Practicing Faith in a Pagan World

Surviving Times of Suffering
1 Peter 2:18-25

Peter is addressing the Christian slaves in the congregation and telling them about the importance of submission.  Some newly converted slaves thought their spiritual freedom also meant personal and political freedom.  The Gospel eventually overthrew the Roman Empire and the terrible institution of slavery.  There are no Christian slaves today, at least in the New Testament sense of the word, but what Peter wrote does have application to one of the main issues facing us:  racism.

Systemic racism – a system that excludes and marginalizes people on the basis of race, even though most of the individuals in the system are not probably intentionally trying to do it.  (Tim Keller)

If you’re only responsible for what you’ve done, there is no gospel; we cannot .

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12

Peter encouraged these slaves by instructing them how to live like Jesus.

Patiently enduring suffering is at the heart of the Christian life.

Matthew 5:16

1.    Regard each other as people (v. 18-22)

Romans 5:8

Philippians 3:9, 10

2.    Like Jesus, we rest in our (v. 23)

3.   Like Jesus, we’re to (v. 24)

John 3:16

1 John 3:16

Matthew 5:43-47

Other insights:

·      We should recognize the root of injustice.

The root of all injustice !

Ephesians 6:12

John 8:44

Isaiah 5:20

·      We need to turn to the Shepherd .

Romans 5:12

Jesus is not only our Example but also .

“All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian,” says the statement, “should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.”
– Baptist Faith and Message, article 15 (2000)

Daily Meditations

Memory verse: “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24

Monday
Read 1 Peter 2:18-25.  We are not slaves. Is there an application for us in these verses? Begin with verse 18.

How does your image of slavery differ from how things were back then?

Tuesday
Read 1 Peter 2 in a paraphrase.  What motive does Peter give for putting up with unjust treatment? How does your translation have verse 19?  Look up a couple other translations.

Why should we put up with unjust suffering?

Wednesday
Read 1 Peter 2:18-25.  If we are in the center of God’s will, can we expect suffering?

In what ways do Christians suffer today?  Go to http://www.persecution.org to read up on this a bit.

Thursday
Read 1 Peter 2:18-25. What would you say is the source of pain? Why is there so much suffering in this world?

Why should we as Christians be concerned about racism in the world?

Friday
Read 1 Peter 2:18-25 in another translation from what you normally read. Can you think of any ways Jesus demonstrated how to break down racial barriers?  (Read John 4.)

Look over your Facebook and/or Instagram friends.  What’s the racial make-up of your friends?

Saturday
Read 1 Peter 2:18-25. When have you seen good come out of suffering?

How does pain impact your prayer life?