Rev. David Holwick V
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
June 22, 1997
1 Peter 2:18-25
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I. Being owned by someone.
A. Harsh charge against Christianity - acceptance of slavery.
1) Early Church made subtle influence, but didn't make demands.
2) Southern slave owners quoted the Bible freely.
a) They argued it was part of God's eternal plan.
1> Abraham owned slaves.
2> Moses gave laws about them.
3> Jesus referred to them in his parables.
4> Paul and Peter give instructions about them. #3598
b) Also good for slaves - they can get saved.
c) They spiritualized an unjust social system.
3) American slavery system was among worst in history, and
colors our understanding of this passage.
a) Year 13th Amendment (abolishing slavery) was passed
by state of Mississippi - 1995!
B. Common for early Christians to be slaves: 50% of cities.
1) Different from American version.
a) Race did not play a role.
b) Education was encouraged.
c) Many slaves had high social functions: doctors, lawyers.
d) Slaves could own property - including other slaves!
e) The majority could anticipate being freed by age of 30.
2) Nevertheless, a slave is a slave.
a) They had no rights to their own body.
b) They may have a kind master, but maybe not.
C. We are not slaves. Right?
1) Our condition as employees is closest parallel.
a) Far from exact correspondence.
b) But we may feel powerless and hemmed in by system.
2) Peter has a hard word for us - accept it.
a) Christians can change even when their situations don't.
1> We don't have to run away or throw bombs.
2> We can be victorious right where we are.
b) Harsh treatment should bring out the best in us.
1> When they see us, they should see Jesus shine.
II. Bearing up under bad conditions. 2:18
A. Submit to good, and evil, masters.
1) Their character doesn't matter. Ours does.
2) "Out of all respect" is literally, "in all fear."
a) Our respect for God, not master (as in NIV).
b) Compare Paul's instructions. Colossians 3:21- 4:2
1> Motive for obedience - you are serving God.
2> Masters are reminded that they also have a Master.
B. What is commendable to God.
1) Important, because in an "inclusio."
2) Commendable = grace.
a) Our willingness to endure is an expression of gratitude
for all God has done for us.
b) Our consciousness of God puts suffering in a different
light. 2:19
3) Without grace, suffering is just suffering.
C. Called to be extraordinary.
1) When we suffer consequences of sin or lawlessness,
we shouldn't think God is thrilled with us.
2) Behind Peter's words are those of Jesus. Luke 6:32-35
a) Everyone has to bear the suffering they deserve.
b) Only extraordinary people accept unjust suffering
with patience and dignity.
c) Christians are supposed to be extraordinary people.
Booker T. Washington describes meeting an ex-slave from Virginia
in his book "Up from Slavery":
Just before the Emancipation Proclamation, this man has made a
contract with his master to buy himself.
He would pay so much per year for his body; and while he was
paying for himself, he was to be permitted to work wherever
he wanted.
Finding that he could secure better wages in Ohio, he went there.
When freedom came, he was still in debt to his master some three
hundred dollars.
This was a lot of money in those days.
The Emancipation Proclamation freed the slave from any obligation
to pay back his master.
Instead this black man walked back to where his old master lived
in Virginia.
He placed the last dollar, with interest, in the master's hands.
In talking to Booker Washington about this, the ex-slave told him
that he knew that he did not have to pay his debt.
But he had given his word to his master, and his word he had never
broken.
He felt that he could not enjoy his freedom till he had fulfilled
his promise.
#1917
3) How often have YOU seen this kind of integrity?
a) When was the last time you did something like this?
b) "To this we were called." 2:21
1> We need to recognize that God is in control.
2> Even when he doesn't seem to be.
III. Our example has been set by Jesus. 2:21
A. Example = do what Jesus would do.
1) Follow in his steps alluded to in classic book by Sheldon,
"In His Steps."
Book has a church decide to live like Jesus would.
Not all rosy endings, but they decide faithfulness is right.
B. Peter draws five allusions to Isaiah 53.
1) Jesus was innocent. 2:22
a) We don't tend to be innocent, but sometimes we are.
2) No deceit in his mouth.
a) Deceit is the sinful manipulation of others for
our personal advantage.
3) He did not retaliate or threaten. 2:23
a) Instead, he met them with dignified silence.
1> Even his tormentors were included within the
circle of his forgiveness. Luke 23:34
b) Jesus entrusted himself to the ultimate judge.
1> He was confident God would vindicate him.
2> Do you believe God will one day vindicate you?
IV. Jesus was treated unjustly - for us. 2:24
A. Ultimately, the gospel itself is not fair.
1) Jesus died on cross for our sins.
2) His wounds heal us. (spiritually / physically)
B. We went astray, Jesus the Shepherd found us. 2:25
V. You don't have to be jerked around.
A. Are you in a tense situation? Feel powerless?
1) Have attitude that God will get you through it.
2) Don't let circumstances drive you, only faith.
B. Keep the proper perspective.
1) Life will always have its injustices.
2) Even God is unfair - which is good for us.
C. Are you in a position of power over others?
1) We naturally assume we are all slaves, victims.
2) But many are in positions of authority.
3) How do you treat those under you?
4) Do you treat them knowing you yourself will answer to God?
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I. Themes: Submission and injustice. 2:18-25
A. Proper respect.
B. Slaves, and bearing injustice.
1) We shouldn't have to assert our rights. (litigation)
2) Being a worker under a boss.
a) Should we ALWAYS submit?
C. Jesus and non-resistance.
1) The way of the cross: self-denial.
2) Does suffering accomplish things?
a) Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr.
D. Entrusting ourselves to God to work things out.
1) Naive?
2) Tool of masters?
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