A Biblical Perspective on Suffering: Wanting What you Get 1 Peter 2:21-25

A Biblical Perspective on Suffering: Wanting What you Get 1 Peter 2:21-25 1 I. Introduction A. When God created the world, what did he SEE when finished? Ge 1:31 God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. 1. = No Death, No Decay 2. = No SUFFERING, PAIN, DISEASE! 3. Almost heaven on earth B. THEN the FALL Fall of Satan / Fall of Man 1. Death enters through sin 2. Death = a) Physical Death (Adam dead Gen 5:5) b) Spiritual Death (1) IMMEDIATE separation from God (a) DEAD in Sin (Eph 2:1-3 stuff) (2) ETERNAL separation from God (a) Eternity in Hell (3) BL: Wages of Sin = Spiritual Death 3. With the Fall a) Sin & Death BROUGHT disease, Pain, Suffering (1) Gen 3:16 pain = New word! (a) Woman will have PAIN in childbirth (2) Gen 4 Murder (Cain kills Able) b) OUTER MAN is decaying! (2 Cor 4:16) c) AND whole creation fell Ro 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set

free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. d) This is the world the ALL men must LIVE, TOIL, and EVENTUALLY DIE C. BOTTOM LINE We re KICKED OUT Of the GARDEN into a FALLEN WORLD of DECAY and DEATH 1. We will ALL DIE 2. We will ALL DECAY until we die 3. In addition we can ADD to the RATE of DECAY! a) Anger raises blood pressure b) Anxiety suppresses immune system, etc. internal functioning of body c) Sin can lead to God s chastening! (Heb 12 / 1 Peter 1:17) d) Murder may get you the death penalty 4. We can make others suffer too! a) E.g. Permanent injury in a car accident! b) Persecution causes others to suffer! c) Anger, other sinful responses cause others to suffer amongst Christians (even physical violence) D. OK we SUFFER, we have TRIALS (can use words interchangeably) 1. What does God DO with our SUFFERING? 2. Does He USE IT? 3. Does He CAUSE IT? 4. Would God WILL that you Suffer? 5. Let s take a biblical look at suffering! E. TURN TO Passage to read 1 Peter 2:21-23 2

1. 1 Peter is focused on SUFFERING 2. Theme = SUBMITTING to God while SUFFERING 3. Center-piece of the Book = Jesus Christ as our EXAMPLE for how to Suffer 1 Pe 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, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 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; 4. SINCE Jesus Christ is our Example, let s start by studying HOW He Suffered II. The Suffering Servant How Did Jesus Christ Suffer? A. Jesus Suffered the Pain of Rejection from His Own People 1. Rejected by God s own CHOSEN PEOPLE Israel 2. Rejected Him as GOD / as Messiah 3. Treated Him as common Criminal 4. = The Stone the Builders Rejected (1 Peter 2) 5. Jesus Came to His own and those who were His own did not receive Him (John 1:11) B. Jesus Suffered the Pain of Disloyalty 1. Judas Betrayed Him Ps 41:9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me. 2. Peter Denied Him THREE times 3. REST SCATTERED C. Jesus Suffered PAIN of Humiliation (Mockery) Mt 27:26 Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman 3

cohort around Him. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30 They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. 1. Humiliated: Mock crown / scepter / royal robe / homage 2. Scorned & Spat on 3. = MAJOR Humiliation D. Jesus Suffered PHYSICAL PAIN all the way to death Mt 20:18 Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up. 1. Jesus Foretold His suffering condemn, mock, scourge and crucify Him 2. Scourged with leather whips in which sharp pieces of bone and metal were embedded -could die from 3. Crucified a) Pain of Carrying the cross b) Agonizing death on the Cross E. Jesus Suffered the Pain of Unjust Guilt and punishment 2 Co 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 1. He suffered the PENALTY of ALL our SIN! 1 Pe 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 4

