Following His Steps - Apr. 13th, 2025
Twelve Ordinary Men; One Extraordinary Mission • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 1:15:43
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· 5 viewsPeter reminded believers that they were called to patiently endure unjust suffering by following Christ’s perfect example—who suffered without sin, fully trusted in God’s righteous judgment, and carried our sins to provide spiritual healing and restoration. Believers must patiently endure unjust suffering by confidently following Christ’s example and fully entrusting themselves to God’s righteous judgment.
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Comprehensive Sermon Brief
Formal Elements
Text: 1 Peter 2:21-25
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Central Idea of the Text (CIT): Peter reminded believers that they were called to patiently endure unjust suffering by following Christ’s perfect example—who suffered without sin, fully trusted in God’s righteous judgment, and carried our sins to provide spiritual healing and restoration.
Proposition: Believers must patiently endure unjust suffering by confidently following Christ’s example and fully entrusting themselves to God’s righteous judgment.
Statement of Purpose:
Major Objective (MO): Ethical
Specific Objective (SO): To inspire hearers to patiently endure unjust suffering by faithfully following Christ’s example of humility, integrity, and complete trust in God’s justice.
Title: Following His Steps
Structural Patterns
Deductive: Expositional
Inductive: Problem-Solution
Informal Elements
Introduction
Introduction
Every one of us encounters moments of misunderstanding, unfair criticism, or unjust treatment. Our natural instincts often push us toward anger, defensiveness, or even retaliation. Today, Peter directs us toward a radically different response by inviting us to reflect on Christ’s remarkable example of patient endurance and unwavering trust in God.
Key Question
Key Question
How should we, as followers of Christ, respond when we face unjust suffering?
Body
I. Facing the Reality of Unjust Suffering (Problem)
I. Facing the Reality of Unjust Suffering (Problem)
Life Connection: We all face times when we feel unjustly criticized, wrongly accused, or unfairly treated. Such moments typically trigger feelings of anger, defensiveness, or bitterness.
Explanation: Peter acknowledges that unjust suffering is indeed part of the Christian journey. Yet, he challenges believers to endure it patiently, reflecting the extraordinary response of Christ (v. 21).
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Tension: Enduring patiently through injustice feels counterintuitive, difficult, and often unnatural. Our instincts strongly compel us to defend ourselves or seek immediate justice.
II. Learning from Christ’s Example (Solution – Part 1)
II. Learning from Christ’s Example (Solution – Part 1)
Life Illustration: Imagine being unfairly accused in a courtroom, yet choosing to remain silent, fully trusting in the fairness and integrity of the judge.
Explanation: This precisely mirrors how Christ responded to His unjust treatment—without retaliation or bitterness. He maintained perfect integrity, entrusting Himself completely to God’s righteous judgment (vv. 22-23).
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Application: When experiencing unjust treatment, actively choose patience and humility, placing your trust fully in God’s righteous judgment.
III. Understanding Christ’s Redemptive Purpose (Solution – Part 2)
III. Understanding Christ’s Redemptive Purpose (Solution – Part 2)
Life Illustration: Visualize a shepherd tenderly rescuing a lost sheep, gently nurturing and guiding it safely home.
Explanation: Peter highlights Christ’s purposeful suffering—bearing our sins on the cross, healing our spiritual brokenness, and empowering us to live righteous lives (v. 24).
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Today, as our Good Shepherd, Christ continues to lovingly guide, protect, and care for us (v. 25).
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Application: Embrace the transformative power and purposeful nature of Christ’s suffering. Live confidently and righteously, trusting in His compassionate care and knowing that your suffering has divine meaning and significance.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Unjust suffering is inevitable for every believer, but it never comes without divine purpose or guidance. Christ walked this challenging road ahead of us, perfectly modeling patience, integrity, and trust in God’s righteous judgment. Let us today recommit ourselves to following in His steps—patiently enduring injustice, embracing righteousness, maintaining integrity, and finding rest in His faithful and compassionate care.
Sermonic Benediction:
Sermonic Benediction:
“As we close today, let’s remember clearly the heart of this passage. Friends, we’ve been called to walk patiently through suffering—not alone, but following directly in the footprints of our Savior. Jesus Himself has already traveled this road before us. Though He was perfectly innocent, He endured pain He never deserved. He never lied, never deceived, never fought back with harsh words—even in the face of hatred and cruelty. Instead, He trusted completely in the perfect justice of the Father.
In His incredible love, Jesus carried our sins upon His own shoulders at the cross, freeing us forever from sin’s heavy burden and empowering us to live rightly before God. Because of His sacrifice, our hearts are healed, our souls are restored.
We were all once lost, wandering like sheep away from God’s care. But today, we rejoice—because Christ has found us, brought us back, and watches faithfully over us. He is the good Shepherd, the gentle Overseer who never loses sight of His flock. No matter what we face, we rest securely in His constant, tender care.
Let’s follow Him faithfully, resting deeply in the truth that He walks with us every step of the way.”
