For the Lord’s Sake | 1 Peter 2:13-25 | 5 Devotions on Following Jesus When It’s Hard
What does it mean to follow in the steps of Jesus when life is unfair, authority is imperfect, and submission feels costly? In 1 Peter 2:13–25, we’re given a vision of Christian living that’s deeply counter-cultural—one marked by respect, endurance, and trust in God’s sovereign care. These five short devotions are meant to help you reflect on what it means to live as a gospel-shaped person in a watching world. Each day includes a Scripture passage, a brief reflection, and a prayer to guide you as you seek to follow Christ—the One who suffered for you, and the One who walks with you.
These devotions are from the sermon For the Lord’s Sake on 1 Peter 2:13-25.
Day 1: For the Lord’s Sake
📖 Scripture: Romans 13:1-7
💡 Reflection: Submission to authority doesn’t come naturally. We often resist it—especially when we believe those in charge are flawed. But Paul and Peter both tell us that governing authorities exist under God's sovereign hand. That doesn’t mean we agree with everything or blindly follow into sin. It means we recognize that God is in control and uses even imperfect systems for his purposes. Our respectful posture isn’t about trusting people—it’s about trusting God.
🙏 Prayer: Father, help me to live with trust in your providence. Give me grace to show honor, even when it’s hard, and to live in a way that reflects your authority over all things. Amen.
Day 2: When You’re Treated Unfairly
📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48
💡 Reflection: Jesus calls us to a radical response: to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, and to go the extra mile when wronged. That’s not weakness—it’s gospel strength. Enduring injustice doesn’t mean we ignore sin; it means we trust the God who sees and will judge rightly. When we respond with grace, we bear witness to the grace we’ve been shown.
🙏 Prayer: Lord, I want to fight for fairness. But I confess my first instinct isn’t usually grace. Teach me to love like you, to forgive like you, and to trust you with the justice I long to see. Amen.
Day 3: The Grace of Endurance
📖 Scripture: James 1:2–4
💡 Reflection: Peter says it is a “gracious thing” to endure unjust suffering while being mindful of God. James reminds us that trials shape us—they form endurance, and endurance grows maturity. Every hardship endured with our eyes fixed on God isn’t wasted. It becomes a tool in the hands of our sanctifying Savior.
🙏 Prayer: Gracious God, shape me through suffering. I don’t ask for hardship, but when it comes, help me endure with my eyes on you. Grow me into someone who reflects your character. Amen.
Day 4: Our Pattern is the Cross
📖 Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11
💡 Reflection: Jesus didn’t demand his rights. He humbled himself. He obeyed. He suffered. And in doing so, he not only redeemed us—he showed us how to live. Peter’s words echo Paul’s: Christ is our example in suffering. We follow in his steps by laying down our pride, enduring with hope, and trusting the Father who judges justly.
🙏 Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your humility, your obedience, and your endurance. Help me to follow you—not just in belief but in character. Shape my heart by your cross. Amen.
Day 5: The Shepherd Who Keeps Us
📖 Scripture: Psalm 23
💡 Reflection: Peter closes this section with one of the most comforting images in all of Scripture—Jesus as the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. We are not left alone in the struggle. He guards us. He guides us. He brings us back when we wander. The path of obedience and endurance is not easy, but it is secure—because our Shepherd walks with us.
🙏 Prayer: Good Shepherd, thank you for keeping me. When I’m tempted to stray, bring me back. When I’m afraid, help me rest in your care. I trust you to lead me all the way home. Amen.
