1 Peter 01:13-21 Obedient Children – audio

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Text: 1 Peter 1:13-21

Introduction

1. In our previous study, we saw from 1 Peter 1:13 that we have the responsibility to fortify the focus of our hope and set it upon the grace that we are to receive when Jesus comes again

2. Another responsibility we have as Christians is to conduct ourselves as obedient children – 1 Peter 1:14

3. While the need to be obedient is often misconstrued by some as sounding legalistic, it is stressed in the New Testament nonetheless – Hebrews 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:8

4. In what way are we to be obedient? There is much the Bible has to say on the subject:

a. But in this lesson we shall focus our attention to 1 Peter 1:14-21

b. Where we learn that Proper Conduct as Obedient Children has both negative and positive connotations

Body

I. WE ARE NOT TO CONFORM TO FORMER LUSTS

A. UNDERSTANDING WHAT PETER IS SAYING

1. The word conform means to conform one’s self (I.e. one’s mind and character) to another’s pattern

2. The former lusts refer to the evil desires and behavior in which we once engaged, and in which the world continues to engage

3. In essence, then, Peter is saying:

a. Don’t act like you once did, or like those still in the world.

b. Do not adopt their sinful habits, mannerisms, dress, and speech, which you did before you became Christians.

B. APPLYING WHAT PETER IS SAYING

1. We will not seek to act like those who are not Christians

2. For Christians are not to be conformists, but true non-conformists, or transformists – Romans 12:1-2

a. Conformists simply imitate others, sometimes claiming to do so only outwardly

b. But transformists are those who:

1) Have undergone a true change on the inside

2) And who manifest the difference on the outside

3. To behave properly as obedient children, then, we need to be sure we are not adopting the sinful habits or mannerisms of those in the world

a. Like accepting the popular fashions of our society which appeal to fleshly desires

1) Short dresses, tight designer jeans, and other immodest apparel

2) Christians, rather than conforming, are to adorn themselves in modest apparel – 1 Timothy 2:9-10

b. Like filling our speech with suggestive language or jokes – Ephesians 4:29; 5:3-4

c. Delighting in various forms of entertainment which cater to fleshly desires – Philippians 4:8

4. But too many Christians DO conform to the world and its lusts

a. Therefore it is not surprising to hear many becoming entrapped by the world

b. As is indicated by the rise of marital unfaithfulness and divorce

5. So Christians need to heed what Peter is saying

6. As well as what was said by John – 1 John 2:15-17

II. WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN ALL OUR CONDUCT

A. CONCERNING THE WORD HOLY

1. It is closely related to the words sanctify and sanctification

2. All of which stress the idea of being set apart

3. To be holy, then, means that we are set apart or dedicated to God

B. WE ARE TO BE HOLY FOR AT LEAST TWO REASONS

1. The first reason is that given in our text: For I (God) am holy.

a. The God who has called us through His gospel is a holy God

b. He Himself is set apart from sin and wickedness

c. His very nature demands a similar holiness on our part – Hebrews 12:14

2. It is also Jesus’ desire that we be holy (He died for this very purpose!) – Ephesians 5:25-27

C. NOTE ALSO THAT WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN ALL OUR CONDUCT!

1. Holiness is not something we put on when convenient, like on Sundays

2. Instead, our daily life, our entire conduct is to be set apart in service to the Lord – Romans 12:1

3. For this to be true, every aspect of our life must be in harmony with God’s demand for holiness!

a. This means our work, our speech, our dress, our recreation

b. …ALL should be in harmony with the principles of God’s Word

4. Even the most mundane things, when done in keeping with God’s Will, become a part of our holy service to God!

5. Can it be said of our lives, that we are holy in all our conduct?

a. Do we go about our business, our play, with the thought of being set apart to the Will of God, so that it is evident in our business or play?

b. I am sure that all of us can improve in this area of our service as obedient children!

III. WE MUST CONDUCT OURSELVES IN FEAR

A. AS PILGRIMS, FEAR HAS A PROPER PLACE DURING OUR SOJOURN

1. Even as Jesus taught His disciples – Matthew 10:28

2. And as Paul wrote the Philippians – Philippians 2:12

B. PETER GIVES TWO REASONS FOR SUCH FEAR:

1. In view of the judgment by our Father – 1 Peter 1:17

a. He will not be partial – without partiality

b. He will be personal – judges according to each one’s work

c. No one will receive special favors, no one will escape His discerning eye!

2. In view of the high cost of redemption – 1 Peter 1:18-21

a. We were not redeemed from our sins with silver or gold

b. But only by the precious blood of Christ!

1) Who was without blemish and without spot

2) Who was foreordained to die for our sins before the world began

3) Who came to this earth for our sakes

4) By whom our faith and hope are in God!

c. Any Christian who does not conduct himself in a manner appreciative of the price paid for his sins, can expect a fate worse than death if he does not repent! – Hebrews 10:26-31

Conclusion

1. From verses 1 Peter 1:14-21, then, we learn that proper conduct as obedient children means that:

a. We are not to conform ourselves to former lusts

b. We are to be holy in all our conduct

c. We are to conduct ourselves in fear

2. Paul said much the same thing in writing to the church at Corinth:

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God – 2 Corinthians 7:1

3. This we cannot do on our own, but by the redeeming grace of God:

a. We can be forgiven by the precious blood of Christ

b. We can be strengthened by the power of His Spirit to live the sort of lives pleasing to our Heavenly Father

4. Have you responded to the grace of God in order to receive such wonderful blessings?