Title: Grace in God’s Eyes
---
1 Peter 2:18–25
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (ESV)
---
Jed Gillis dives into 1 Peter 2:18-21, addressing the challenging issue of enduring unjust suffering. Gillis acknowledges that everyone has experienced or inflicted mistreatment. He emphasizes that addressing such injustice in a manner that honors God is crucial for our spiritual well-being.
Peter instructs servants to be subject to their masters, not only those who are kind but also those who are harsh. He likens it to modern-day employment, urging listeners to respect their leaders while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God.
Peter highlights that enduring suffering for doing good is commendable before God. Gillis underscores two aspects of God's grace: present help during suffering and future reward. He reminds the congregation that mistreatment does not alter God's moral standards and urges them to respond with grace rather than anger or bitterness.
Gillis points to Jesus as the ultimate example of enduring unjust suffering without sinning. Jesus did not retaliate when mistreated but entrusted Himself to God's just judgment. This trust in divine justice allows believers to endure current injustices, knowing that every sin will be addressed either on the cross or through eternal punishment.
By following Jesus' example and relying on God's grace, believers can navigate situations of unjust suffering with perseverance and hope. Ultimately, responding with grace and honor glorifies God and reflects His transformative power at work in our lives.
---
Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
