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"For to this you were called"

Text: 1 Peter 2:21

SUFFERING WRONGFULLY

It is not easy to suffer at any time. But to suffer wrongfully must be even harder! Yet, the Apostle Peter describes it as “commendable”. This is explained in this text.

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:”
1 Peter 2:21

1. “For to this you were called”

a) There are many aspects to God’s calling.

i) There is God’s call to salvation in Christ (1 Peter 1:1-12).

ii) There is God’s call to holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).

iii) There is God’s call to be a part of God’s plan to belong to God’s spiritual house (1 Peter 2:4-10).

b) Peter adds to the concept of God’s calling.

i) Believers are also called to practise submission (1 Peter 2:13-16).

ii) This would include “suffering” (1 Peter 2:21).

2. “Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example”

a) Christ Jesus was cited.

b) The suffering of Christ I

i) He suffered for us.

ii) This was part of the price of atonement.

iii) The suffering of Christ is to be deeply appreciated.

iv) Our personal suffering does not have the same significance as that of Christ.

c) The suffering of Christ II

i) He has left behind a tremendous example.

ii) The word “example” means “pattern” or “model”.

iii) This example was meant to be emulated.

3. “That you should follow His steps”

a) The word “steps” may be translated “footprints”.

b) These are the footsteps of the Lord Jesus Christ.

c) His footsteps are meant to be our example.

i) We are to be prepared to follow His footsteps.

ii) We are to emulate His example.

d) This would prove to be a difficult calling to heed.