Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-24

The Sacrifice of Jesus

Intro.

1. The sacrifice of Jesus is the supreme example of acting under “conscience toward God” (2:19) – His very reason (and ours) for sacrifice and suffering, 1 Pet. 2:18-24.

2. The faith which forms the basis of sacrifice requires:

a. Requires respectful submission to higher authority, 2:18.

b. Patient endurance (of wrong) an integral part of sacrifice, 2:19-20.

c. Doing “good” will require willingness to suffer for it, 2:20 (2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 3:17).

d. Must commit yourself to God (give yourself over), 2:23.

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

4. Jesus’ sacrifice is an example for us to walk in, 1 Pet. 2:21.

5. What did Jesus sacrifice for us? What are we to sacrifice for Him?

I. JESUS SACRIFICED HEAVEN’S GLORY.

A. He Emptied Himself of the Glory, Honor and Majesty of Deity, Phil. 2:6-8.

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

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

3. Glimpse of His glory seen at His transfiguration, Matt. 17:2; 2 Pet. 1:16-18.

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

1. Humility, Phil. 2:5.

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

3. Obedient to God's will, Phil. 2:8.

II. JESUS SACRIFICED COMFORT, 2 Cor. 8:9.

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

1. His birth and first 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 charity of others, Lk. 8:1-3.

B. Christians are to Sacrifice Comfort in Order to Follow Jesus.

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

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

3. Sacrifice the pleasures of sin for the reproach of Christ, Heb. 11:24-25. cf. Apostles: 1 Cor. 4:8-14, Be warned.

III. JESUS SACRIFICED JUSTICE.

A. He was not Treated Fairly: 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 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. Song: “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: October 9, 2015