PHBC January 11& 18, 1998

Series: First Peter, Ser. #37 & 38

PILGRIMS ARE BLESSED IN HAVING A GREAT SUBSTITUTE

Scripture: I Pet. 2:20-25

TEXT: 1 Peter 2:24 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.

INTRO: Though we know nothing is ever incidental in the word of God, it seems almost incidental that Peter mentions to those to whom this epistle is addressed the example of Christ for a model in suffering. But, having mentioned him he is compelled to clarify and magnify the nature of Christ’s substitution.

The Holy Spirit and Peter would not have us look on Christ or his death as a mere example, though he was a great example and one which we should seek to follow. But, never stop in your consideration of the death of Christ as an example only. There have been those in history, and Baptists among them, who have denied the absolute necessity of the death of Christ, teaching that his life was merely and exemplary life and his death merely and model death. Oh, but it was much more than that and Peter is quick to assure us of that fact.

In this message I want us to look at this passage and consider the subject, Pilgrims Are Blessed In Having A Great Substitute.

There are several things about the death of Christ that are found in this passage. We will notice first that Our Great Substitute Was A Sinless Substitute. Second we will see that Our Great Substitute Was A Willing Substitute. Third, we will consider that Our Great Substitute Was A Personal Substitute. Fourth, and finally, we will observe that Our Great Substitute Was A Compassionate Substitute.

