1 Peter 2:18-23

1. In verse 18, slaves are told to submit to their masters, and not just the good ones. It is relatively easy to submit to a loving spouse or a great boss. It is much more difficult to be Christlike in the face of an angry teenager, a screaming tyrant or cheating significant other. Our responses to others cannot be determined by their actions. We are called to live like Christ, who sacrificed himself for those who were determined to kill him. We must decide how to live as sons and daughters of God and then hold to that. Living with honor, we know we will bring favor to God when others see us living a good life in the face of suffering. Who in my life is hardest to respond to in love? Have I let others’ behavior change the way I respond to them?

   1. “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” – Matthew 5:44

2. Jesus gave us an example of how to live. This is very different from other religions. We are not just given a list of rules from some disembodied presence somewhere in the sky. Jesus lived a real life, with real challenges, and real friends, parents and followers. We can follow the example of Jesus. The pattern we have been set is not of this world, but it is how to live in this world. He did not sin, he didn’t lie, he did not bite back when insulted, and when threatened, he entrusted his life to God. How did Jesus live? Examine the life of Jesus and ask, “How Jesus responded to adversity? How can I learn more about how Jesus lived? What did Jesus do that I won’t?”

   1. “We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18

3. If you were reading Isaiah 53 when it was written, it must have been confusing. This prophecy of the Messiah spoke of someone who would be punished and crushed for us. “We are healed by his stripes”? What could that even mean? After the cross, we see clearly what was meant. This often mis-taught scripture speaks of the healing we find in Christ. By the cross of Jesus, we are healed from the wounds that sin has left on us. He bore our sins on the tree so that we can live for righteousness. We may still carry the scars, but the punishment and wounds are healed by Jesus. What does this mean to us as believers? What does it mean for me to be healed from the wounds of sin? How can I live in this reality, even though I may still struggle with the influence of sin?

   1. “But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.” – Isaiah 53:5

For Further Study:
Read Philippians 2:5-16. Paul paints a vivid picture of the life of Jesus and how it can change our lives.

For Prayer:
Pray for our community as we face Hurricane Milton.

Hurricane help:
We are called to care for each other. If you experience issues from the storm, please reach out for help. We would love to see the church love each other and our community during this difficult time. Reach out to your small group leader through the church center app, or directly to a deacon or pastor.