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1 Peter 2:18-25
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. In this section Paul teaches that as Christians, we are slaves. True Christians who understand their salvation know they are bonded slaves to Christ. That means they are submitted to him out of the desire of their heart. Let’s consider first
- THE MANNER OF SUBJECTION – V. 18. Slavery in the Greco Roman world was much different than what we think of as slavery Greco Roman slaves often served as doctors, teachers, managers (as in the parable of the unjust steward), musicians, artisans, and could even own their own slaves. On the other hand the slaves that worked in the mines and quarries often lived miserable lives because they had cruel masters that mistreated them in horrible ways. The only hope a slave ever had of being free was if their master help them purchase their freedom. Peter is addressing all slaves in all situations telling them to be subject to their masters with all respect he actually wrote be subject in fear. When a truly redeemed heart approaches God as God, it understands that God used his terrible power to redeem it out of hell. The true Christian response is respect or inexpressible gratitude. For us today all this means we are to show respect to our bosses, leaders, and government officials. Now Peter gives us
- OUR MOTIVATION FOR SUBJECTION! V. 19, 20. Here is a truth 4U: only true Christians who have given their entire being to God once for all can rightly submit to him in a right attitude. Peter’s teaching that subjection out of fear that leads to respect is grace. Peter’s motivation for submission is that those who are treated unjustly further salvation relationship to God are rewarded by God. Peter is teaching us that reward from God is our sole motivation for unjust suffering – the key word being unjust! What distinguishes true Christians from all other people is their love for their enemies and sinners coupled with a deep desire in their hearts for those very people to be saved! Is that how it is with you?
- OUR MESSAGE IN SUBJECTION! V. 21. What possible message could there be in slavery or subjection to Christ in verse 21 Peter tells us the answer is an unwavering and unshakable allegiance, dedication, and commitment to Christ as the sovereign Lord of our lives it takes extreme commitment to suffer for doing right. Christ is the example we are to follow and Peter makes the point that the example never changes – but is the standard to be met.
- OUR MODEL FOR SUBJECTION! V. 22-25. Peter begins first 21 by teaching us that Christ suffered for us. Christ suffered in a way that you and I will never understand or know because he suffered all God’s wrath for all our sins. It’s important to notice that Christ left us an example so we could follow in his steps. When we live as we ought, we live as bond slaves! Our master is the perfect master who cares for us perfectly.
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