F. What Role Did SUFFERING PLAY in God s PLAN for Christ? III. Theology of Suffering 5 A. Jesus and Suffering 1. Jesus Christ Suffered According to the Plan of God a) OT detailed ALL the things we just talked about AS PROPHECY b) Psalmists (1) Messiah would be pierced (22:16) (2) He would cry out in Pain (22:1) (3) Betrayed for 30 pieces of Silver (11:12) (4) Betrayed by a friend (Ps 41:9) (5) Deserted by his remaining friends (Ps 3:7) c) OT writers LONGED to UNDERSTAND this SUFFERING! 1 Pe 1:10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. d) Even Jesus acknowledged that this was ALL PART of the PLAN of GOD Jn 17:4 I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. (1) What work? THE WORK OF THE CROSS 2. Jesus Christ HAD to SUFFER to ENTER into His Glory Lk 24:25 And He said to them, O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory? Heb 2:10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all

things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. Heb 2:17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. a) = Jesus was PERFECTED through SUFFERING b) Perfected on His HUMAN SIDE to be the understanding High Priest, Advocate, Mediator c) BL: It was not ABOUT HOW HE SUFFERED It was ABOUT WHY HE SUFFERED d) He suffered to be perfected 3. Jesus Christ suffered to CONFIRM His HUMANITY and Experience it to the FULLEST Heb 5:8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, a) Obedience = Necessary to Confirm Humanity and Experience Humanity to the FULLEST WITHOUT SINNING Php 2:8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. b) Obedience led to Humility to death c) Jesus had to face ALL that Humanity FACED without Sinning TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS 1 Pe 3:18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; d) He didn t just suffer for suffering s sake! 6

4. Jesus Christ Suffered the MOST on the CROSS 1 Pe 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. a) Peter used the worst case in each point he made in 1 Peter b) Worst Case for Suffering = Jesus Christ on the Cross c) Why worst? (1) Greatest Pain = Bearing Our Sin + Separation from God (2) NOT the worst for the Passion before (forget the movie) 5. Jesus Christ PATIENTLY endured ALL suffering by entrusting Himself to God. a) Patiently endured 1 Pe 2:23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, b) Entrusting 1 Pe 2:23 but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 6. Jesus Christ Suffered SO THAT He could HE COULD BRING us TO GLORY Heb 2:10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. a) The BEST leaders have been through what their people are going through b) Know how best to lead them c) Jesus Christ is the PERFECT LEADER He s BEEN THROUGH it TOO 7

7. Let s Sum it all up! a) The PATH to GLORY For Jesus CHRIST (1) = The PATH of SUFFERING (2) = The PATH of OBEDIENCE b) TO BE PERFECTED / CONFIRMED in His Humanity c) TO BE the perfect SACRIFICE and perfect High Priest / Mediator / Advocate FOR US d) HOW did He do it? He KEPT ENTRUSTING HIMSELF to His Father through it all. 8 B. Christians and Suffering 1. Christians experience both blessing and suffering a) 1 Peter is all about suffering, right? b) So, How does Peter start the book? c) A: BLESSING! - the Great Salvation awaiting us! 1 Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. d) Why start this way? e) A: Where your focus needs to be when you suffer! f) Col 3:1-3 Set your mind on things above and not on things of the earth g) In suffering focus on blessings IN ETERNITY not on anything on this earth h) Peter also says a lot about suffering (1) He continues after v.5 with

1 Pe 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, (2) this = the eternity awaiting you i) Remember 1 Peter 2:21? called to suffer! 2. Christians Suffer for MANY REASONS a) For Acting Like Christians (doing what is right) (1) Context of 2:21: 2:18-20 1 Pe 2:18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. (2) TWO kinds of suffering here (a) You sin and are harshly treated (b) You do what is right and suffer for it. (3) 2 nd Kind is what God has called you to suffer for For doing Godly good and suffering for it. (4) Peter even says it again explicitly 1 Pe 3:17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. b) For Sin Just saw it you can be harshly treated and suffer for sinning! (v.20, 3:17) (1) Also 1Peter 4:15 1 Pe 4:15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 9

