MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 6 – FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING AND WALK ACCORDINGLY (BUT NOT THE WRITER’S EXAMPLE) – 1Peter 2:21-23
{{1Peter 2:21 “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,”}}
[A]. A HARD EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW
One human being is held up as an example for others to follow. Another is alluded to as being an example not to follow. The modern world is fond of promoting examples of good while urging the younger generation to follow some role model or other. This is especially so in areas where youth crime and delinquency are rife and role models from among their own are sought.
Young people these days strive to follow some pop idol and begin dressing like their idol and acting that way. It is all so contagious. There was a time in my nation long ago when people were individuals and strove to live successful lives without being influenced by the pressure to imitate someone else and live in their shadow. All that has changed through mass media.
Children used to be told at school to be good examples to younger children and parents would be told to be good examples to their children. In theory all that may sound good but how true to a perfect example is the person an example to others. It causes people to adopt a hypocritical stand and to pretend to be something they naturally are not. A father may “set an example” by not smoking in his house, but when he is at work or with his mates then he smokes.
Human beings are fallible and untrustworthy so they make imperfect examples for other to follow. How often do we hear of some pop star or film idol supposedly living a “clean” life, then it turns out he/she has been living a lie. It is all fakery.
When it comes down to it there is only one person who has ever lived who has lived a perfect life in 100% godliness and honesty. That One of course is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He really is the only perfect role model and example.
However, there are many examples we can follow as Christians. One such pattern was set by the Bereans as this verse declares – {{Acts 17:10-11 “The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.”}}
That is a splendid example to follow, to examine the scriptures daily to see if what we are told measures up. They are the examples we are to follow. The world wants to follow drug addicted film stars and occult pop stars, sporting idols and the rest, all to its own disillusionment but the Christian places his decisions on solid ground.
That is enough to introduce this subject and now we will get down to the core of this message. I said earlier that we do not follow man but Christ was the perfect Example. We take pointers from others as good examples to follow either of their conduct or way of Christian life and study. However they never become our idols. The Holy Spirit has given gifts that we recognise and we can imitate that in others.
The most arrogant thing a man can say is “Follow my example (because I am right).” There is only ONE tiny group of people who has the right to say that, and they are the biblical writers writing under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, holy men of God who lived in the hand of God. Chief among those is Paul.
Let us consider a few things Paul wrote -
(a). {{Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, join in FOLLOWING MY EXAMPLE, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us,”}}
Paul encourages the Philippians to follow his example because too many are walking as enemies of the cross. The Christians needed to be “narrow minded” in the correct walk with the Lord and Paul provided that. In today’s society there are hundreds of philosophies and patterns and New Age propositions that the world is in a great confusion of beliefs and isms. Christians must be absolutely true to the word of God. Follow Paul’s example.
(b). {{2Thessalonians 3:6-7 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us, for you yourselves know how you ought to FOLLOW OUR EXAMPLE because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,”}}
Paul speaks of living an unruly, undisciplined life. It is so important that Christians do not do that so Paul sets himself as an example (actually Paul, Silas and Luke). The Thessalonians came from full paganism so God had many things to teach them and Paul sets himself as an example to follow in behaviour. Live in a sober way.
(c). {{2Thessalonians 3:6-9 “. . . . nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labour and hardship we kept working night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you - not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as A MODEL for you, that you might FOLLOW OUR EXAMPLE.”}}
This is an important passage setting out a Christian’s responsibility in not being a burden to anyone. Paul was most definite about that, setting the example by working with his group to support themselves, probably though tentmaking. Paul had the right to be supported by the Thessalonians but he refused that and worked hard to support himself. That was an example he set. He would love others to follow that example but today’s world demands materialism and high salaries for ministers. The whole issue has become clouded and abused in fact. I say no more about it.
[B]. PETER DECLARES THE EXAMPLE FOR US
Peter’s first letter was sent to the Jews scattered thoughout the Roman Empire and has quite a focus on suffering but that is a big subject for another posting. The verses we want to consider this time have the emphasis on Christ’s sufferings as an EXAMPLE. Here is what Peter wrote:-
{{1Peter 2:21 “For you have been called for this purpose, since CHRIST ALSO SUFFERED FOR YOU, leaving you AN EXAMPLE for you to follow in His steps,”}}
POINT 1. This verse brings before us three points. Firstly, Peter says Christians have been called (or called upon) for the purpose of suffering. Before we blink twice at this statement, remember that we follow our Lord, but can we expect a road of worldly acceptance when the world crucified Him? Peter has just been mentioning patience and endurance in verses 19 and 20, along with suffering unjustly and that thought enters verse 21 too. That is part of following the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians will suffer, but it ought to be done with patience and endurance.
Any true Christian will be persecuted. The emphasis is on “will be”, and here is that verse – {{2Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”}} Who likes persecution, even physical violence and torture and death? Well, no one of course. Does the Lord wish that on us? Of course not, but it will happen. It may not be outright physical violence but even subtle methods like ostracism and demotion and rejection at certain events, etc.
There is one verse not often mentioned much in sermons but it is a very significant verse when it comes to following Christ's example. This is the verse – {{Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me,”}} In the times this was spoken by Jesus, to take up your cross, meant you were going to a place of execution. It meant certain death, condemned to die.
What Jesus is saying is that to follow Him means a full denial of self, that is, you put the old self to death and follow your Lord. You must die to yourself. That concept is not unlike another occasion when Jesus spoke about His pending death – {{John 12:24-25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone, but if it dies it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal.”}} Peter himself was martyred for Christ. The stories of Peter being crucified upside down have very little basis in history.
POINT 2. Secondly, to put all this in perspective, Peter says that Christ also suffered for us. This is the central core of our faith - Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. Any suffering we face must be considered in the light of His suffering, and any comparison there should face the scrutiny of Isaiah 53:3-5.
{{Isaiah 53:3-5 “He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely OUR GRIEFS HE HIMSELF BORE AND OUR SORROWS HE CARRIED, yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted, but HE WAS PIERCED THROUGH FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS. He was CRUSHED FOR OUR INIQUITIES. The chastening for our well-being FELL UPON HIM, and by His scourging we are healed.”}}
Christ left us an example to suffer in His footsteps. We can only do that when our attitudes are sacrificial, that is putting the other one first. As Jesus stood in the gap between the Father and eternal hell when He hung on the cross to meet the last blast of penalty for sin, we too will be found in the gap between our Father and the hell so many are heading to. We may suffer trying to rescue the perishing but the Lord suffered more than we will ever know. That is one way we follow in His footsteps.
POINT 3. Thirdly, Peter says Christ has left us an example that we should follow in His steps. What an example! How can we ever hope to match Him in this regard? Is it not too high for us; too unattainable? If it was attainable, Christ's death would not have been needed. Well, Peter then defines a number of things that help us understand what it is to follow in Christ’s footsteps:-
(a). {{1Peter 2:22 “who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;”}}
(Paul tells of Jesus our High Priest – {{Hebrews 7:26 “It was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens”}} As the sacrificial lamb had to be kept and inspected so that it was without any blemish – spotless and innocent, so Christ, the Lamb of God, lived before men for 33 years and was the spotless Son of God. Isaiah said 700 years earlier what Peter is also stating – {{Isaiah 53:9 “. . . . nor was there any deceit in His mouth.”}}
Peter knew the Lord in a close fashion. In all that time he could confirm that no sin or defect was with the Lord. Peter was a realist and would never have followed a flawed man. Jesus was very God and very Man, without sin. On one occasion He challenged the Pharisees – {{John 8:46 “Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?”}}
(b). We are told to be examples. As sinful ones we can never be exactly as our Lord in this regard, but sin must be seen as repugnant and evil and in all our ways we need to separate from it. This is what holiness is all about, sanctified through the work of the Holy Spirit.
(c). The great godly men of the past suffered as James says – {{James 5:10-11 “Brethren, as an EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”}} Jeremiah suffered beatings and being thrown in a cesspool of small confinement. Isaiah was sawn in two, so horrible. I think all those who want to count for God suffer in various ways. Do not be afraid but look up to God in heaven. He is your great reward.
The Apostle Paul also wrote about this suffering – {{Philippians 3:10-11 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS, being conformed to His death, in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”}} The fellowship of His sufferings is the sharing in, of His sufferings we are called upon to share, if we really mean business with God. Those of us who live in the western world may not know much about physically suffering for the Lord, but our fellow believers in third world countries and in places hostile to the Christian faith, certainly do know the awful state of suffering.
FOR OUR DEAR SUFFERING FELLOW CHRISTIANS
Our hearts go out to all the members of the Body of Christ who are ill-treated and are suffering the loss of so much, even of everything. These verses are especially for you:-
{{Acts 5:41 “They went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been CONSIDERED WORTHY TO SUFFER SHAME FOR HIS NAME,” Romans 8:18 “for I consider that the sufferings of this present time ARE NOT WORTHY TO BE COMPARED with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” 2Thessalonians 1:5 “This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that YOU MAY BE CONSIDERED WORTHY of the kingdom of God for which indeed you are suffering.” Philippians 3:8 “More than that, I COUNT ALL THINGS TO BE LOSS in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord FOR WHOM I HAVE SUFFERED the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ,”}}
Your Lord and Saviour knows all about what you are enduring. Great will be your reward. You are in His hands even when the situation is fierce and dark and so awful. We must be prepared to suffer for others, at least to inconvenience ourselves on behalf of others especially our fellow Christians.
[C]. RETALIATION, RETRIBUTION, AND VENGEANCE
{{1Peter 2:23 “and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.”}}
[1]. Christ’s lack of retaliation (v 23). He did not give as good as He got which is the world’s standard. They treated Him horribly, but not one murmur or curse or threat came from the blessed Son of God. Hate was given, but love was returned. Let us consider God’s own Son who could have summoned twelve legions of angels to have annihilated His enemies in the garden. How those angels must have watched, waiting for the precise moment to strike, waiting for the retributive command from the Lord, but it never came. He allowed Himself to be humiliated before His enemies; He, the creator of all things and the eternal God, taken and bound by unholy servants of the Pharisees, while His own angels observed in bewilderment. How could this be? Great is the mystery of godliness - God was manifest in the flesh, etc. Peter did not understand, nor did any of the disciples then, the events which were unfolding leading up to the crucifixion. Later, though, they fully understood.
We know our human natures, and when evil things are said to us we either reject them or point the finger at the opposing party or get abusive or tell the persecutors God will pay them back. How was it with Jesus? Well this is recorded – {{Matthew 26:62-63 The high priest stood up and said to Him, “DO YOU MAKE NO ANSWER? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” but JESUS KEPT SILENT and the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.”}} All this was in accordance with scripture written by Isaiah – {{Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet HE DID NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH. Like a lamb that is led to slaughter and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so HE DID NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.”}} The only times Jesus answered was when questions were asked about His person as in Matthew 26:64.
While on the cross He uttered those immortal words, not of pious ignorance, but of true Godly intention - “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 ) That would have to remain the pinnacle of Christ’s example in all our attitude to, and consideration of the matter of suffering and retribution. Surely it challenges us as to the level to which we should
attain. It is hard, so very hard.
[2]. How often we secretly hope some awful things might happen to evil people or to those who have hurt us – just to make them realise God is real and IS FOR ME? It is that horrible indwelling of the old nature that likes to ascend itself over others; to have its own way, and promotes self. The Lord was the exact opposite and that is the example He set. Can we be like that? I would say we can, but we are not able to do it with our sinful resources. This is where the power and provision of God come in. Look at the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Look hard at each one. I am sure in them you will find a response to any trial or situation you may find yourself in. There will be a corresponding “fruit” and only the fullness of the Holy Spirit will make you embrace the problem in the full grace of God.
[3]. Christ’s trust in God (verse 23). The unbroken line of communication between the Father and Son was constantly upheld by an entrusting faith that was so strong that no distraction broke it and it helped to place all in rightful perspective. God is the righteous Judge and we leave all in His own hands.
Jesus constantly resorted to prayer, even though in a sense He did not need to, being fully God, but He set that example for us. We read of such occasions as in this - {{John 6:15 “Jesus therefore perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.”}} AND this one also – {{Luke 6:12 “It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God,”}}
Again we say, Christ has left us an example. Hard? Yes, but in following the example of our glorious Lord, we glorify God and bring honour to His Name. May God help us in our frail ways to be faithful servants in all things.
ronaldf@aapt.net.au
