Rev. David Holwick V First Baptist Church Ledgewood, New Jersey June 22, 1997 1 Peter 2:18-25 IF YOUR BOSS IS A JERK ====================== 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- 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. -3- 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. -4- 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? \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 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? ============================================================ TEXT 18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.