(2) Yes, the Bible states the obvious (3) You are NOT earning POINTS with God when you suffer for SIN! c) For God to Test us 1 Pe 4: 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 1 Pe 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1) Testing shows our faith (2) Testing grows our faith (3) Testing is God s REFINING FIRE! d) For God to perfect us here 1 Pe 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1) God wants to show you how He has GROWN YOUR FAITH in TRIALS! (2) And God has other goals: 1 Pe 5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 10

(a) All CHARACTER WORDS! (b) Perfect = equip / prepare (c) Confirm = impregnable (d) Establish = foundation 3. Christians are NOT to be surprised by Suffering! a) WRONG = WHY is this HAPPENING TO ME? b) RIGHT: 1 Pe 4: 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; (1) Don t be surprised! This isn t strange! (2) God is testing you! c) And from those other verses you know it can be God s will (3:17, 1:6) too! d) So, never be surprised when faced with a trial! 4. Christians handle suffering by patiently enduring, following Christ and entrusting themselves to God 1 Pe 2:20 F But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 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) Christ is our EXAMPLE to FOLLOW b) His steps = tracks, foot prints = like following in deep snow follow exact steps c) example = writing under (1) How you learned to write (2) You had a letter written on the paper (3) You wrote yours below, copying that one d) And, how did Christ do this? 1 Pe 2:23 kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 11

e) How do we do it? 1 Pe 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. (1) Entrust = hand over to someone to keep (2) We trust the God who created us to keep us! 12 5. Christians are BLESSED when Suffering! 1 Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. 1 Pe 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. a) Blessed through the Holy Spirit! b) God gives you His Holy Spirit to LITERALLY CARRY YOU THROUGH the TRIAL! c) SUPERNATURAL STRENGTHENING! 6. Christians are to REJOICE for SUFFERING! a) Certainly for Persecution Ac 5:41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, b) BUT ALL suffering too! Jas 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 1 Pe 4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, (1) Did you know that you ll DOUBLY rejoice?! 1 Pe 4:13 so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. c) REJOICING is probably the hardest thing to do in a trial, yet the Bible tells us to do it!

13 d) You MUST have a COMPLETELY HEAVENLY attitude that is ATTACHED TO NOTHING here to be able to FULLY DO THIS! 7. Christians are REWARDED for SUFFERING! 1 Pe 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. a) You get PRAISE, HONOR and GLORY b) You get MORE FAITH c) KEY: You re not just enduring suffering to learn patience, etc. on this side of eternity d) You are learning something that will ENHANCE your ability to GLORIFY God in eternity! 2 Co 4:17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. e) Remember when Mother of James and John asked Christ that her sons sit on His right and left (1) What was Christ s response? (2) Are you able to drink the cup? (3) CUP = CUP OF SUFFERING He was to drink! (4) Christ has MOST EXALTED POSITION in HEAVEN BECAUSE HE SUFFERED MOST.

(5) Part of our position in heaven is related to how much we ve suffered f) Quote: In eternity, sufferers will be praising God for earthly momentary light affliction that has given them an eternal ability to Glorify God. IV. CONCLUSION 14 A. What s the BOTTOM LINE of Christian Attitude in this life? B. It s NOT GETTING WHAT You WANT in LIFE IT s WANTING WHAT YOU GET C. WHATEVER You GET is FROM GOD 1. Blessing is from God / Trials are from God 2. ALL THINGS pass through His WILL a) Nothing happens to you that He doesn t allow 3. That s why Paul can say Ro 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. D. WHEN you WANT what you GET, 1. You can consider it JOY 2. You can entrust yourself to God 3. You do not sin in your response to the suffering 4. AND you know that God is perfecting you to be like His Son who also SUFFERED and left you to follow in His footsteps the footsteps of suffering 5. When you suffer, face trials, are persecuted, have tribulations consider yourself privileged. E. NOW let s go to COMMUNION and THANK CHRIST for SUFFERING FOR US!