Bible Study

Bible study is the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of each month instead of a regular service.

This is when we delve deeper in the scriptures, like the Bereans, to better understand what we are reading. Some people think we should not question God, but there are times when those hard questions nag at you like “why did God let the satan attack Job” or when a hard saying of Jesus like “if you call someone a fool you are liable to the fire of gehenna” just gets in the way of your faith. All over the Bible the Psalmists and prophets were constantly asking God some tough questions when they don’t understand what’s happening to them. And so, we, like them should not shy away from asking too. We might not get all the answers we are looking for, but we come away with a better understanding of the passages we are studying and knowing that our God is a big and does not feel threatened by our questioning.

Week 8 – Christ-like Behavior in Face of Unjust Treatment

November 8, 2015

Study
Questions

Study

The First Letter of Peter: Holy Living in the Midst of Fiery Trials.

A household slave was at the beck and call of their master and suffered many indignities. They had to obey their master’s every wish. Peter writes to let them know he understands, but as Believers, they should show respect to their master even when treated harshly. This message is also addressed to us as slaves of Christ to also show respect to our employers whether they are kind or mean. Should we do wrong, we will suffer the consequences and there is no commendation for suffering when we do wrong. Scriptures tells us over and over that as followers of Christ (righteousness), we will suffer (See Job 2:9-10 & 2 Tim 3:12. Also check out Gen 50:20). However, when we encounter trials, sufferings, or unjust treatments because we are followers of Jesus, we are to endure and never forget that our Sovereign God is in control. Our righteous conduct can win that harsh boss, or maybe another employee, who has witnessed our handling of the situation, to Christ.

Questions

Whom is Peter addressing?
What instruction is being given to the Believer?
What enables the Believer to continue to carry out his responsibilities even under wretched conditions?
Of what does Peter remind these Believers who are suffering?
Of what are we reminded in verses 24-25 when we are tempted to react with indignation when we suffer unjustly?

Answers

Peter is addressing the household servant and, ultimately, any Believer facing unjust treatment.
Peter is encouraging the Believer who is a slave (employee) to continue to obey and show respect to their master (boss), even if that master (boss) is harsh and unreasonable.
When we encounter unjust treatment, we are to be aware of God’s presence and his sovereign control over the situation.
We are told in verse 20 when we do go and suffer for it is commendable and pleases God.
Jesus our Messiah suffered humiliation and crucifixion on our behalf, and by his wounds we are healed spiritually, mentally and physically so we can live a life of righteousness.

Selected Scripture Verses

I Peter 2:18-25

(18) Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. (19) For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are 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 cross, 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.

Bible Study

Open Hands Church