Following Jesus into Suffering
Notes
Transcript
Good morning and welcome!
If you have your bibles, turn them on turn them to the book of 1 Peter chapter 2:21-25.
CHRISTIAN DISCTINCTIVENESS IN THE WORLD!
LIVE WITH HONOR FOR HONOR – really this whole next section
and today certainly will be dealing with the subject of honor….
This OTHER WORLDLY life that is so distinct, it challenges and compels others to conformity…
and in turn gives glory to another, namely Christ!
SUBMIT!!!!
I. For the Lord’s Sake (v.13-14)
Human Institutions ….
For the Lord’s Sake…they are appointed by the Lord…
II. For This is the Lord’s Will. (v.15)
God has determined our spot and space…
I. Because You are Free (v.16-17)
Submission, for the Lord’s sake, because you belong to Him.
You have been totally pardon through Christ…and for Christ!
You belong and are a bondservant of the Lord.
II. IMPERATIVES THAT GOVERN US!
Honor everyone…Love the Brotherhood (Church)…Fear (worship) the Lord…Honor the emperor (submitting)
SUBMIT –
Even if it means suffering, unjustly….
I. See your present moment, in light of a bigger reality!
II. See The Lord’s work in your situation (this is calling and vocation – expand today)
III. Will see One Day! (light momentary affliction – working for CREDIT)
Sermon Summary:
Following Christ means a calling to endure unjust suffering, trusting God for eternal reward.
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21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
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I. Christ the Exemplar (v.21-23)
I. Christ the Exemplar (v.21-23)
The language here, Peter has been building that your suffering is not meaningless…
There is credit as we mentioned last week…
God is working it for His glory!
And also, that God intends it that
you would bear in mind God’s purposes, even in your suffering…
Yet, Christian, this suffering…is also a calling…it is a vocation…
21 For to this you have been called,
The Christian life you have been called to is NOT a life of easy, but a hard and difficult path…
I think so often,
we have this notion to believe in Western society,
that if we come to Christ…all our troubles go away…
Further, many preachers – like Joel Osteen, Jesse Duplantis, Todd White, Benny Hinn, Joseph Prince, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, and Joyce Meyer….several TV preachers – preaches a false gospel … or prosperity gospel! (amazing, usually has something to do with sending them money)
Yet, the bible (and Peter) present a much different reality…
namely, that coming to Jesus,
and certainly following Jesus will in fact lead to a call to endure suffering!
Rest assure, this type of language, wont fill churches…
most don’t wait in lines for this…
And also, many Christians today have little understanding of what it means to suffer.
In recent headlines….
"In a sweeping escalation of religious suppression, April 2026 reports from Nicaragua reveal a regime intent on dismantling the Church’s presence in the public square. Over the recent Holy Week, thousands of traditional processions were banned by the state, forcing the faithful to gather under the heavy gaze of masked, armed police who occupied church entrances to film and photograph those entering. In the Jinotega region, lay leaders have been arrested and interrogated specifically for 'praying for freedom,' while entire denominations have been stripped of their legal status. Perhaps most chilling is the systemic ban on the entry of Bibles by land, with authorities searching vehicles at borders to confiscate Scripture—a modern echo of an ancient truth: that the word of God is often most feared by those who seek total control over the hearts of people.
As the global Church celebrated the Resurrection this Easter (April 5, 2026), our brothers and sisters in Nigeria’s Middle Belt met the day with a courage that standard comfort cannot fathom. In the states of Benue and Kaduna, coordinated attacks by armed militants turned sunrise services into scenes of sacrifice. In the village of Ariko, attackers surrounded two churches—one Protestant and one Catholic—opening fire on worshippers as they sang. At least 54 believers were killed during these Holy Week attacks, yet in the face of such 'horrific' violence, the local church continues to be a refuge. Their experience reminds us that the hope of the Resurrection is not a passive sentiment, but a fierce, living conviction that persists even when the darkness seems to surround the sanctuary.
I bring that to your attention for a couple of reason….
1- To hopefully, put some things into perspective for you….
We have been so blessed…to experience the freedom…
and even friendship with religious liberties in this country…
2- But also, to remind you that these are brothers and sisters in Christ…
who are currently experiencing real threats and real suffering…
and unjust suffering, for following Christ!
3 – But also, I’m sure in the back of your mind wondering, is that coming here…
without question!
