Endure Suffering; Keep Doing Good (1 Peter 2:18-25)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
11 December 2022
Suffering is a grievous part of life. It is worse if it is wrongful suffering. Peter's reader were in that situation—-of suffering wrongfully.
How does one deal with unjust suffering? Hear what Peter says.
Believers are to accept unjust suffering. This does not mean they should not avail themselves of relief such as the protective laws of the state but essentially the Christian is to endure suffering.
We are called to do good amidst wrongful suffering. It is commendable if we do good and suffer and take it patiently.
We are called to suffer. Suffering can be physical, mental or spiritual. But whatever the nature of suffering we are called to do good in the midst of it.
We are called to follow the example of Jesus. In following him we learn from his character.
He committed no sin. He did not retaliate when provoked. He did not threaten. He committed himself to God. He was like a lamb led to the slaughter.
In following Jesus we are encouraged by the fruit of his life. Much good came from Christ’s suffering. He bore our sins in his own body. We can die to our sins and live righteously. He heals our sicknesses. We return to our God and are reconciled.
Consider examples of people who endured unjust suffering but continued to do good.
Joseph suffered unjustly through his brothers but he endured and in the end saved them from starvation.
David endured the hatred of Saul and escaped with his life. Much good has come from David. He wrote beautiful psalms and was a foreshadow of Jesus the Messiah.
Jeremiah was thrown into a dungeon, was rescued and prophesied to his people that they must endure 70 years of captivity.
John the Baptist suffered unjustly being thrown into a dungeon and was ultimately beheaded. But the good he accomplished is well-known. He heralded the coming of Jesus, the lamb of God who takes way the sin of the world.
In conclusion remember to do good even if you are suffering. Emulate Jesus. His suffering confirmed his calling. Our suffering confirms the genuineness of our faith.