WWJD: What Would Jesus Do? | 1 Peter 2:18-25
Series: A living Hope in a dying world
Title: WWJD: What would Jesus do?
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-25
Bottom line: When suffering comes we do what Jesus would do.
SERMON OUTLINE
NOTES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
OUTLINES
MAIN REFERENCES USED
SERMON OUTLINE
Introduction
WWJD & In His Steps
"In His Steps" is a Christian novel written by Charles M. Sheldon. The story revolves around the fictional town of Raymond, where the local minister challenges his congregation to consider "What Would Jesus Do?" before making decisions. The book follows various characters who commit to living their lives in accordance with this principle, leading to personal transformations and a ripple effect of positive change in the community as they strive to emulate Jesus in their actions and choices. The novel explores themes of social justice, self-sacrifice, and the impact of living a Christian life in a broader societal context. -ChatGPT
The phrase "In His Steps" is not directly derived from a specific Bible verse. Instead, it is inspired by the overall teachings and example of Jesus in the New Testament. The book "In His Steps" by Charles M. Sheldon encourages individuals to consider what Jesus would do in various situations based on the broader principles found in the Gospels, particularly in terms of love, compassion, and self-sacrifice. While the exact phrase might not be explicitly in the Bible, the concept aligns with Christian teachings about following the example of Jesus in daily life. -ChatGPT
I brought a copy of the book “In His Steps” today. While this book isn’t based on any one scripture, it could easily be based on 1 Peter 2:21 where Peter writes (New International Version):
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (Emphasis mine)
The phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" gained popularity in the late 19th century and became particularly widespread in the United States during the 1990s. It was often used as a moral and ethical guide for decision-making, emphasizing Christian values and teachings. -ChatGPT
Outline
“In time his pain grew so intense that his wife told him, “Curse God and die!” (2:9), but Job responded, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (2:10). As his suffering endured Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (13:15); and “I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth” (19:25). That is the message Peter is giving. It is commendable to accept suffering with patience because, in the first place, we have been called to that very thing”
Excerpt From
1-2 Peter - An Expositional Commentary
R.C. Sproul
“The other title Peter uses here is “Overseer,” which is sometimes translated “Supervisor.” The Greek word is episkopos. The root of that word in its noun form is skopos, from which we get the English word scope, giving us words such as microscope, stethoscope, and telescope. A scope is an instrument by which we are able to see small things or objects that are far away. Scopes enhance our ability to see. The prefix on the word episkopos, epi, intensifies the force of the root, so that a supervisor or bishop is a super-looker. In the ancient Greek world, the episkopos was one who came unannounced to the troops to see if they were prepared for battle. If they were not, he would chasten them; if they were, he would congratulate and reward them. So it is that Christ, as our Bishop, looks at us intently.”
Excerpt From
1-2 Peter - An Expositional Commentary
R.C. Sproul
Outline
Peter will give us 3 emphases to consider (From David Helms’ commentary):
I. Peter’s Intention
Peter’s intention is actually found in 2:12 which says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (NIV)
In other words, embody the message so that people cannot deny the goodness of your life, even if they accuse you of doing wrong.
Said another way, let your life be a good apologetic.
“Apologetics is the branch of theology and philosophy that seeks to provide reasoned arguments or justifications for a particular belief system, typically used to defend and explain the principles and doctrines of a religious faith. In a broader sense, it can also refer to the defense or justification of any idea, position, or philosophy. Apologists aim to articulate and defend their beliefs against objections or criticisms, often employing logic, reason, and evidence in their arguments.” -ChatGPT
“Christian apologetics is a branch of theology that focuses on providing reasoned justifications for the beliefs and teachings of Christianity. Christian apologists seek to defend the faith, address challenges, and offer intellectual explanations for aspects of Christian doctrine. This can involve responding to questions about the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, the nature of Jesus Christ, and other theological matters. Apologists often use philosophy, historical evidence, and logical reasoning to make a case for the rationality and coherence of Christian beliefs. The term "apologetics" in this context is derived from the Greek word "apologia," meaning defense.” -ChatGPT
Peter’s point is that our lives are the best apologetic that we can offer. Embody the message of Christ and let that win people over.
II. Peter’s Instruction
Peter’s instruction in this chapter is very simple: Submission.
We are to submit to all authorities over us.
We are to submit even when those authorities over us are harsh or unjust.
While there will be times when it’s ok to practice civil disobedience, it’s general taught by Peter (and exemplified by Jesus Christ) to stand firm and suffer out of fear of God and to please him. God uses this to change lives.
“Civil disobedience refers to the intentional and nonviolent violation of a law or a set of laws as a form of protest or resistance. This act is typically grounded in moral or ethical principles, and individuals engaging in civil disobedience often do so to challenge perceived injustices, laws, or policies. The aim is to bring attention to a cause, stimulate public awareness, and provoke change. Key to civil disobedience is the willingness to accept legal consequences for one's actions as a means of emphasizing the moral or ethical stance being taken. Prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. are often associated with the practice of civil disobedience in their respective movements.” -ChatGPT
III. Peter’s Imitation
Jesus is our ultimate example and Peter makes this case using the cross and quoting Isaiah 53.
Conclusion
When we find ourselves suffering because of the gospel, our tendency is to look for a way out. God calls us to stand firm in our calling to suffering injustice for the gospel. Most of the time we’re to persevere and endure suffering for doing good.
A simple way to think through this is to ask yourself, “What would Jesus do if he were in my shoes right now?”
Ask yourself.
Ask God.
Trust and follow the answer you receive.
Pray
NOTES
“I remember a time when, as a boy, I was taking an exam in a science class. In the middle of the examination the teacher accused me of cheating. I felt violated and offended because I had not been cheating. I suffered an injustice, and I hated it, but I never stopped to think of how many times I had cheated but had not been caught. Jesus never cheated”
Excerpt From
1-2 Peter - An Expositional Commentary
R.C. Sproul
This material may be protected by copyright.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process:
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?
Who am I going to tell about this?
Final Questions (optional or in place of above)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. We love one another deeply because we live by his mercy and grace.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. It leads us to actually love each other deeply, from the heart.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. Love one another deeply from the heart, rid ourselves of the evil that we’re still wearing, and grow in Christ together.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. Because it’s life-giving and leads to blessing.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Repent. Believe. Love. Live.
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul
“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner
“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney
“Look at the Book” by John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/we-cannot-love-without-hope
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner
“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt