Following Jesus' Example

Pursuing God's will is a central tenet of evangelical theology, embodying the believer's desire to align with the divine purpose. Yet, many Christians grapple with the weight of guilt and shame, hindering their spiritual journey. This struggle is not new; it traces back to the Garden of Eden when guilt first entered the human experience (Genesis 3:10, English Standard Version [ESV]). The question arises: How can believers pursue God's will without being encumbered by guilt or shame? The answer lies in emulating Jesus Christ, who, despite suffering unjustly, exemplified perfect obedience without succumbing to sin or deceit. 

This blog post delves into 1 Peter 2:22-25, exploring how Jesus' example provides a pathway for believers to live free from guilt and shame. By examining the text's original language, engaging in exegetical analysis, and considering theological perspectives, we aim to understand how to pursue God's will as redeemed individuals, liberated by Christ's atoning sacrifice. This discussion holds profound implications for the Church and the Gospel message, emphasizing the transformative power of grace in the believer's life.

Exegetical Analysis

1 Peter 2:22-25 (ESV) states:

"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 bore our sins in his body on the tree so 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."

Peter's epistle addresses believers facing persecution, encouraging them to endure suffering by following Christ's example. The passage highlights Jesus' sinlessness, His response to unjust treatment, and His redemptive work on the cross.

Key Words and Original Language Analysis

1. Sinlessness of Christ: The phrase "He committed no sin" (Greek: hamartian ouk epoiēsen) emphasizes Jesus' perfect obedience. The term ἁμαρτία (hamartia) means "sin," denoting a missing of the mark or failure to meet God's standard (Strong's Concordance, G266).

2. No Deceit: "Neither was deceit found in his mouth" employs the Greek word δόλος (dolos), meaning "deceit" or "guile" (Strong's G1388). This term underscores the absence of any deceptive speech in Jesus, aligning with Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 53:9).

3. Reviled Yet Silent: The verb "reviled" comes from λοιδορέω (loidoreō), meaning "to abuse" or "to speak reproachfully" (Strong's G3058). Despite being verbally abused, Jesus did not reciprocate, embodying restraint and trust in God's justice.

4. Entrusting Himself: The Greek word παρεδίδου (paredidou), translated as "entrusting," is in the imperfect tense, indicating continuous action (Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary). Jesus continually entrusted Himself to God, the righteous judge.

5. Bore Our Sins: The phrase "He himself bore our sins" uses the verb ἀνήνεγκεν (anēnenken), meaning "to carry up" or "to bear" (Strong's G399). It alludes to the sacrificial language of the Old Testament, where priests would offer sacrifices for atonement.

6. On the Tree: The word ξύλον (xylan) can mean "tree," "wood," or "cross" (Strong's G3586). This term connects Jesus' crucifixion to the curse mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:23, highlighting the scandal of the cross.

7. Healed by His Wounds: "By his wounds you have been healed" refers to μώλωπι (molōpi), meaning "wound" or "stripe" (Strong's G3468). This healing is both spiritual and, ultimately, physical, rooted in Christ's atoning suffering.

8. Shepherd and Overseer: "Shepherd" comes from ποιμήν (poimēn), and "Overseer" from ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) (Strong's G4166 and G1985, respectively). These titles convey Jesus' pastoral care and authoritative guidance over believers.

Interpretation of Key Verses

Peter emphasizes that Jesus, though sinless, suffered unjustly, providing an example for believers. His response to suffering—non-retaliation and trust in God's justice—is a model for Christians facing trials. Moreover, Jesus' bearing of our sins signifies substitutionary atonement, freeing believers from sin's penalty. The healing mentioned is comprehensive, encompassing restoring the relationship with God.

Theological Discussion

Freedom from Guilt and Shame Through Christ's Atonement

In evangelical theology, guilt is understood as the rightful conviction that arises from sin, while shame is the painful feeling associated with awareness of wrongdoing. Romans 3:23 (ESV) declares, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This universality of sin results in separation from God and the burden of guilt.

However, the Gospel proclaims that Jesus' atoning sacrifice liberates believers from this guilt. Ephesians 1:7 (ESV) affirms, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." The concept of redemption (apolytrōsis, ἀπολύτρωσις) involves being repurchased or liberated, akin to a slave being freed.

Substitutionary Atonement and Justification

Jesus' bearing of our sins on the cross is central to the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. He took upon Himself the penalty deserved by sinners, satisfying divine justice. This act results in justification—a legal declaration of righteousness—through faith in Christ (Romans 5:1).

Theologian John Stott explains, "The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man" (Stott, The Cross of Christ, 1986). This substitution removes the basis for guilt and shame, as believers are clothed in Christ's righteousness.

Living Out Righteousness

Peter states that Jesus bore our sins "that we might die to sin and live to righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24, ESV). The purpose of Christ's sacrifice is not merely forgiveness but transformation. The believer's union with Christ involves both death to sin's power and resurrection to a new life characterized by righteousness.

The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 6:6 (ESV): "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing." This crucifixion of the "old self" signifies a definitive break from the dominion of sin.

Emulating Christ's Example

Jesus' response to suffering serves as a practical model for believers. Despite unjust treatment, He did not retaliate or harbor bitterness. Instead, He "continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23, ESV). This trust in God's sovereignty enables believers to release guilt and shame, knowing that ultimate justice rests with God.

In The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasizes that following Christ entails bearing one's cross, which includes accepting suffering without resentment. This perspective shifts the focus from self to God's redemptive purposes.

Addressing Counterarguments

Some might argue that acknowledging freedom from guilt could lead to moral laxity. However, the evangelical understanding asserts that grace empowers holiness. Titus 2:11-12 (ESV) states, "For the grace of God has appeared... training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions."

Moreover, the ongoing process of sanctification involves the Holy Spirit's work in the believer, cultivating obedience out of love and gratitude, not fear of condemnation (Romans 8:1).

Implications for Believers

1. Assurance of Forgiveness: Understanding that Jesus bore our sins provides assurance that guilt and shame have been dealt with at the cross.

2. Identity in Christ: Believers are no longer defined by past sins but by their identity as redeemed children of God (2 Corinthians 5:17).

3. Empowerment for Obedience: Liberation from guilt enables believers to pursue righteousness out of genuine desire rather than obligation.

4. Community and the Church: The Church becomes a place of grace where believers support one another in the journey toward Christlikeness.

Conclusion

Pursuing God's will without the weight of guilt or shame is made possible through Jesus Christ's atoning work, as explained in 1 Peter 2:22-25. By bearing our sins and modeling perfect obedience amid suffering, Jesus provides the means and the example for believers to live free from condemnation.

This freedom is not a license for sin but a call to live righteously, empowered by grace. As the Church embraces this truth, it can more effectively embody the Gospel, offering hope to a world burdened by guilt and shame. In reflecting on Jesus as the "Shepherd and Overseer" of our souls, we recognize His ongoing care and guidance. The path to pursuing God's will is not one of self-reliance but of continual dependence on Christ, who leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 23:3).