Mar. 29, 2026

“BE HOPEFUL”

“WHAT TYPE OF ATTITUDE DO YOU HAVE?”

1 PETER 2:18-25

Four Reasons Why You Will and Why You Must Suffer On The Job:

1. The Power Of Submission- 1 Peter 2:18

1 Peter 2:18 “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.”

*Submission is a command-vs.18 “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear..”

Ephesians 5:22-6:9- We see submission in marriage, parent-child relationship, employer-employee relationship, and the government- citizen relationship. 

vs.18 “…with all fear…”- this is the manner in which we are to do it.

Romans 13:1-7, vs.7 “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”

Ephesians 6:5-9 “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”

Colossians 3:22-24 “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

These people in Peter’s day did not have a choice, they could not go out and get a new master or job, most of you can. But the problem is some people take the same attitude from job to job, the problem is the heart and it needs to change. You need an attitude adjustment. Get things worked out so you can proclaim the praises of Jesus Christ.

vs.18- the magnitude of submission- “not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.”

2.  The Puzzle Of Suffering- 1 Peter 2:19-25

*Four Reason’s Why As Believers You Will Suffer On The Job:

*First, Because It Is Your Compensation- vs.19

1 Peter 2:19 “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.”

“Commendable” vs.19 or thankworthy- worthy of thanks which comes from the Greek word (charis) which is translated “grace.”

Paul’s thorn in the flesh:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

“Suffering wrongfully” vs.19

Ephesians 6:5-9

*Second, Because It Is Acceptable To God- vs.20

1 Peter 2:20 “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.”

Having a right attitude is the key. Suffer for it, “take it patiently.” This is “commendable before God.” vs.20

“Patiently” vs.20- is part of the “fruit of the Spirit” Galatians 5:22-23.

The more you suffer the more patience you gain:

James 1:2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Acts 14:22 “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 

You must go through tribulation to enter the kingdom of God. Peter says this is “commendable before God.” vs.20

*Thirdly, Because It Is Your Calling- vs.21-24

1 Peter 2:21-24 “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22“Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”

Christ had a clean life, vs.22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”

Zephaniah 3:13 “The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness And speak no lies, Nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; For they shall feed their flocks and lie down, And no one shall make them afraid.” 

Christ also had a committed life- vs.23 “…but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”

Christ had a consumed life- vs.24 “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”

Isaiah 53:12 “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.”

Deuteronomy 21:23 “his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.”

*Fourthly, Because You Have A New Boss- vs.25

1 Peter 2:25 “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

Do you really know Christ as your Savior? He is personal.

Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

Is He your Boss?

“Shepherd” vs.25- He is your Guide

“Overseer” vs.25- bishop or guardian, boss, administrator, manager, or steward.

God is the Shepherd of our souls:

John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

If you will get this message down it can change your life. What type of attitude do you have?

2 Timothy 3:12 “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”