Historical Posts
1 Peter 03:08-12 Our Duties to Christians – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 03:08-12
Introduction
1. So far in his epistle, Peter has defined the Christian’s duties in various relationships:
a. Our duty in relation to those of the world – 1 Peter 2:11-12
b. Our duty in relation to governmental authorities – 1 Peter 2:13-17
c. Our duty in a servant-master relationship – 1 Peter 2:18-25
d. Our duty in wife-husband relationships – 1 Peter 3:1-7
2. Beginning now in verse 8 of the third chapter, Peter defines our duty to each other as brethren in Christ
Body
I. OUR DUTIES TO EACH OTHER (1 Peter 3:8-9)
A. TO “BE OF ONE MIND” (NASV, “harmonious”)
1. That is, to be united in the same purpose, the same goal
2. Jesus prayed for this kind of unity in John 17:20-21
3. A church that demonstrated this “oneness of mind” is that of <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Jerusalem”>Jerusalem</a> – Acts 4:32
4. How can we have this “oneness of mind”?
a. It is attainable only to the extent that we all submit to the will of God
b. Therefore, we all need to make God’s Will our will, His Purpose our purpose
c. Even as Christ did while on earth – John 5:30
B. TO HAVE “COMPASSION FOR ONE ANOTHER” (NASV, “sympathetic”)
1. This means to have pity, a feeling of distress toward the ills of others
2. It is that disposition which is moved by the problems of others
3. This is the attitude manifested by Jesus
a. During His earthly ministry – Matthew 9:35-36
b. During His heavenly ministry – Hebrews 4:15
4. Such compassion can only come from a tender, loving heart, which may be why Peter goes on to say that we need
C. TO “LOVE AS BROTHERS”
1. Literally, this means to be “brother lovers”
2. This attribute is essential, if we are to
a. Grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ – 2 Peter 1:7-8
b. Convince the world that we are truly disciples of Jesus – John 13:35
3. Are you a “brother lover”? If not
a. You are not a lover of God, either! – 1 John 4:20
b. You do not even know God! – 1 John 4:7-8
4. Here is one way to know if you are a “brother lover”
a. Ask yourself this question: “Do I even know my brother?”
b. If you don’t, how can you honestly say that you are a “brother lover”?
D. TO “BE TENDERHEARTED” (NASV, “kindhearted”)
1. It is this kind of heart that is compassionate, capable of loving our brethren
2. The opposite would be “cold-hearted”, where we are insensitive to the needs and feelings of others
3. Even if we start out as “cold-hearted”, in Christ Jesus we can and must undergo a transformation, in which we develop a “tender heart” – Ephesians 4:22-24, 31-32
4. Have you considered what kind of heart you have?
E. TO “BE COURTEOUS” (NASV, “humble in spirit”)
1. Literally, to be “friendly of mind, kind”
a. Such courtesy would imply humility of spirit
b. For an arrogant or proud spirit does not bother to be courteous
2. Christians are to imitate their Lord and Savior, and not think so highly of themselves that they cannot be kind and courteous to others – Philippians 2:3-5
F. TO “RETURN BLESSING FOR EVIL”
1. When someone (E.g., a brother) does us evil, we are to respond with a blessing!
2. While this may go against “human nature”, Peter gives two reasons why we are to react in this way:
a. We are called to follow the example of Christ – 1 Peter 3:9 with 1 Peter 2:21-23
b. That we might receive a blessing from God – Luke 6:35
II. MOTIVATION TO FULFILL THESE DUTIES (1 Peter 3:10-12)
A. THAT WE MIGHT “LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS”
1. Everyone wishes to enjoy life as they experience it from day to day
a. But too often, many make their own lives miserable by their own self-seeking, self-destructive attitudes
b. Constantly complaining, contentious, retaliating to evil with evil, they only aggravate the situation
2. But David in the 34th psalm gives the secret to loving life and seeing good days:
a. Refrain the tongue from evil, and lips from speaking guile – 1 Peter 3:10
1) Don’t engage in slander, backbiting, complaining, lying, murmuring, and grumbling
2) It doesn’t solve difficulties, but only makes them worse
b. Do good, seek peace and pursue it – 1 Peter 3:11
1) Do the very kind of things mentioned by Peter in 1 Peter 3:8-9
2) Only then will your life be pleasant, for the qualities described by Peter
a) Make the best out of difficult situations
b) Make good situations even better!
B. SO THE LORD’S EYES AND EARS WILL BE OPEN TO US – 1 Peter 3:12
1. Only by doing the will of God (As found in 1 Peter 3:8-9) can we ensure that
a. His gracious eyes will watch over us
b. His ears will be open to our prayers
2. On the other hand, the Lord’s face is against those who do evil, and will not hear their prayers
3. Indeed, consider the list of abominations found in Proverbs 6:16-19 and notice how many are the direct opposite of how we are to be
a. We are to be courteous (Humble) – but the Lord hates a proud look!
b. We are to be compassionate – but abusing the innocent is an abomination to the Lord!
c. We are to be tender-hearted – but the Lord hates a cold heart that thinks evil of others!
d. We are to return good for evil – but those who respond quickly with evil, the Lord abhors!
e. We are to be of one mind – but if we sow discord by murmuring and complaining, we are abominable in God’s sight!
