The Doctrine of Christ's Work Accomplished and Applied

The Doctrine of Christ's Work Accomplished and Applied
Mark Dever
1 Peter 2:21-25

- The word of God is true but not widely accepted.
- If the world hates you, remember it hated me first.
- To this we are called - unjust suffering.
- Peter talks about enduring the mockery of being a Christian.
- 1 Peter 1:6, 2:11, 3:9, 5:6
- Don't be surprised in your suffering, praise God that you bear His name.
- Those who suffer because of God should glorify their creator.
- Doing good in spite of persecution should be our theme.
- To imitate Christ we must live the life that Jesus lived.

1 Peter 2:21-25
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Christ's Unique Life
- Bore the penalty we deserved.
- Jesus did something that we could not do for ourselves.
- W are to learn and imitate His life.
- He died on the cross as our substitute.
- He committed no sin.
- John 8 - "Can anyone prove me of sin?"
- we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses.
- Jesus claimed to be without sin, and others backed Him up on that.
- Philippians 2: He humbled Himself to a cross.
- Jesus was fully human and never sinned.
- Adam and Eve were made without sin but sinned.
- We do a lot of things God agrees with as long as we want to do it.
- If there is anyone we do not want to oppose - it is God.
- Christ suffered for us - bearing our sins.
- We could never atone for our sins.
- No amount of good we do could ever outweigh our sin.
- God has invented people to show His holiness and we sin against Him.
- Every sin is treason and betrayal against God.
- Isaiah 53 - He bore the sin of many - anyone hung on a tree is cursed.
- Atoning is not our job - only Christ can do it.
- He who knew no sin was made sin for us.
- God accepted Jesus on our behalf - we are no longer at war with God - He accepts the one that died in our place.
- By His wounds we have been healed - and kept safe as sheep.
- They turned away from sin and turn to God.
- Sin blinds us to the truth of our rebellion against God.
- If you have sinned against God - What will you do with your sins?
- We have got ourselves into a situation that we could not get out of - and He has paid a high price.

Christ's Like was an Example for Us
- His life left us an example - a pattern to follow.
- Jesus followers will face what He faces - we need to be willing to suffer and even die.
- Jesus suffered for doing good, it is expected of us to do the same.
- Peter knew the temptation to suffer for not following Jesus - he fell into temptation.
- What distinguishes us that we follow Jesus - we will suffer for following Christ.
- Romans 8:28 - whatever occurs is for our good and His glory.
- As we follow Him, we are displaying His glory - especially when we go through hard times.
- Don't retaliate - Jesus didn't.
- We live in a world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity.
- Even in the most severe suffering Jesus did not retaliate.
- What do you do with your bitterness? - when you have been wronged.
- Jesus never retaliated so we should never retaliate against others.
- Revenge is mine saith the Lord - leave room for God's wrath.
- Jesus trusted God - so we too should actively trust God.
- God's judgment for all our sin will either fall on Christ or the sinner.
- Persecution of the godly was never meant for their destruction but their glory.