Hope and Hostility - 1 Peter 2:18-25

READ (1 Peter 2:18-25)

Last week: Peter wrote to Christians of the importance in living well in a Godly society.

Christians display God’s presence.

Christians live as good citizens.

Submission will always be a touchy subject.

“Slaves” - Graeco - Roman literature did not often address slaves.

Culturally, a slave-master and slave was the most common employee/employer relationship.

Although mistreatment could occur, 1st century slaves were generally well-treated and held important roles of manager, overseer, and various professions like doctors, nurses, teachers, musicians, and skilled artisans.

Still their service was not voluntary.

Legal status, economic standing, and social position were clearly lower. Masters could also be very cruel.

1. Submission Brings Favor.

“Submit with all reverence.”

Have a mental attitude of acceptance toward legal and economic authority. A willing obedience to their directives.

Christian slaves were to shine the light of Christ by their service.

“Gentle” (Kind; fair) “Cruel” ( Crooked; harsh)

One suffers patiently, not from a personal sense of duty, but from an inner understanding of his relation to God as a son.

In other words, God sees suffering and groaning. He is not distant.

Slavery has always existed. Slavery is proof that evil exists. God is capable of using the unjust suffering of man and bringing glory.

God is keenly aware of human suffering.

Even in dark places, God offers favor.

2. Submission Has a Template.

“You were called to this because Christ has suffered leaving an example.”

“example” (hypogrammos, only here in NT)

A model or pattern for copying in writing or drawing.

“Follow in His steps.”

Jesus suffered

No deceit was found. He never sinned. Jesus stood the test of scrutiny.

(V. 23) He left his case in God’s hands.

Christian conversion means something. We received from God and trade in all worldly counterfeits.

We are summoned to this life at conversion. These verses refer to all who are under a higher authority.

Suffering is a part of life because it was a part of Christ’s life.

3. Submission Brings Healing.

Christ’s suffering was unique. Christ’s was more than an example. Jesus bore our sins and carried our iniquities.

“But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are all healed by his wounds. We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all.” - (Isaiah 53:5-6)

“bore” - offered himself

“having died” (apogenomenoi)

Sins having ceased to exist.

“But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over, and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.” - (Romans 6:17-18)

So that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.

As lost sheep, we are now in the hands of God.

Slavemaster - Non-believer | Slave - Christian | WHO IS FREE?

We submit as free people.