Sermon Title: Suffering Like Christ
Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:18-25

1. Key Scriptures

• 1 Peter 2:11-25
• 1 Peter 3:6, 17
• 1 Peter 4:19
• Isaiah 53:5-9
• James 3:2
• Galatians 3:13

2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways

I. The Call: Continue Doing Good When You Suffer Unjustly

Peter addresses household servants who often possessed little freedom or protection. Christians are called to remain faithful before God, not only under good authorities but also when those over them act unjustly.

• Another person’s wrongdoing never gives us permission to answer with wrongdoing.
• Christian endurance is not passive bitterness. It means continuing to do good because God sees and approves faithful obedience.

II. The Pattern: Follow the Steps of the Suffering Christ

Peter points suffering believers to Jesus, the promised Servant of Isaiah 53. Though perfectly innocent, Christ did not retaliate, deceive, or threaten, but entrusted himself to the Father who judges justly.

• Evil came to Christ, but evil did not come out of Christ.
• We may seek truth, protection, and lawful justice without surrendering our hearts to hatred or personal revenge.

III. The Power: Live Through the Wounds of the Sin-Bearing Shepherd

Christ is more than an example. He bore our sins on the cross, broke sin’s dominion, and brought wandering sheep home to himself.

• Before Christ’s footsteps become our pattern, Christ’s wounds must become our salvation.
• Because Christ has borne our guilt, we do not need to justify ourselves before everyone; because God judges justly, we do not need to avenge ourselves.

3. Primary Sources

• Matthew Henry, Commentary on 1 Peter 2:18-25
• John Calvin, Commentary on 1 Peter 2:18-25
• Charles H. Spurgeon, sermons on 1 Peter 2:24 and Christ as the sin-bearer
• D. A. Carson, sermon exposition of 1 Peter 2:11-3:12
• Westminster Larger Catechism, Questions 125-130

4. Additional Resources

• Jerry Bridges, Trusting God
• D. A. Carson, How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil