Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-25

The Sacrifices of Jesus

Intro.

1. The sacrifice of Jesus is the supreme example of acting under “conscience toward God” (2:19). This was a fundamental reason for His for sacrifice and suffering, 1 Pet. 2:18-22. It must also be ours.

2. His sacrifice was really a series of sacrifices.

3. Faith that forms the basis of sacrifice requires:

a. Respectful submission to higher authority, 2:18.

b. Patient endurance (of wrong) is a crucial part of sacrifice, 2:19-20.

c. Willingness to suffer for doing “good,” 2:20 (2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 3:17).

d. Committing oneself to God (give yourself over), 2:24.

4. Such sacrifice is “commendable before God” (2:19, 20).

5. Jesus’ sacrifice is an example for us to follow, 1 Pet. 2:21.

6. What did Jesus sacrifice for us? What must we to sacrifice for Him?

I. JESUS SACRIFICED HEAVEN’S GLORY.

A. He Emptied Himself of the Glory, Honor and Majesty of Deity, Phil. 2:5-8.

1. Possessed throughout eternity, Jno. 17:5.

2. High and holy, Isa. 6:1-5 -- Isaiah saw His glory, Jno. 12:37-41.

3. A glimpse was seen at His transfiguration, Matt. 17:2; 2 Pet. 1: 16-18.

B. Christians Must Sacrifice Glory and Honor for His Sake, Jno. 12:42-43.

1. Humility, Phil. 2:5.

2. Overriding commitment to honor (glorify) God, Jno. 17:1, 4.

3. Obedience to God’s will, Phil. 2:8.

II. JESUS SACRIFICED EARTH’S COMFORT, 2 Cor. 8:9.

A. The Life of Jesus was Difficult, Demanding and Dependent On Others.

1. His birth and early years, Lk. 2:7; Matt. 2:14-15.

2. A carpenter by trade, Mk. 6:3. (Honest, humble and meager)

3. His years of ministry, Lk. 9:58.

4. Rejected by his brothers, Mk. 3:21; Jno. 7:5.

5. Sustained by the contributions/assistance of others, Lk. 8:1-3.

B. Christians Must Sacrifice Comfort to Follow Jesus.

1. Sacrifice, priority, commitment, Lk. 9:57-62.

2. Have faith in Christ to provide – Don’t be distracted by material pursuits, Matt. 6:25-34.

3. Sacrifice pleasures of sin for reproach of Christ, Heb. 11:24-25.

cf. Apostles, 1 Cor. 4:8-14. (Warning)

4. Sacrifice for the church…Jesus did (cf. 1 Cor. 8:13).

III. JESUS SACRIFICED HUMAN JUSTICE.

A. He was Not Treated Justly: He Was Despised, Rejected, Oppressed and Humiliated, Isa. 53:3-8.

1. Mankind and the Jewish people, Jno. 1:10-11.

2. Arrest, trials, scourging, crucifixion, Acts 8:32-33.

3. Hated without a cause, Jno. 15:25.

B. Christians Must Sacrifice the Approval of Others in Order to Follow Christ, 1 Pet. 3:13-18.

1. Family, Matt. 10:34-37.

2. Friends, 1 Pet. 4:4.

3. Brethren in name but not in faith, 3 Jno. 9-10.

4. Stand with the Lord: He will stand with you and preserve you for the heavenly kingdom, 2 Tim. 4:16-17.

Conclusion

1. The sacrifice of Jesus was an expression of complete love, Eph. 5:2.

2. “I gave my life for thee…what hast thou given for me?”

3. Make whatever sacrifice is necessary to enter heaven, Matt. 5:29-30. (Lk. 9:23)

By: Joe R. Price

Posted May 1, 2019