Even experiencing soften forms of it….
from banning content,
legal filing for Christian beliefs…..
stripping of first amendmentrights of preaching the gospel.
Street preachers being arrested in Texas
and other places from preaching the gospel.
We don’t really know what to say in this…other than…we don’t like it!
But the scripture, when we read our bibles….tells us don’t be surprised…
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Peter now understands that
Christ did not receive a crown of glory without first wearing a crown of suffering!
The gospel – the Son’s of Zebedee were thrilled of the thought of sitting next to Jesus, in His kingdom!
And they foolishly thought they could drink and endure the cup He was to endure….
Peter has mentioned previously –
We have been called into His marvelous light (2:9)
God’s elect – chosen in Christ (1:1)
And heirs of blessing (3:9)
They thought life of follow Christ would be only a road of glory….
but it was and is a road marked with suffering and joining Christ in suffering…
So Peter says in our text this morning….
20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Leaving you and example Following in His steps….like tracing!
Like tracing and learning the alphabet for the first time!
But its more than just rote memorization…
this is instead a path and model by which we live our lives….
When I was little – and the little kid in me often still does…
like to trace the steps of a person walking in front of me at the beach…
And in similar fashion – Peter says there is a movement to your walk with Jesus and your following Him
…in suffering.
In these difficult passages that we have walked through – and they are difficult…
Of submission – doing good – honor others, not reviling, enduring suffering! – injustice!
This is hard passages of application….
The tension of, well what about…or even if….well we live in democratic society…
True – so (vote), speak up!
But also – keep in mind the scripture!
Peter – knows this is NOT easy teaching!
Let’s NOT be naïve as to think –
Peter’s audience to wouldn’t have said, “well what about, this, Peter”….
Peter likely aware of that, says – let me show a model! Christ is your model!
In all of these things!
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5 areas:
a. Goodness
a. Goodness
Do good, Christian!
This has been Peter’s plea multiple times over leading up this text!
2: 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh,
2:12 they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
2:15-16 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
Honor! Do what is good! Continue to do what is good,
even when suffering comes and you are tempted to bite back!
But you know who suffered for only doing what is good?….Christ! (He committed no sin!)
Mt 27:4 Luke 4:34, John 6:69, 8:46, 9:16…Acts 3:14,4:27…Rom. 8:3…Heb 4:15, 7:26
1 John 3:5
You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
He (Christ) committed no sin!Nor deceit found in…
He is your example, believers!
Seek to live a life that lives like Christ!
This is your calling! (DIE TO SIN!)
To put away falsehood…and to die to sin!
Live not like the world, but like Christ!
b. Purity
b. Purity
Live such good lives among the Gentiles!!
2:1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
Don’t live in darkness….live as you have been called and redeemed, in the likeness of Christ!
Not in the foolishness of your former ignorance!
No deceit was found in his mouth! (Christ lived a life before man that was pure and innocent! )
He spoke only what was fitting and honoring to others!
1 Peter 1:19
but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
Hebrews 7:26
26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
He is your example, believers! Seek to live a life that lives like Christ – in purity!! This is your calling!
To live like Christ!
c. Suffering
c. Suffering
Continue to do good!
Even when those who are over you – are unjust! (v.18)
If there is anywhere, like we mentioned last week….
where we want to speak up and set things in order…it’s here!
Have someone speak evil against you…or speak falsely against you!
Or someone to incite suffering against you….
it will make you want to “ball up your fist” and fight back
But NOT Christ!
He did not threaten! And He did not revile in return!
Matthew 26:58-63
58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’ ” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent.
Matthew 27:12-14
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
Not only was Christ sinless….He also suffered…
He’s sinlessness was NOT absent of suffering….
And neither will yours….live like Christ…embrace suffering while doing good!
d. Absorbing the Offense
d. Absorbing the Offense
Honor everyone! Live as free people! Not in bondage to those who have offended you!
He did not threaten, When he was reviled, he did not revile in return!
Christ did not break about any retaliation against those who wronged him!
He endured suffering without seeking to extract revenge on his persecutors.
Luke 23:32-34
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Absorbing the wrongs being done to him!
e. Trusting the Lord!
e. Trusting the Lord!
Be mindful of God – For the Lord’s sake!
When he was reviled, he did not revile in return! but continue entrusting himself to Him who judges justly!
There was no complaint, bitterness, or self-justification from him when he was
betrayed tried, and condemned.
Instead, he continued to trust God to sustain him and to vindicate him at the proper time.
