EXPLORE THE TEXT
Believers are to follow Christ’s example in the face of unjust suffering.
21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth;
23 when he was insulted, he did not insult in return;
when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree;
so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness.
By his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were like sheep going astray,
but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
In verses 18-20, Peter gave a brief admonition to household slaves.
Individuals could become slaves in many ways.
Some were spoils of war or were born into the slavery of their parents.
Others voluntarily submitted to servanthood/slavery to pay off debt
or simply to survive.
Some slaves lived a meager existence, while others enjoyed a broad education
(maybe more than their masters) and a measure of prosperity.
Regardless of their situation, though, slaves/servants had no legal rights and were subject to their masters.
Some have criticized New Testament writers for urging slaves/servants to honor their masters.
However, since the practice of slavery was widespread across the Empire,
the church’s best way to attack the institution was from within.
As trans
formed slaves served well, God could use their witness to transform masters.
If enough masters were transformed by Christ, society would start to view slavery in a different light.
Review the direct commands listed on the board.
(of the Lord, glorify God, God’s will)
Remind the group of the summary statement for the session:
Believers’ actions and attitudes are to bring glory to God.
Emphasize that this includes during times of suffering.
Share that Peter illustrated this point through the example of Jesus.
To set the context for Peter’s final explanation of the example of Jesus,
read Isaiah 53:4-6
and contrast it with 1 Peter 2:24-25.
Isaiah 53:4-6 NASB
4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.6 All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 45 of the Personal Study Guide:
Instruct the group to replace “believers” with “I” in these three statements.
Invite adults to evaluate the degree their actions and attitudes bring glory to God.
Challenge them to reflect on these statements during the coming week.
Guide the group to discuss the second set of questions on page 45 of the PSG.
Spend a few minutes talking about the significance of the example Jesus set and how individuals can follow His example when dealing with opposition.
Close in prayer,
thanking God for the provision of His Son for your sins
so that you may live an abundant life both now and for eternity.
Commit to living a life that reflects Christ in your actions and attitudes to bring glory and honor to God.
Reinforce the session by texting or emailing the group during the week and encouraging them to reflect on the three summary statements they personalized during the session. Challenge the group to personally apply these statements using the direct commands from Peter in their daily living. Invite them to share stories with the group of their experiences as a way to encourage one another in Christian living.
Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. (See Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2.)
Memorize a verse and apply it to a real-life situation.
Memorize Isaiah 53:6 in your preferred Bible translation. Then write the verse in your own words. Finally, write a couple of sentences here or in a journal, stating how the verse can affirm not only your forgiveness in Christ, but the power to live the righteous life Peter speaks of.