Nov 20, 2022 Preaching | Bro. Fred Magbanua
Peter’s second thematic focus in his 1st letter is submission to authority. 1 Peter 2:18 begins with “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect”. How does this relate to the modern workplace? Are we really supposed to follow this even if our boss is unfair or unreasonable or when the company is unjust? What are the biblical principles, and what should our attitudes and actions be as a follower of Jesus?
Slaves in the Roman Empire were vastly different. They were not owned by their masters for life and they rendered a variety of services, according to their education and skills. Slaves during that time were on an employment relationship with their master, similar to how it is today. The following are God’s message to us, modern day employees, through Peter’s inspired writing:
1.Be subject to your masters (v18-20)
In v18, the phrase to be submissive means to be under obedience, to be in subjection. While the master refers to our employer or manager or the hiring company today. What needs to be clarified first and foremost is that God’s law and the laws of the country take precedence over the company’s policy and boss’ directions. If we are asked to do something against our conscience, then we should pray for God’s intervention and can choose to leave the organization. In reality, if a manager is good and gentle, it’s easy to follow them. However, there is that temptation for us to abuse their kindness. In this case, as Christians, we should never take advantage. Paul in Col 3:23-24 reminds us to do our work heartily because it is the Lord Christ we are serving. If on the other hand, a manager is unjust, we should render the same kind of service and not hold back. This doesn’t mean that we tolerate injustice. Many times it’s not about injustice, but more about unreasonableness. Thankfully today, many companies have safeguards against injustice. So what should be our motivation to submit regardless of the type of manager? According to Peter, it’s finding favor with God. He doesn’t say God is pleased when we suffer. God is pleased when we endure with Him in mind. Paul in Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work together for good. And so the only way that we can respond to unjust masters is to trust in God and let the Holy Spirit work in us. Being patient in suffering brings glory to God. And it has the potential to minister to our masters and those around us. It has the potential to show the Christian love.
PRINCIPLES TO REMEMBER:
1. Shine for God in your workplace
2. Look beyond immediate circumstances of suffering and walk by faith
3. Being mindful of God and His will enables us to endure unjust suffering
2. Jesus is our example (v21-23)
As followers of Jesus, we need to follow in His steps which includes patient suffering when it is called for. It is not true that when we have a strong faith in God and are obedient to Him, there will not be suffering in our lives. While it saves us a lot of undue consequences of sin, following God does not exempt us from any and all suffering. In fact, Jesus is our example in this. Jesus perfectly followed God’s will, yet He suffered death on the cross even if he did not deserve it. Jesus was unjustly reviled but He surrendered to the Father’s will. And we ought to do the same that we endure patiently when we are suffering. We can rest in God’s promise that for as long as we do His will, we will find acceptance and favor in Him.
3. Jesus is our savior (v24-25)
However we are not sinless like Christ, that’s why we need a Savior. Jesus is not just our example, He is our Savior. Quoting Isaiah 53:5-6, Peter acknowledges that Jesus healed us from sin and transgressions because we all like sheep have gone astray. With Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we just need to walk closely to Him and let Him guide our steps.
to unjust masters is to trust in God and let the Holy Spirit work in us. Being patient in suffering brings glory to God. And it has the potential to minister to our masters and those around us. It has the potential to show the Christian love.
PRINCIPLES TO REMEMBER:
1. Shine for God in your workplace
2. Look beyond immediate circumstances of suffering and walk by faith
3. Being mindful of God and His will enables us to endure unjust suffering
2. Jesus is our example (v21-23)
As followers of Jesus, we need to follow in His steps which includes patient suffering when it is called for. It is not true that when we have a strong faith in God and are obedient to Him, there will not be suffering in our lives. While it saves us a lot of undue consequences of sin, following God does not exempt us from any and all suffering. In fact, Jesus is our example in this. Jesus perfectly followed God’s will, yet He suffered death on the cross even if he did not deserve it. Jesus was unjustly reviled but He surrendered to the Father’s will. And we ought to do the same that we endure patiently when we are suffering. We can rest in God’s promise that for as long as we do His will, we will find acceptance and favor in Him.
3. Jesus is our savior (v24-25)
However we are not sinless like Christ, that’s why we need a Savior. Jesus is not just our example, He is our Savior. Quoting Isaiah 53:5-6, Peter acknowledges that Jesus healed us from sin and transgressions because we all like sheep have gone astray. With Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we just need to walk closely to Him and let Him guide our steps.
PRINCIPLES TO REMEMBER:
1. We need Jesus Christ as our Savior.
2. We need to return to the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, die to sin and live to righteousness.
3. Christians must be ready to suffer, despite doing good, following the steps of Jesus.
Remember the story of Paul and Silas who while imprisoned ministered to their jail guards and eventually the jail guard’s household was saved. Are you ready like Paul, to suffer injustices patiently, mindful of the will of God, to bring honor to God and take every opportunity to share His love to others?