I Peter 2:11-25

One of the greatest challenges any man can receive to inspire him to a higher plane of living appears in I Peter 2:11-25.

The challenge is to live an exemplary life (I Peter 2:12) before men who do not understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ; may they observe your life and see the principles of the Gospel in living form. We are challenged to submit to the powers that rule over us (I Peter 2:13) so that we may silence those who wrongfully accuse us.

We are challenged to a life of unjust suffering so that we may glorify God (I Peter 2:19-20). You may be thinking right now, why should I make such an effort in my life? This seems like a hard task that Scripture asks of us.

Many of you remember the recruitment signs seen everywhere during the war. Uncle Sam in his top hat and striped trousers pointed his finger and said, “I want you.” They have been replaced by a sign that says, “We are looking for a few outstanding men.” The strategy shifted from an invitation to anyone to a search for the elite.

Today, the emphasis must be on quality in our devotion and service to Christ. We cannot live with an anything-will-do attitude; we must strive for individual excellence in every person’s life.

Christ is calling us to a rigorous life, but it is the kind of life He lived. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” I Peter 2:21

Let’s look for a moment to the example that Jesus has given us and expects us to follow.

• His sufferings
  • They were unjust
    • I Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
  • They were cruel
    • He suffered indignities
    • He suffered mental anguish
    • He suffered physically
      • Crucifixion is the most cruel suffering known
  • They were effective
    • His sufferings brought us to God
    • Now He says, “You follow in my steps, and if suffering will bring others to God, suffer for the sake of Jesus.”
• His sacrifice
  • His sacrifice was for our sins
  • The sacrifice enables us to die to sin and live a righteous life
• His satisfaction
  • We were straying like sheep – lost
  • He has affected our return to God

Therefore, as we have analyzed the impact of Jesus’ life on men, we can see that He lived, died, and is alive again to make our lives rich as we follow in His steps.