It's Part of the Package
1 Peter 2:18-21
Pastor Jerry Koller

Beginning in verse 18, Peter is addressing a certain sub-group of saints.
· Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters.

Peter uses a different word for slaves in verse 18 than is typically used. This word has to do with a household slave or better, servant.
· These people were not permanent slaves, but neither were they merely servants.
· Their positions were semipermanent.
· They did not have legal or economic freedom, but they were often paid for their services and could eventually hope to purchase their freedom.

These household servants were to submit to their masters with all respect.
· In Peter’s day, most slaves had the same rights as women and children—which were very few at best.
· As believers, they had freedoms that society denied them. This doesn’t mean they were set free from serving their masters.

Servants were to respect masters who were not only to those (masters) who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. (1 Peter 2:18)
· The word harsh carries with it the idea of being crooked, perverse, and unfair.
· Harsh masters are not straight forward but may be devious, unjust (ESV), or unreasonable (NASB).

Such treatment does not release the servant from submitting to his master with proper respect.

The phrase because he is conscious of God is probably similar in meaning to the phrase for the Lord’s sake in verse 13. which could be translated because of the Lord because it carries with it the idea that this is what God wants us to do.

The word beating comes from a word that means to strike with one’s fist.

The phrase struck Him with their fists comes from the same word that is translated beating in 1 Peter 2:20.

But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. (1 Peter 2:20b) This statement supports what was said in verse 19. This is praiseworthy.

Not only is such suffering commendable; it is a part of our calling. It is a part of serving Christ.

As far as calling is concerned, Paul had this to say.

The phrase granted to you—comes from a word meaning grace, favor, or a privilege. Suffering for Christ’s sake is a privilege. Jesus said:

If He suffered, we will suffer.

Jesus is our example for how we are to endure suffering on His behalf. As such, we are to follow in His footsteps.

Part of following Jesus includes suffering on His behalf. It is a part of the package. But fear not, grace is given to us in our times of need.

May we be cautious not to suffer because of some wrong we commit and expect God to commend us for enduring.

· Darlene Craig continues to be hospitalized as she recovers from a possible stroke, surgery to have a pacemaker inserted, and a severe infection.
· Roberta Newton is recovering from a procedure to repair a leaking blood vessel. She also has a large kidney stone that doctors are treating with medication because it cannot be operated on. Cards can be sent to Roberta Newton, P.O. Box 51, Palmadale FL 33944.
· Curt & Patty Bales and their family upon the loss of Curt’s mom, Norma Bales, on 12/21.
· Caroline Bocock received a really bad concussion on 11/5 while playing soccer. Doctors are concerned because she is still vomiting, dizzy, and having constant headaches. She has to see a Sports Medicine doctor before they will schedule a neurological appointment. Please pray that this appointment will be scheduled quickly and continue to pray for healing, wisdom for the doctors, and that the Lyme’s Disease hasn’t been triggered. Old symptoms are surfacing but can’t determine if they are concussion symptoms vs. Lyme’s symptoms because they are the same symptoms for both.
· Walter Hatfield is recovering from hernia surgery.
· Annette Koller is recovering from knee replacement surgery.
· Keith Buckley is recovering from injuries due to a fall off a ladder.
· Nolan Marshall (son of Dan & Tracy) got diagnosis results earlier than expected. He is in the process of having his current medications reduced. Dan & Tracy are trying to find a new psychiatrist and working with Nolan’s school to find a safe plan to keep him in the classroom while changes are in process and doctors are evaluating his needs and medicinal changes.
· Shannon French (son of Curt & Patty Bales) continues eye drop treatment for an infection. It looks the damaged part is creating new cells and hopefully healing.
· Joyce Bocock finished radiation on the large tumor in her spine. She is handling the medication for the endocrine therapy well.
· Pete Danapilis is recovering from a successful back surgery.
· Linda Newell is recovering from surgery to have a rotator cuff repaired.
· Vincent Bryant (Miriam Bryant’s son) is recovering from a broken ankle.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com