Christ: Our Example – (1 Peter 2:21)

Christ: Our Example – Monday, September 9, 2024

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. ” (1 Peter 2:21)

Some have tried to pattern their lives after that of Jesus
simply by asking in every situation, “What would Jesus do?”
But in the context of our text, the primary “example” that He
left us was nothing less than His own sacrificial death!
Note the context: “For this is thankworthy [same word as
grace’], if a man for conscience toward God endure grief,
suffering wrongfully … if, when ye do well, and suffer for it,
yet take it patiently, this is acceptable [also the same word as
“grace’] with God” (1 Peter 2:19-20).
To follow Christ’s example, therefore, is to be willing to
endure unjustified suffering-even defamation and persecu-
tion-with grace and patience.
But that is not all; we must also do it in silence! “Who,
when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he
threatened not” (1 Peter 2:23). “As a sheep before her shearers
is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).
It is a natural reaction to want to strike back at one who
has slandered or injured us, especially when such an act is
an insulting response to kindness. But such a “natural” reac-
tion was not Christ’s reaction. He could have called “twelve
legions of angels” (Matthew 26:53) to His defense, but He
chose to suffer in silence.
And why would He do such a thing? First, if He had not
done so, we would have been lost in our sins forever. He “bare
our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24).
Second, He left us an example, that we “should follow his
steps.” He was not just silent in His sufferings; He “suffered
for us”! If we would really be like Him, we must be willing
to suffer quietly on behalf of others, even when they are the
ones who deserve it. This is acceptable with God! HMM

September · October . November 2024 – Subscriptions | The Institute for Creation Research (icr.org)

Days of PraiseDaily Bible Readings and Devotional Commentaries
September · October · November 2024
“Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good;
and our land shall yield her increase.”
(Psalm 85:12)
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Introduction to
DAYS OF PRAISE
“[Jesus] saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sab-
bath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held
their peace. And when he had looked round about on them
with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts … “
(Mark 3:4-5)
Dear Christian friend,
Thank you for gathering with us each day this fall as we
read our Bibles together and seek to apply it to our lives.
Though it’s quite appropriate to think on the Lord Jesus’
humility, deep patience, and profound love, we must always
remember that He’s perfect in every way-including in His
anger. It’s likely that none of us is free from being self-willed
or having other manifestations of a hardened heart. Our text
above reminds us that this more than displeases the Lord
Jesus. Oh, how we need Him enabling us to please Him (Ro-
mans 7:24-25).
Toward that end, I pray that the Holy Spirit will use these
short Bible studies to more fully conform us to the Lord
Jesus’ image and the love of our good heavenly Father.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Randy J. Guliuzza, President
Contributors:
HMM Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.
HMM III Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.
JDM John D. Morris, Ph.D.
CCM Charles (Chas) C. Morse, D.Min.
BDT Brian D. Thomas, Ph.D.

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