A praiseworthy behavior

Publicat pe 09/29/2024

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.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.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.He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.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.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.For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Introduction

After explaining to believers their identity in Christ, Peter begins to teach them how they should live as God's people in a correct relationship with a hostile world.

There are 2 fundamental principles to keep in mind:

- Loyalty to God does not exempt anyone from submission to authority.
- We must maintain our identity in any context, even if it is necessary to endure persecution or suffer unjustly.

Some questions that are so present in our daily lives:

- How do we respond when an injustice happens to us?
- How do we respond when our rights are violated?
- How do we respond when we are persecuted without reason?

Two perspectives:
The World and God

The World:
- Appreciates initiative/ambition
- Praises those who fight for what they deserve
- Values tenacity and determination
- Praises those who stand their ground at all costs
- Values success regardless of the cost

God:
- Values humility
- Loves those who endure injustice
- Values those who forgive, love, and tolerate
- Loves those who know how to lose for the sake of Christ and others

It is hard to be appreciated by both the world and God at the same time!

Central Theme:

Christians, regardless of social status, should follow the example of Christ, enduring injustice and persecution, entrusting themselves completely to God so that His purposes and sovereignty prevail!

The cornerstone of Peter's teaching is the example of Jesus Christ.

Jesus' suffering is not simply an example, pattern, or model, as if it were one among many others. The example of Jesus is the paradigm through which Christians inscribe the letters of His Gospel broadly in their lives.