1 Peter 2:21
The sermon emphasizes the importance of suffering and patience in the Christian life, modeled by Christ's own example.
John Gill emphasizes that believers are called to do good and to endure suffering for their faith, drawing strength from Christ's own suffering as an example. He explains that Christ's sacrifice was not only for our benefit but also serves as a model for how we should respond to trials with patience and grace. Gill encourages the faithful to follow Christ's example in all aspects of life, including humility, prayer, and submission to God's will, especially in times of suffering. This calling to patience and perseverance is a vital part of the Christian journey.
Text
Ver. 21. For even hereunto were ye called,.... Both to well doing, of which none but those who are called with an holy and effectual calling are capable; and which they are fitted for, and are under obligation to perform, and to suffer for so doing, which they must always expect, and to patience in suffering for it, which highly becomes them. This being then one end of the saints' effectual calling, is made use of as an argument to engage them to the exercise of the grace of patience in suffering for well doing; and another follows:
because Christ also suffered for us; in our room and stead, to fulfil the law, satisfy the justice of God, and make reconciliation for sin; and not only for our good, or merely as a martyr, to confirm the truth of his doctrine, or barely as an example to us, though this also is true: the Alexandrian copy, and some others, read, "for you"; for you servants, as well as others, and therefore should cheerfully and patiently suffer for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; and the rather, because he suffered,
leaving us, or "you", as the same copies, and the Vulgate Latin version read,
an example that ye should follow his steps: Christ is an example to his people in the exercise of grace, as of faith, love, zeal, meekness, and humility; and in the discharge of duty, in his regard to the commands of the moral law, and positive institutions of religion; in his constancy in prayer; in frequent attendance on public worship; in his submission to the ordinance of baptism, and his celebration of the supper; and likewise in his sufferings; and in his meekness, patience, courage, and resignation to the will of God, which is what is here intended, and in which his people are to fellow and imitate him.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the calling of believers
- The role of suffering in the Christian life
- The importance of patience in suffering
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II
- Christ's suffering as our substitute
- The purpose of Christ's suffering
- Christ as an example for believers
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III
- Imitating Christ in grace and duty
- The significance of Christ's example in our lives
- Application of Christ's example in daily living
Key Quotes
“For even hereunto were ye called,.... Both to well doing, of which none but those who are called with an holy and effectual calling are capable.” — John Gill
“because Christ also suffered for us; in our room and stead, to fulfil the law, satisfy the justice of God, and make reconciliation for sin.” — John Gill
“leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Reflect on how Christ's suffering can inspire us to endure our own trials with patience.
- Commit to imitating Christ in our daily actions and interactions with others.
- Seek to understand our calling as believers and the responsibilities that come with it.