The word used for the “entrusting” παραδίδωμι paradidōmi. (Par-a-dee-doh-me)
Means to hand over, deliver over, give over to…
In fact, Jesus was handed over time and time again
Mt 26:14-49
14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
Matthew 26:43-46
43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
Mk 15:10
9 And he (Pilate) answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Mt 27:26 – delivered over by Pilate
Jesus was handed over time and time again…
but would only handover himself to His heavenly father and entrust Him only!
In the same way, Christian….follow His lead….
Christ is our example….this is the new testament teaching…over and over again…
There is an exemplar given in the life and way of Christ!
John 15:20
20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
Mt. 10:24-25
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
This is calling Christian --- to follow Christ!
And all of who follow Him, will follow him to this end…
And living in a certain country or in a certain day
does NOT exclude you from this vocation and calling!
It may be slight, it may be brief…
it may be at the hands of the state, or neighbor, or co-worker…
but you will NOT avoid it!
And moreover – scripture and God aims it to be for your joy! And His glory!
And we will triumph over evil (NOT through retaliation)
But because they trust that God will vindicate them
and judge their enemies, putting everything right in the end
This example continues in other parts of life as well…
Eph 4:32
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Eph 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Philippians 2:3-8
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
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II. Christ the Suffering Savior (v.24-25)
II. Christ the Suffering Savior (v.24-25)
Your calling, His example, and His suffering….and your suffering!
If Jesus were merely your example, and NOT your savior…
the entire point of this passage would be lost..
The entire point of the bible would be lost…
Further, you would remain lost….
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Jesus wasn’t merely a good example for you to follow…and isn’t just merely a good teacher…
Further, you could never accomplish all that God would require of you…
And so in your striving to put off sin…and forsaking sin…to live like Christ!
Don’t be DUPPED into LEGALISM…
or thinking YOU EARN THIS!!!!
CHRIST did it on your account….and suffered FOR YOU!
The heart of the scripture and this passage is that of Christas our exemplar ,
but also our conquering and suffering king!
Servant Song! (Isa 53)
Isaiah 53:
3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
9 And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the will of the Lordto crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death
and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
and makes intercession for the transgressors.
You savior didn’t merely leave you with a good model to follow, in the midst of suffering…
He gave you hope to know that your suffering isn’t the end!
And in your suffering, you can be reminded of his suffering…
And it being for you….and accomplishing work you could never do…
And bringing salvation!
And when you reflect upon the suffering of Christ…
Know that it WASN’T something abstract…or theoretical….
Peter’s point is that the very real suffering, you will face as follower of Christ
– is intended to point you to the reality of His suffering!
It wasn’t good a story – with a happen ending!
Christ – suffered in the flesh – according to the scripture!
And your suffering, is a tangible reminder or his real and tangible suffering….
And oh was it much greater….
He was drinking the cupand full weight of your offense before God…
and took it upon Himself!
His suffering was real!
You’re savior was a man of sorrow….and acquainted with grief!
He was GODin the flesh…stepped into our reality…and brokenness….and suffered!
Peter says – He did it – for you Christian!
It was necessary! – Jesus said!
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Sinless Savior ---- God of the universe….became your sin bearer!...and suffering savior!
Your example….is the suffering servant…
and is the servant who suffered the greatest injustice!
And the suffering servant….is your savior!
AND OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GOSPEL this is…when difficulties arise!!!
And this road because difficult….and you’re tempted to say…I QUIT!!!!
You don’t serve a God, who is unable to sympathize with you…
Or one who is just cheering you on!!!
HE KNOWS!!!!
And He’s with you!! (I’ll never leave or forsake you!)
And He’s working in it!
(to accomplish His purpose and glory!) …
Calling to persevere!
But He also suffered FOR YOU!!!
Do you know Him…are you acquainted with him!!
And joining him in his example…
United by faith in Christ!
Would you respond to this suffering servant!?
This isn’t just some neat story!...that’s cute…
your eternity hangs on your responseto Christ!
Would you response in repentance and faith?!? (non-believer)
Believer – would you rest in His finishedwork on your behalf…
and by faith, put off sin and walk in light of Christ…
How is He speaking to you now?
What is He inviting you to, in light of Christ?
The only fitting response – is that which comes from faith!
So may we response in that way this morning!
Sermon Summary:
Following Christ means a calling to endure unjust suffering, trusting God for eternal reward.
