Monday Devo
Scripture:
1 Peter 2
18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.
18 You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 19 For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.
Commentary:
2:18 On slavery in the Greco-Roman world, see note on 1 Cor. 7:21. Masters had extensive authority over slaves, and slaves were often mistreated by their masters. Still, Peter calls on slaves to be subject even to evil masters, with all respect.
2:19–20 Gracious thing comes from “grace” (Gk. charis) and in this context seems to be synonymous with credit. Both words indicate that God’s people will receive a reward from him if they endure suffering righteously. Cf. Luke 6:34–35, where charis is translated “credit” and is parallel with “reward” (Gk. misthos). “Gracious thing” could also mean that patient endurance of suffering is evidence of God’s grace at work. The two interpretations are compatible, for along with God’s enabling grace come his favor and blessing.
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2408–2409.
2:19–20 Gracious thing comes from “grace” (Gk. charis) and in this context seems to be synonymous with credit. Both words indicate that God’s people will receive a reward from him if they endure suffering righteously. Cf. Luke 6:34–35, where charis is translated “credit” and is parallel with “reward” (Gk. misthos). “Gracious thing” could also mean that patient endurance of suffering is evidence of God’s grace at work. The two interpretations are compatible, for along with God’s enabling grace come his favor and blessing.
Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2408–2409.
Questions:
- In 1 Peter 2, Peter is giving more instructions on how we should live as faithful Christ followers... this time addressing "slaves." This subject can be difficult to reconcile, and has been one of the points people like to use to attack scripture and Christianity as a whole. Clayton went through the historical context for what slavery meant to the original audience, which isn't what we think of when we hear the term. He also pointed out how the Bible is clearly anti-slavery and oppression. This is a great example of why we need more than just a cursory knowledge of scripture. The only way to fully grasp the Bible's stance on such a complicated issue is to have a knowledge of the full counsel of God's Word. Have you ever found yourself having to defend Christianity on this issue? If it happens in the future, do you think you have a better understanding on how to educate people as to what the Bible is actually saying?
- Think about what Peter is saying here... that God is PLEASED when we faithfully endure unjust treatment. This runs in stark contrast to prosperity teaching, which tries to twist scripture into saying that God wants us all to always be healthy and prosperous. What are the dangers of thinking God never allows His children to suffer? How can you make sure you don't fall into prosperity thinking?
Pray:
- That you would ready yourself to defend the faith.
- That you would trust God, even in suffering.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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