1 Peter 2:18–25

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

LIVING UNDER STRESS

1 Peter 2:18–25

Showing Respect (18–20)
Peter commanded slaves to obey their masters, even the unjust ones. It is important to understand that the Roman institution of being a bondservant was different from the institution of slavery in North America during the 17th through the 19th centuries. Bondservants were generally permitted to work for pay and to save enough money to buy their freedom. The redeemed slave was officially designated a “freedman” and frequently continued to work for his former master.  

Some newly converted slaves during this time thought that their spiritual freedom also guaranteed personal and political freedom, and they created problems for themselves and the churches. 

Peter, in agreement with Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:20–24, basically said for the new believers who were slaves to stay put and serve their masters as if they were Jesus Himself. Christian slaves should show respect to their masters.  

These verses teach believers today to be submissive to those who are over them. In a day when the rules apply to everyone but me and there is little respect for authority, Christians should stand out as exemplary workers as they show respect to those in authority.

Following Jesus’ Example (21–23)
The human tendency is to fight back and to demand our rights. Anyone can fight back. It takes a Spirit-filled Christian to submit and let God fight his or her battles. Christians are not to go looking for trouble or stir up trouble. 

As Jesus’ disciples we are to be willing to suffer as He did, enduring every pain and insult received because of our allegiance to our Master.

If Jesus as the servant of the Lord did not sin or use deceit despite suffering intensely as the Righteous One, then believers should follow His example and refrain from sinning or using deceit when they are mistreated as Christ’s disciples.

Jesus did not strike back at His accusers. He kept handing over to Father God every dimension of His life, including the fate of His enemies. He knew that God would judge rightly on the last day, both vindicating Him and punishing His enemies if they refused to repent. 

Do you always have to have the last word? Are you daily entrusting yourself to God?  

Accepting God’s Provision (24–25)
Believers are to follow Jesus in His suffering, but it must always be remembered that His suffering is unique and the basis of salvation for His followers. Jesus did not die as a martyr; He died as the Savior. Jesus Himself bore our sins in His body. Jesus’ death is the means by which sins are forgiven. Jesus bore our sins in His body on the tree, that is, the cross. Jesus was cursed for the salvation of His people (Deut. 21:23).

Jesus’ death not only provided forgiveness for our sin but the power to die to sin and live to righteousness. 

No one ever meets Jesus and remains the same. Jesus changes people. Has Jesus changed you? Do you have new desires for Jesus, the Bible and the church? Do you have a burden to introduce lost people to Jesus?

Have you returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul? The Bible is clear: we all have strayed from Father God. We all have rebelled against the loving Creator God. We all deserve the wrath of God in hell for all eternity. 

The good news is that you do not have to die and spend eternity in hell. You can be forgiven and reconciled to Father God because of what Jesus did on the cross for sinners. 

Will you turn to Him now and ask for forgiveness on the basis of Jesus’ death on the cross? Christian, will you seek to introduce a lost person to Jesus before it is too late?