Topic: Suffering
Does coming to Christ mean the end of suffering? Sorry, no it does not. To this—suffering—you were called. Christ suffered and left an example of suffering. We have great verses in 21-25 about what Christ’s death on the cross means. Christ suffered for you. Peter writes to suffering Christians. He did not tell them to stage an uprising. He called them to endure patiently and honor God. Being wronged brings some of the strongest set of human emotions. When we are wronged we desire the scripture that calls for an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth. But Jesus says forgive how many times? He says seven times seventy.
Take a few moments to read I Peter 2:13-25.
Peter tells the suffering Christians to submit themselves to every authority institution among men; kings governors. The command to submit, obey and be subject to certainly doesn’t encourage Christians to be part of emperor worship (which was developing at that time). There is no doubt that first and foremost the Christian owes allegiance to God, and the Christian is to worship no one or nothing except God. Jesus said to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar, but to God the things that are God’s. Submit to government authorities for the Lord’s sake. Christians are not called to be anarchist but to obey the laws of the land. Paul underscores this in Romans 13:1, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” You should submit to the authorities for the Lord’s sake. Emperor Nero certainly was not the people’s choice for Christians. The believer is not put here to overthrow governments, but to establish Christ in the hearts of people.
Peter is writing to suffering Christians who have been accused or suffering unjustly. Does coming to Christ mean the end of suffering? Sorry, no it does not. To this, suffering, you were called. Christ suffered and left an example of suffering. We have great verses in 21-25 about what Christ’s death on the cross means. Christ suffered for you. He did not retaliate when people made threats and hurled insults at him.
Peter gives instructions on suffering with patience. You should follow in His steps (vs. 21). Jesus set the example of patient suffering. Where does it all begin? To have the patience to submit to authority. To have unconditional love for others. Having a good testimony in the workplace. It instructions you to return to the shepherd (vs. 25). When Jesus is the Shepherd and overseer of your soul, He will give you the strength to endure under stress.
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem