Live the Life He Lived

A Living Faith
What is Faith?
Faith Empowers Endurance

1 Peter 2:18-25

The Message

The Kind of Life He Lived

^18-20 You who are servants, be good servants to your masters—not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. What counts is that you put up with it for God’s sake when you’re treated badly for no good reason. There’s no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.

^21-25 This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.

He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.

They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.

For Reflection

When is it right to disobey a worldly master-- good or bad?  Christ certainly did not obey worldly masters, but, it can be argued that He was good to all of them.

How is that so?

Suppose your boss or supervisor asks you to do something that is contrary to your faith?  You, like Jesus before the Pharisees, can not serve God's intention and the Pharisees. Christ was subject to criticism if He did or if he didn't -- a dilemma.  It would be wrong to be complicit to an untoward act.  It is not being good to the boss for you to partner in his unGodly act because it contributes to his ungodliness.

Will you suffer consequences?  if you are not creative and can be supportive without being compliant.  You might find an acceptable alternative.  However, if you cannot, continuing disobedience to the will of God will, over time, undermine your faith.

God will set things right.  Keep an eye on his Kingdom and God will name you righteous and keep you safe.  We are invited to suffer in joy and be steadfast in our faith, confident in God's promise, committed to his Kingdom. and trusting in His judgment.

Pray

Pray for the courage to remain obedient to your faith.  Pray that the Lord' will enter the hearts of your enemies.  Pray so that the Lord may comfort you and protect you when you choose goodness.