How Can You Be Holy on the Job?
I Peter 2:18-25
Intro:
1. Remember I Pet 1:15-16 - But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
2. Part of your calling to be a Christian is to live a holy life on the job!
I. v21-23 - The Lord Worked in an Unfriendly Workplace
A. The Lord didn’t deserve the treatment He received.
1. v21a - He suffered (πάσχω) = to suffer, to be acted upon, to experience pain.
2. v23 - He endured insults. He didn’t retaliate!
a. ILL: On the cross, “He saved others . . .” (Matt 27:39-44)
b. ILL: Soldiers blindfolded Him, “Who hit you . . ?” (Lk 22:64-65)
3. v24 - He bore our sins.
a. Is 53:4-5 - Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgres- sions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
b. Jn 1:29 - Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
B. Notice how our Lord responded to all of this.
1. v22 - He committed no sin.
a. II Cor 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
b. Heb 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknes- ses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet was without sin.
2. v23 - He entrusted Himself to God. Lk 23:46 - Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
II. v18-20, 24-25 - How Do You Respond to an Unfriendly Workplace?
A. v21b - He wants you to imitate His example.
1. Follow (ἐπακολουθέω) in His steps = to walk behind on a trail.
2. ILL: Following Art & Brigetta Thomas on that narrow trail in the Italian Alps.
3. He didn’t retaliate.
a. What might happen when you retaliate?
b. ILL: “Where Will It All End?”
4. To really be Christ-like, you need to be with Him & imitate His ways.
B. v18 - When your boss is a Ding-a-ling what do you do?
1. Submit yourself to His authority.
2. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit in your life to respond in this way!
C. v19-20 - What happens when you suffer for doing good?
1. Endure (ὑπομένω) = to willingly stay under your circumstances.
2. It becomes commendable before God.
a. Commendable (χάρις) = gracious! This is the same word for God’s grace towards us!
b. ILL: “Tale of the Two Goats”
3. Peter, himself, became an example of this. ILL: Peter & John flogged for preaching Christ
(Act 5:40-41)
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Having this attitude you will be the shining light where you’re employed.
Be Holy on the Job!
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