Life Principles

A. I have an example to set ().

THE WORK HARD PRINCIPLE

B. I have a boss to please ().

Peter begins with a straightforward appeal to “submit.” Submission includes recognizing authority as well as doing what you’re told ().

The “work hard” principle extends beyond merely doing what you’re told, it also includes giving your best despite who may or may not be around (; ).

“You get out what you put in.” Complaining about your workload () or slacking off on your responsibilities will cause you to fail ().

C. I have a standard to live up to ().

THE LIFE’S NOT FAIR PRINCIPLE

II. THE ACTIONS OF AN EMPLOYEE

Peter says servants are to show the same deep respect for masters who are “good and considerate” as “those who are harsh” ().

Some people are mean, plain and simple. The people to whom Peter addressed understood this. Some were treated well, yet some were mistreated for no apparent reason.

Peter emphasized how “doing good” can get critics off our back (; ). While not always a fool-proof plan, returning blessing for cursing can diffuse difficult situations (cp. , ).

A. I must work ().

THE IDENTIFY WITH JESUS PRINCIPLE

B. I must work even when the boss is not around ().

Peter says the suffering of Christ created a general pattern for Christians to follow (). The idea is we are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus who suffered without cause.

C. I must work even if I do not like my job ().

As hard as it may sound, when we patiently suffer injustice, we are following the example of our Savior (). We must not allow difficult situations and difficult people slow us down from doing the right thing (, ). 

III. THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AN EMPLOYEE

Two passages in the Bible give us an early interpretation of Jesus’ life: 1) He went about doing good () and 2) He patiently suffered for the benefit of others (). Let’s be like Jesus.

A. I am accountable for my attitude and actions (; ).

B. I am accountable for my influence (; ).

C. I am accountable for my outcome (; ).