First Peter Two Verses Twenty-One-Twenty-Three
Words Of Truth

Words Of Truth


"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

First Peter 2:21-23
The Perfect Example Of Jesus In How To Suffer Punishment When One Is Innocent

I. Introduction:

A. There is a behavior that is appropriate for saints (Romans 16:1-2 and Ephesians 5:3-5).

  1. We know what that conduct is through the Gospel (Philippians 1:27).
  2. Our conduct is supposed to be worthy (Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10, and I Thessalonians 2:12).
B. Of course, the Scriptures teach us how to behave (I Thessalonians 4:1-2).

  1. We also can look at the examples of those in the past, such as the Apostle Paul (I Corinthians 4:16).
  2. We can even look at the faithful examples of the present (Titus 2:2-5).

II. Body: I Peter 2:21-23

A. Called (II Thessalonians 2:14) because Christ suffered for you (I Peter 3:18).

  1. In context, suffering (I Peter 2:20), is part of what we [saints] have been called to (Acts 14:22 and Romans 8:17).
  2. So, even if it be at the hand of those who would abuse their worldly authority over us, we need to be ready to suffer for the sake of Christ (Philippians 1:29).
  3. Figuratively speaking, to be crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20).
B. Jesus is our example to follow (I John 2:3-6).

  1. Think about Paul’s words to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 11:1).
  2. Consider the tie of suffering and sinlessness (I Peter 4:1-2).
C. Jesus was/is sinless (Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 7:26-28, and Hebrews 9:28).

  1. No guile [deceit] in His mouth (Isaiah 53:9 and John 1:17).
  2. Following that example in all things (I John 3:5-6).
  3. Saints are to speak no guile (I Peter 3:10).
  4. Yes, Jesus expects His followers to cease from sin (John 5:1-15, John 8:1-11, Romans 6:1-2, I Corinthians 15:34, II Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Galatians 2:17, Ephesians 4:17-5:11, Philippians 2:14-16, II Timothy 2:19, Titus 2:10-14, II Peter 3:10-14, I John 2:1, I John 3:7-10, and I John 5:18).
D. When they reviled [reproach; vilified], Jesus did not return the same to those that reviled Him (Matthew 27:11-14 and Matthew 27:39-44).

  1. When Jesus suffered (i.e. Luke 22:64-65), He did not threaten (Luke 23:33-37).
  2. It was not that He was unable to do anything (Matthew 26:47-56). Thing about His might (Matthew 8:23-27).
  3. Saints can expect, at some point, for those persecuting us to revile [defame] us and say evil against us (Matthew 5:10-12).
  4. The expectation for saints is that we do not answer evil with evil (Romans 12:17, I Thessalonians 5:15, and I Peter 3:9).
E. Jesus committed [delivered] Himself to Him that judgeth righteously (Luke 23:46).

  1. Trust in God (I Peter 4:17-19).
  2. Vengeance is not ours to take (II Thessalonians 1:4-9 and Hebrews 10:30-31).
  3. So, again to tie this all up, look to Jesus as the example of how to endure suffering and all that comes with it (Hebrews 12:1-3).

III. Conclusion: Our Next Study: I Peter 2:24-25