Enduring Suffering as Exiles

Summary: The passage in 1 Peter 2:18-25 addresses the call for Christians to endure suffering by following the example set by Christ.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to respond to suffering with patience, submission, and trust in God, knowing that Christ Himself suffered for them. It reminds believers that when they endure suffering with grace, they reflect Christ to the world and honor God.

Teaching: The passage teaches that suffering is a part of the Christian life, and believers are called to respond to it in a way that imitates Christ. It emphasizes the importance of enduring hardship with faith and humility.

How this passage could point to Christ: 1 Peter 2:18-25 highlights Christ as the ultimate example of suffering and submission. It connects with the broader theme of Christ's sacrificial death for the redemption of sinners, demonstrating His love and obedience to the Father.

Big Idea: By following Christ's example in suffering, Christians can glorify God, reflect Christ to the world, and grow in their faith and character.

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at 1 Peter 2:18-25.

[Scripture introduction] Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ writes his letter to the group of spiritually displaced Christians who are living in their homeland and yet they are publicly ostracized and physically harassed by their community. Their faith in Jesus Christ as brought on a collection of new issues and yet these believers are expected to enduring suffering as foreigners in their own society.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these words on what spiritual exile living enduring suffering in 1 Peter 2:11-17.

[Prayer for illumination] Everlasting God, whose tenacious love holds us: make our hearts the house of your truth, and make our minds the realm of your wisdom so that our fellowship will become your dwelling place, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Introduction] Olaudah Equiano, also known as Gustavus Vassa, was born in 1745 in what is now Nigeria. He was captured by slave traders at the age of 11 and sold into slavery. Over the years, he was sold to various masters, experiencing brutal conditions both on land and at sea.

Equiano was eventually purchased by a British Royal Navy officer, who gave him the name Gustavus Vassa. Despite the harsh conditions and cruel treatment he often endured, Equiano learned to read and write, which was uncommon for slaves at the time. Through his readings, Equiano encountered the Christian faith and eventually became a devout Christian.

One of the cruellest masters Equiano served under was a man named Captain Pascal, who repeatedly sold him between owners, despite promises of freedom. During his time with Pascal, Equiano was treated harshly and subjected to severe punishments. Despite this, Equiano held on to his Christian faith, which gave him hope and strength.

After years of struggle, Equiano was eventually able to purchase his own freedom in 1766. Once free, he became an influential figure in the abolitionist movement in Britain. His autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano," was published in 1789 and became a powerful tool in the fight against the transatlantic slave trade. In his narrative, Equiano detailed the horrors of slavery but also spoke of his faith in Christ, which sustained him throughout his trials (The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, 1789).

Comparing our upbringing to Equiano’s, we have dealt with unjust sufferings in many other ways: religious discrimination, abuse, slander, emotional trauma.

[FCF] How should I respond when dealing with unjust suffering?

[Scripture bond] Peter identifies our suffering and pain with the One who makes us whole again.

[Proposition] We respond to unjust suffering by entrusting ourselves to God.

[Main point 1] Jesus suffered for our example.

[Explanation] Not return evil for evil, and entrusted to the just judge (Father).

[Illustration]

When we feel the weight of suffering, it's like walking through deep, sinking sand. But just as Jesus stood firm in His faith during His time of trial, we too can find solid ground by following in His steps.

[Application]

Not let your environment dictate your actions, thoughts, or words.

Looking to the Father for help through it all.

[Main Point 2] Jesus suffered for all our sins.

[Explanation] Christ was the suffering servant (Isa 53:4-5).

[Illustration]

2181Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, but he never came here to spare their sins.—48.446

Charles Spurgeon

[Application]

We have been healed, so live with freedom to do good. Your sins have been paid!

[Main Point 3] Jesus suffered to bring us home.

[Explanation] He has given us an eternal home

[Illustration]

As a shepherd lovingly tends to his flock, Jesus cares for each of us with a deep and personal love. Just as a shepherd knows each sheep by name, Jesus knows us intimately and leads us with gentle guidance. We can find great comfort in knowing that we are never alone, for our Good Shepherd is always watching over us.

[Application]

Our unjust suffering is being cared today by the One who looks over us in love.

[Conclusion] We respond to unjust suffering by entrusting ourselves to God.

This is how we live in a foreign world until we get home.