TITLE: Submission to Ungodly Authority
TEXT: 1 Peter 2:18–25
PREACHER: Pastor Mark Driscoll
DATE: March 8, 2009

Question #1: Should we tolerate unjust treatment?

The Bible does not condone injustice--including slavery (1 Cor. 7:21; 1 Tim. 1:10).

In our day, the relationship described in 1 Pet. 2:18 most resembles the relationship between boss and employee. In this context, the Bible is clear that Christians are called to submit to even ungodly authorities for the sake of the gospel.

Question #2: Is your suffering just or unjust?

Just Suffering (sometimes you got it coming):

1. Adamic Suffering is common to all men as a result of the curse and our fallen condition (Gen. 3).
2. Consequential Suffering is a result of cause and effect; you reap what you sow (Prov. 22:8).
3. Punishment Suffering happens when God judges nonbelievers and punishes them for sin (Ex. 13:15).
4. Disciplinary Suffering occurs when God lets things happen to Christians in order to chasten them out of love (Heb. 12:7).

Unjust Suffering:

1. Victim Suffering is due to someone sinning against you.
2. Empathetic Suffering happens when someone you love is suffering.
3. Testimonial Suffering is meant to strengthen a Christian's witness and prove their faith for the purpose of evangelism.
4. Vicarious Suffering is evil that is done to you simply because you are a follower of Christ.

Read more about the different kinds of suffering.

Question #3: How did Jesus suffer?

1. He did not sin or retaliate.
2. He entrusted himself to the Father who judges justly.
3. He trusted God to get him through the suffering, rather than out of it.
4. He allowed himself to be crucified for our sake.
5. He used all the strength he had remaining in his dying body to say to forgive his murderers (Luke 23:34), minister to the man dying beside him (Luke 23:43), and announce the completed work of salvation (John 19:30).

Question #4: Why did Jesus suffer?

Out of love for sinners, Jesus suffered on our behalf to forgive sin. Christians are called to follow Jesusí example: forgiving and loving those who cause us to suffer unjustly. In doing so, our suffering glorifies God and is not wasted.

"The only way to defeat injustice is grace and love, entrusting ourselves to the One who judges justly."