He Shepherds us, feeds us, and leads us to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Model and Enabler

Jesus is not only the model, but He is also the enabler. He was the Lamb that was slain, but now is the resurrected One who is the Shepherd over the Flock.

World Watching / Everyday Works – Everyday People / God Uses the Common Things

The world is watching, Gentiles there in verse 11 mean non-believers, and they are watching our works, our everyday works. We are everyday people, living out everyday tasks, and that is what the world sees as they look at us. In the context of this section on "Remember Our Example Before Men", the things that are so common are the things that God uses the greatest. The Surrendered Life is our great witness before men,

Prayer

The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and is ready, and will do a mighty work in our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In Every Study

· Who Is God? (How Great is He?)

· What Does He Think of Me? (How Wonderful Are His Thoughts Towards Me?)

· What Does He Want Me to Do?

· What Can I Boldly Request of Him?

· What Do I Need to Be on Guard of When I Leave Here Today?

Boldly come to the throne of grace, ask God to reveal Himself in a mighty way to you, and to do I might work in you, and through you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need