UNMASKED: A Peek Behind the Curtain.

1 Peter 2:13–25 NKJV

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 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. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 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. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 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; 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. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

I. The problem of evil.

Evil is real and I do not need to convince you of that.

Everyone here today has experienced the pain and sorrow brought by its touch.

Heartbreak, cancer, dementia, Alzheimers, glaucoma, and death. These are just a few examples of evil that we all face due to the fall of man, and are an ever present reminder of our sin filled world.

There is however, another side of evil, and it has to do not with generic evil, but rather evil intentions brought by people who have either rejected or denied God.

There are two avenues that evil will present itself. One is the open and is typically what the average person expects to see. This is the image of a red Devil with a forked tail and pitchfork. The second is much more dangerous, because it is evil that presents as light. The danger here is that if we are not careful we will embrace it and allow it into our inner circle. Thus, by the time we recognize the danger it is to late. Here we see Satan, not as a red Devil, but rather as an angel of light.

A. Open evil

1. Seeks to intimidate

2. Seeks to control

B. Secret evil

1. Seeks to manipulate

What the world calls gaslighting and narcissism is really just the manifestation of this secret/hidden evil.

This type of evil disguises itself as light.

Proverbs 21:2 NKJV

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.

2. Seeks to destroy

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.

II. The evil ones.

A. Governments

They are ordained of God.

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.

B. Masters

We are to submit to them, whether they are evil or good.

As long as you are employed you should follow the instructions of your employer.

Acts 5:29 NKJV

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

C. Satan

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Satan will lead us astray by our own desires and lust.

D. Wolves in sheep's clothing

Matthew 7:15–20 NKJV

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

These wolves will seek to disperse the sheep. Then, when the sheep are scattered they will devour the weak lambs.

The Bible says that we will know them by their fruits.

You can recognize them by what they do rather than by what they say.

They will talk about God, but spread lies. They will cloak themselves in religion but have a spirit of contrition.

They will approach you and say things like:

Are you really happy with the way the S.S. teacher is doing things?

I don’t want o gossip, but have you heard?

Have you noticed that (This person) has been doing this?

And little by little they will sow division.

Romans 16:17 NKJV

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

III. How to live in evil times.

A. Serve in fear.

v.17

B. Recognize that by serving faithfully we gain the favor of God.

v.19-20

Commendable means favor.

IV. Suffer with the humility of Jesus

V.13

A. Suffer quietly

v.23

B. Submit to God

v.23

C. Surrender to His plan for our lives.