1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.
1 Peter 2:18-20
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. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 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.
1 Peter 2:21-25
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, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 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; 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. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
Truths from the passage:
1. We have been called to suffer for doing right.
2. Christ has left us a path to follow.
3. The key to this path is entrusting yourself to the God who judges justly.
4. In Jesus’ suffering, he set me free from sin so I can respond with righteousness.
What does a righteous response look like?
Big Idea: When someone is attacking me, because God is my defender, I do not have to control them but have the power to control myself.
1. Trust the God who will make this right. (God is in control)
a. Don’t fear. (1 Peter 3:14)
b. Don’t defend yourself, God will defend you.
c. He will lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5)
d. He will use this very instance to do amazing good in people’s lives.
2. Respond righteously. (Therefore, I can be in control.)
a. Die to sin, live righteously & do what God says is best.
b. Love: Do what is best for that person.
c. Do good in proportion to the evil done to you. (Romans 12:17-21)
d. Speak words that benefit the hearer. (Ephesians 4:28)
e. Rejoice
1 Peter 4:13-14
But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
St. Charles de Foucauld: “Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.”