Enduring at Work
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Spiritual Vitality
1 Peter 2:18-25 (ESV)
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 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. 21 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. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 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. 24 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. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Sermon Outline
Jesus redefines and redirects everything so that subjection becomes a way of being honorable as you work (v18) in a fallen world.
1. Don’t give in or give up.
vv19-20 “For this is a gracious thing, when…one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly… when you do good”
v18 “not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust”
v22 “He… neither… he …he did not…”
2. Return to the shepherd of your soul.
v21 “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you”
vv24-25 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree… By his wounds you have been healed… you were straying… but have now returned…”
3. Follow in the steps of Jesus.
v21 “leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps”
v19 “when, mindful of God”
v23“but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly”
Prayer of Confession
Our great Shepherd and Overseer, you are gracious, and you alone are just and wise. Forgive us our many sins. We have given in to temptation, having participated in the corrupt ways of our world. We have given up, failing to live uprightly because it is hard and costly. We have caused unjust suffering in others; we have not been upright as we have navigated our own suffering. We have not done our work mindful of you. We have not entrusted ourselves to your care and provision. Forgive us. Heal us. Open our ears to hear the call to return, and lead us by your Spirit with eyes to see Jesus, who goes before us. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
Why doesn’t it work to pick and choose what you like from Jesus and his teachings? How does a topic like subjection/submission require other assumptions and principles from within Christianity to be good and effective?
What does it mean to “do good” in the work place? What are some theological/Christian principles that help us understand the purpose of work and set proper expectations for the role of work in our lives, and how we do our work?
How can an incompetent or corrupt boss tempt you to “give in” (respond/act sinfully)? How can such a boss tempt you to give up (acquiesce)?
Think of some examples of enduring in doing good in a context where you are suffering unjustly. Imagine how different scenarios play out. What strikes you as worth applying to your life?
How does Jesus suffering for us heal us?
How does Jesus go ahead of us in facing injustice, as one who remains just? What does this do for us?
Why is it important to be healed by Jesus, and to respond to his call to follow him, before imitating him or doing what he teaches? Why is it important to imitate him?
Where are you needing to show honor to someone in this season of life? What are healthy ways to be subject/submissive in your current work context (including work that is not necessarily paid employment)? How are assertiveness and courage being required of you?
What does it mean to entrust yourself to God, who judges justly? How should this direct you to do all things mindful of God? What does it look like to do your work for God’s honor and glory?