What have we done to God? Jesus’ suffering was raw, harsh, and real-he experienced real suffering more than any of us and can empathize with our pain. We have a good God who loves.
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TITLE: *Submission to Ungodly Authority
TEXT: *1 Peter 2:18 – 25
PREACHER: *Pastor Mark Driscoll
DATE: *March 8, 2009
h3. 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.
h3. Question #2: Is your suffering just or unjust?
h4. Just Suffering (sometimes you got it coming):
Adamic Suffering *is common to all men as a result of the curse and our fallen condition (Gen. 3).
Consequential Suffering *is a result of cause and effect; you reap what you sow (Prov. 22:8).
Punishment Suffering *happens when God judges nonbelievers and punishes them for sin (Ex. 13:15).
Disciplinary Suffering *occurs when God lets things happen to Christians in order to chasten them out of love (Heb. 12:7).
h4. Unjust Suffering:
Victim Suffering *is due to someone sinning against you.
Empathetic Suffering *happens when someone you love is suffering.
Testimonial Suffering *is meant to strengthen a Christian’s witness and prove their faith for the purpose of evangelism.
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. *
h3. Question #3: How did Jesus suffer?
He did not sin or retaliate.
He entrusted himself to the Father who judges justly.
He trusted God to get him through the suffering, rather than __out __of it.
He allowed himself to be crucified for our sake.
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).
h3. 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.”
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 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. 21 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. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 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. 24 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. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Quotation information.
Pastor Mark Driscoll
1 Peter 2:18-25
Crucifixion
March 08, 2009
You're a Murderer
March 08, 2009
True Stories
March 08, 2009
