Crumbs 44

 

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 44

1 Peter 2: 18-25 Putting up with the job

Scripture 1 Peter 2:18-25 New International Version18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,    and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Crumbs 1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

I once thought that Christian witness was presenting a three point sermon on the way of salvation, but Peter’s emphasis is on a life, lived for God. He now explains what this means for people in various situations starting with house servants. Does this passage justify the existence of despotic employers or slavery? When we read Scripture we must be careful to note when it tells us what we should do or describes how things are. Peter is writing to help folk who are living harsh lives, lives of abuse.

Verse nineteen teaches that our approach to life should be guided by our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We take Him into account. Peter is calling for his readers. to lead lives of revolutionary difference. His model is the Lord Jesus Christ who was morally spotless. Natural inclination must be set aside. When we are abused our inclination is to yell something back. He did not. Christ had His eyes on the ultimate goal, our salvation.

This passage ends with the wonderful reality that the broken relationship between creature and Creator had been restored. Christ’s self denying death achieved salvation. He thereby became our example and enabler. Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion) 1. What is the desired behaviour of Christian employees ? 2. What changes should we make to our lives in view of Peter’s teaching ? 3. How should following Christ affect the way we bear the suffering that comes our way?

 Please note that this is also published on my blog along with poems and other items on https://pmgsblog.blogspot.com 

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