“For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you…” 1 Peter 1:18
In 1 Peter 2:13-14, Peter then says:
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.”
Notice what the apostle does here as he encourages the saints.
First, he reminds them of what Jesus has done for them (and for us.) What a blessing to be reminded of the great love of God.
We’ve been redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
The blood of Jesus is not something to be viewed as cheap or common.
Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. He was unblemished and sinless.
He appeared (that is He came to earth) for our sake or for our benefit!
Peter emphasizes the great salvation we have and what we have to look forward to when Jesus returns for His church one day.
Second, Peter encourages the saints with having the proper response to this great gift given to us by Jesus! How?
We are to live a certain way for the sake of the Lord.
Specifically, we are to submit ourselves to every human institution. This can prove quite challenging for some, and yet we are called to do this. This could have proved challenging for Peter’s listeners because of suffering they were experiencing. But for the sake of Jesus, this is how we respond.
In fact, in 1 Peter 1:17, Peter says, “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” Why? For the sake of Jesus and what He’s done for us.
Finally, consider what Peter says in 1 Peter 2:18-19: “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.”
Let us bear up under sorrows for the sake of conscience toward God. Other translations say:
“…Because of a consciousness of God…” CSB
“For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.” NIV
“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.”
Jesus suffered unjustly for our sake. Let us be willing to do the same His sake. Jesus appeared for our sakes! One day He will appear again. In 2 Peter 3:10 Peter says, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”
Why will Jesus return to bring His people into heaven with Him? For our Sakes. Therefore, let us live our lives for His sake.
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