-1. OUR GREAT SUBSTITUTE WAS A SINLESS SUBSTITUTE
    -1. He did no sin. 1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin.
        -1. Have you considered the magnitude of that statement? He did no sin!
        0. Though he was made in the likeness of sinful flesh, he did no sin. Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.
        1. Though every other man ever born of woman had sinned, he did no sin. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
        2. Though he was made sin for us, he did no sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
        3. Though he was often accused of being a sinner, he did no sin. John 9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
        4. Though he was numbered with the transgressors, he did no sin. Mark 15:27-28 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. 28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
        5. Though he bore our sin, he did no sin. Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
    0. No guile was found in his mouth. 1 Peter 2:22 . . . neither was guile found in his mouth.
       -1. The word translated guile means deceit—Jesus never used deceit of any kind in his teaching and preaching to get men to follow him.
       0. One characteristic of false teachers is that they are deceitful. 2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
       1. Sin is deceitful and he did no sin so it follows that no guile was in his mouth. Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
       2. He did not deceive people with rosy promises. Matthew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
       3. He did not teach an easy-believism as many do but taught that one cannot come to him unless drawn by the Holy Spirit. John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
    1. He quietly endured the verbal abuse which men heaped on him. 1 Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
       -1. The word translated reviled in this verse means "to reproach, rail at, revile, heap abuse upon."
       0. He did not even open his mouth to utter a reproach upon those who were persecuting him. Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
       1. Men did severely revile him. Matthew 27:39-44 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
       2. And though he could have called legions of angels to protect him and destroy those who reviled him he reviled not again. Matthew 26:53-54 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
       3. When Herod hammered him with questions, he spoke not a word even though there were those standing by who were vehemently accusing him. Luke 23:9-10 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
       4. Jesus quietly endured the contradiction of sinners. Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
       5. Lest we forget, I would remind you that Peter is laying out the example of Christ in this for us to follow. How Christ-like are you in this area? Can you endure the contradiction of sinners without responding in kind?
    2. The sinlessness of our great Substitute is repeatedly set forth in Scripture.
       -1. Isaiah affirmed it in the gospel he preached. Isaiah 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
       0. After having betrayed Jesus, Judas confessed him to be innocent. Matthew 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
       1. Pilate’s wife confirmed his sinlessness as the result of a dream she had. Matthew 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
       2. Pilate himself affirmed the sinlessness of Christ. Matthew 27:23-24 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
       3. The penitent thief confirmed the sinless nature of the dying Christ. Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
       4. The centurion who was charged with the oversight of his crucifixion proclaimed the righteousness of Christ. Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
       5. Jesus invited his hearers and critics to confirm him a sinner if they could. John 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
       6. Paul declared the sinlessness of our Substitute. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
       7. In his epistle to the Hebrews Paul again affirmed the sinless nature of our great Saviour and Substitute. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
       8. Our sinless substitute is also our high priest and one such as we need. Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.
       9. John declared him to be without sin. 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
    3. We are so very blessed that we have a sinless substitute.
0. OUR GREAT SUBSTITUTE WAS A WILLING SUBSTITUTE
   -1. He willingly committed himself into the hands of a just God. 1 Peter 2:23 . . . but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
   0. His willingness to be our substitute was expressed by Jesus himself. John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
   1. His willingness to be our substitute was evident from his actions in the garden when they came to take him. John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he.
   2. His willingness is seen in his not calling for angels to deliver him from them. Matthew 26:53-54 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
   3. His willingness to be our substitute is seen in Paul’s declaration to the Philippians. Philippians 2:6-8 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
   4. His willingness is seen in the fact that he gave himself for us. Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
   5. His willingness to be our substitute is evident from his laying hold of our nature that through death he could deliver us from the fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
   6. His willingness is seen in his delight in doing the will of God regardless of the personal cost. Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Matthew 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
1. OUR GREAT SUBSTITUTE WAS A PERSONAL SUBSTITUTE
   -1. The blessed fact of this great truth. 1 Peter 2:24 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.
       -1. He himself, personally, bore our sins because our sins were laid on him. Isaiah 53:6 The LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
       0. God does not impute sin to us because he imputed them to Christ personally. Psalm 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
       1. It is because he personally bore our sins that we are justified. Isaiah 53:11 By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
       2. It is because he bore our sins and was put to death in our stead that he is able to bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.
       3. He was delivered for our offences. Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
       4. Since Christ bore our sin, we shall not bear them.
          -1. Our sins cannot be on Christ and on us also.
          0. Again this is verified by David in the verse we looked at earlier. Psalm 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
          1. It is confirmed again by Paul. 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.
   0. Consider again the very personal nature that Peter claims for the substitutionary work of Christ. Who his own self bare our sin.
      -1. In various nations it has been a practice that a rich man whose son was called upon to enter the military could pay a person to serve in his place by proxy.
      0. This was no death by proxy, no sin bearing by proxy, he himself, personally and alone bore our sins in his body.
   1. Note further that the verse clearly implies that Jesus bore all our sins.
      -1. It makes no distinction as to which sins he bore; the conclusion must be that he bore all of them.
      0. He cleanses from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
      1. He gave himself to redeem us from all iniquity. Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
      2. He cleanses from all kinds of sin. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
      3. This same inference is found in angel’s announcement of the coming birth of Jesus. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
   2. The text also implies that Jesus alone bore our sins. 1 Peter 2:24 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.
      -1. He enlisted the help of no other.
      0. He has born all our sins and needs neither priest nor pope to help him forgive sins.
      1. Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
   3. The personal nature of Christ’s substitution is further seen in the expression in his own body. 1 Peter 2:24 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.
      -1. It was not the body of someone else which he had assumed temporarily; it was his own body.
      0. It was not a body which was a mere phantasm; it was his own personal body.
      1. It was his body which was broken for us. 1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
      2. That it was his body is evident from his message recorded in John 6. John 6:47-58 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
   4. The personal nature of Christ’s substitution is further revealed in the fact that it is by his stripes that we are healed. 1 Peter 2:24 . . . by whose stripes ye were healed.
      -1. This was revealed by God to Isaiah. Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
      0. When they scourged him it was for our healing. Matthew 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
   5. Before leaving this point let me point out also that the personal substitution of Christ was for certain people personally.
      -1. He bore our sins Peter says to a chosen people. 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
      0. He came to save HIS PEOPLE from their sins. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
      1. He gave his life for his sheep. John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
      2. He rendered satisfaction for his seed. Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
      3. He secured eternal life for all those given to him by the Father. John 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
      4. He was delivered up for all of his elect. Romans 8:32-33 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
      5. Of course this comes right after other declarations of Paul which narrow the objects of God’s everlasting love down to the elect. Romans 8:28-31 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
2. OUR GREAT SUBSTITUTE WAS A COMPASSIONATE SUBSTITUTE
   -1. He is the shepherd of our souls. 1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
   0. He is the great shepherd who shed the blood of the everlasting covenant. Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.
   1. He is the good shepherd of the sheep. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
   2. He is the good shepherd who must bring all his sheep into the fold. John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
   3. He is the good shepherd who seeks goes and finds the one lost sheep and brings him safely home. Luke 15:4-5 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
   4. He is the great Bishop of our souls.
      -1. A bishop watches over the souls of his people. Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
      0. A bishop guards his flock against wolves of false doctrine. Acts 20:28-31 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

CONC: Jesus Christ is truly a great and wonderful substitute for his people. He is the all-sufficient substitute who has born all our sins in his body on the tree. He has left us an example that we should quietly and willing suffer if necessary. Because he bore our sins in his own body, we are dead to sins and should live unto righteousness. What a wonderful Substitute and Saviour!