ENCOURAGING WORDS--1 PETER 2:11-25

ENCOURAGING WORDS

1 PETER 2:11-25

Introduction:

We are strangers and pilgrims in this world. Our testimony for Christ is the thing that sets us apart from the rest of the world. Despite what might come in our lives we must protect that testimony for God’s glory. Here the Lord has given us some “Encouraging Words” to help us deal with the problems of life as we travel through this world awaiting the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I. OUR CONDUCT AMONG SINNERS

Vs. 12-14, “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13- Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14-Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”

A. Honest, v. 12, “They may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

B. Obeying the law, v. 13, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.”

II. THE FAITHFUL SERVANT

Vs. 18-19, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”

A. The servants of God, vs. 16-17

1. Honour all men, Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”

2. Love the brotherhood, 1 John 3:14, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

3. Fear God, 2 Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

4. Honour the king, Romans 13:7, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

B. The servants of men, v. 18-19, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19-For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”

1. Not only to the good and gentle,

2. But also to the froward (unfair, perverse, surly), v. 19- For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully,

3. When you do well and suffer for it, v. 20 “When ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”

III. Our Example,

V. 21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

A. His Character, vs. 22-23, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”

1. He did not fly off the handle, “Who did no sin.”

2. He did not use tricks, “Neither was guile found in his mouth:”

3. He did not react negatively, “When he suffered, he threatened not;”

4. He trusted in God’s judgment, “But committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”

B. He is the caring Shepherd, v. 25, “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

1. With Jesus there is no lack, Psalms 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

2. With tender care the LORD sees to our needs, Isaiah 40:11, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus stands ready to meet our every need as long as we faithfully serve Him. He has promised in Hebrew 13:5-6, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6-So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”