1 Peter 2:18-25

Read 1 Peter 2:18-25

Helpful Background Information:  

• The general theme of 1 Peter is to live faithfully in the face of persecution and opposition, and that’s exactly what we see in this passage. Peter begins by addressing household slaves, calling them to serve God  by “submitting with all reverence, not only to the good and gentle [masters], but also to the cruel [masters].” This is a difficult command, and Peter knows it. So he immediately explains the principle behind it. 

• Favor from God is found when a Christian, treated unjustly, accepts his poor treatment with faith in God and imitates the example of Christ. Peter makes this clear: it brings no honor to God to respond to sin with more sin, whether through anger, hostility, pride, rebellion, etc. But when the Christian responds with love, blessing, and service toward those who oppose them, it displays the transforming power of Christ. This principle isn’t limited to servants. In verse 21, Peter broadens the focus to all believers. Every Christian is called to this same pattern of life.

• The principle of responding to hatred and opposition is found in the example of Christ. Make sure to read verses 21-23 very closely. Here, Peter points his readers back to Christ’s betrayal and trial before the Sanhedrin - our sermon passage - where Christ remained silent and responded to his persecution in a manner honoring to the Father. As Peter says, this is our example and our calling. 
  

Reflection Questions: 

• How does Jesus’ response to His suffering challenge common human instincts? How does this display the redemptive work of the gospel? 

• Think of a recent situation where you were treated unfairly. How did you respond?

  • Which reactions are you most tempted toward when wronged—anger, withdrawal, pride, retaliation, or something else?

• What would it look like for you to respond more like Christ in a specific difficult relationship or situation right now?