1 Peter 2:13-25
The Christian is expected to respect established order, not out of fear of the law but for the greatest motive which can move his heart: love for the Lord (v. 13; John 15:10). We are servants of God only (v. 16), and He tells us what our attitude should be to everybody. All masters are far from being "good and gentle": some are very annoying. Our witness will take on much more meaning and stand out much better with the second type than with the first. Unrighteousness, insults and all such afflictions give the child of God ideal opportunities to glorify Him. Someone trod this pathway before us: the One who was the Man of Sorrows. Without a doubt Christ neither had nor ever will have companions or imitators in the work of atonement. He — and He alone – "bare our sins in his own body on the tree" (v. 24). On the other hand, in our walk of righteousness (and consequently of suffering) He is our perfect Example (1 John 2:6). The opposition and perversity of men only served to reveal His patience, kindness, humility, wisdom, His complete trust in God . . .: blessed steps in which we are to walk. In this way we will carry out the Lord’s final command to Peter: "Follow thou me" (John 21:22).