LENT SERMON SERIES: CHRIST'S EXAMPLE IN SUFFERING ( 1PETER 2:18-25)
Basically, none of us intentionally wants to suffer. We do not want to live in pain or hardship forever. Everyone naturally tries to avoid suffering. But 1 Peter 2:19 says: “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God’s will.” It turns out that we are called to suffer in Christ. We are encouraged to learn from Christ’s suffering. We are invited to follow in the footsteps of Christ who suffered.
The letter of 1 Peter was written to believers scattered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1). This letter invites Christian communities to shape their lives according to the pattern of Christ’s suffering. At that time, Christians were facing persecution. Some rulers acted unjustly and treated Christians cruelly. Even in persecution, this letter advises believers, as servants, to submit respectfully to their masters—whether kind or harsh. What they experienced was described as grace. The believers were called to obediently endure suffering. Obedience does not mean giving up or surrendering helplessly. It means following the example of Christ in suffering.
What is Christ’s example? Verses 22–24 clearly say that although He suffered, Jesus did not retaliate when insulted. He did not threaten. No deceit was found in His mouth. He bore our sins instead. This is an invitation to live a holy life even in suffering—suffering for righteousness. Christ’s suffering was not meaningless. His death was not in vain. Jesus suffered and died to save us. By His wounds, we are healed. This is what we should follow: being willing to suffer for God’s will, not because of sin. There is a difference between suffering according to God’s will and suffering because of sin. Suffering that comes from wrongdoing (such as stealing, violence, etc.) is not God’s will.
Jesus did not seek suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed that the cup might pass from Him. Yet, He fully obeyed the Father. He did not chase suffering—but when it came, He did not run away from it.
Sometimes we create our own suffering through alcohol abuse, drugs, sexual immorality, and other destructive choices. This is not suffering according to God’s will. Sometimes we also run away from suffering. Unable to face hardship, some take shortcuts such as ending their lives. This is not the Christian way of facing suffering. If we must suffer according to God’s will, let us endure it with obedience and faithfulness:Continue loving even when hated. Continue serving even when criticized. Remain faithful even when hurt. Stay generous without expecting reward. Practicing God’s love and goodness in our lives—even in suffering—is grace. God bless you.
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