Conclusion
1. So if we want the Lord to watch over us, if we want Him to heed our prayers, let us be sure to fulfill our duties to each other as brethren as outlined by Peter in 1 Peter 3:8-9
2. In so doing, we will enjoy life to its fullest, and see many good days during our pilgrimage here on earth!
1 Peter 03:01-07 The Functional Family – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 3:1-7
Introduction
1. In this study of 1st Peter, we are seeing that God teaches the Christian how to conduct himself in all relations of life
a. BEFORE GOD, he is to be holy, even as God is holy – 1 Peter 1:14-16
b. BEFORE THE WORLD, he is to live an honorable life – 1 Peter 2:11-12
c. AS A CITIZEN, he is to submit to civil authorities – 1 Peter 2:13-17
d. AS A SERVANT, he is to do good, even it means to suffer patiently the mistreatment of others – 1 Peter 2:18-25
2. We find there are also certain responsibilities as husbands and wives – 1 Peter 3:1-7
3. In a society where “dysfunctional families” seem to be the norm, it is even more imperative that the people of God demonstrate through their families that which is the will of God
Body
I. INSTRUCTIONS TO THE WIVES
A. BE SUBMISSIVE TO YOUR HUSBANDS (1 Peter 3:1-2)
1. The word “likewise” refers back to the discussion in the previous chapter
a. In which the principle of submission has already been applied to:
1) Our responsibility to governmental authorities
2) The servant’s relationship to his master
b. This would suggest that the same principles hold true for wives
1) To submit not only to the good, but also to the harsh – 1 Peter 2:18
2) That if a wife suffers wrong from her husband when she was doing good, it is commendable before God if she bear that mistreatment patiently – 1 Peter 2:19
2. This is best illustrated in the case where a Christian wife is married to an unbeliever
a. He might be converted by her “conduct”
1) Even though he might not have previously obeyed “the” word
2) Without “a” word, he may be reached by her conduct!
b. The type of “conduct” likely to have that effect is described as:
1) “chaste” – that is, purity in all manner of life
2) “accompanied by fear” – that is, reverence; which in this case
a) Is manifested toward the husband
b) And is an attitude consistent with the principle of “submission”
3. So the first duty of wives as outlined by Peter is that of “submission”, especially if the husband is an unbeliever
B. ADORN YOURSELVES PROPERLY (1 Peter 3:3-4)
1. Peter’s comments are in the form of a “Hebraism”
a. A Hebrew idiom (Form of speech) commonly found in the Scriptures
b. In this case, there is a contrast (“not this…but this”) for the sake of emphasis
c. A good example of this is found in John 6:27
1) Jesus is not saying that it is wrong to work so we can eat
2) But that our priority in life should be to have everlasting life
2. A similar emphasis by way of contrast is being made by Peter
a. Don’t let your emphasis on “beauty” pertain to outward adornment
b. Not that is always wrong to arrange the hair, wear gold, or put on apparel
c. But place your emphasis elsewhere!
3. Let your beauty be “the hidden person of the heart”
a. Conduct yourself so that beauty of the “inner person” shines forth
b. Where people notice more “who” you are rather than “what” you wear!
4. It is a “gentle and quiet spirit” that constitutes true inner beauty
a. Unlike hair, gold, and apparel, it is incorruptible! – 2 Corinthians 4:16
b. It is also very precious in the sight of God
5. So Christian women, let your inner beauty be your most noticeable feature!
a. Without inner beauty, any outward beauty is like a ring of gold in the nose of a pig – Proverbs 11:22
b. Parents, are we teaching this truth (By word and example) to our daughters?
C. BE “DAUGHTERS OF SARAH” (1 Peter 3:5-6)
1. Remember, the holy women in the Old Testament who trusted in God
a. Adorned themselves with a gentle and quiet spirit
b. Were submissive to their husbands
2. A case in point is that of Sarah:
a. Who was so beautiful outwardly
1) That Pharaoh wanted her when she was over 65 years old
2) That the king of the Philistines wanted her when she was over 90 years old
b. Yet her true beauty was demonstrated by her submissive spirit
3. Christian women can become the “daughters of Sarah,” provided they:
a. “do good” (Be submissive to their husbands)
b. “are not afraid of any terror” (Composed with a gentle and quiet spirit)
c. To be considered a “daughter of Sarah” by God would be a very special honor! It can be had by any woman who heeds the words of the apostle Peter.
d. But a failure to heed these words will result in being more like a “daughter of Jezebel.”
1. Remember, she delighted in her physical beauty and in manipulating her husband.
2. May such never be true of women professing godliness and wearing the name of Christ!
II. INSTRUCTIONS TO THE HUSBANDS
A. DWELL WITH YOUR WIVES “WITH UNDERSTANDING”
1. The KJV says “with knowledge”
2. Husbands are expected to know, and understand
a. Their responsibilities in marriage – Ephesians 5:25
b. The nature of women, as “weaker vessels”
1) Refers to physical strength
2) Not to intellectual abilities, moral courage, or spiritual strength
3. Such understanding is to govern how the husband lives with his wife — with love and thoughtfulness
B. “GIVE HONOR” TO THE WIFE
1. The word “give” means “to assign”
2. “honor” involves the idea of that which is “precious, of high value”
3. So the husband is to assign to his wife the honor of being precious and of high value in his sight
4. A good reason to consider our wives in such light: they are truly “heirs together of the grace of life”
C. “THAT YOUR PRAYERS MAY NOT BE HINDERED”
1. Here is good reason to heed Peter’s instruction!
2. The word “hindered” literally means “cut off”
3. Thus the way we treat our wives may result in our access to God being cut off!
4. This is what happened to the O.T. priests who divorced their wives – Malachi 2:13-16
Conclusion
1. We learn from Peter, then, that how we conduct ourselves as husbands and wives can have a bearing on our personal relationship with God
a. If wives are to be considered “very precious in the sight of God…”
b. If husbands are to keep open the avenue of their prayers to God
c. Then we must apply the principles in this passage (1Pe 3:1-7) to our lives!
2. If we do, then we all can be “heirs together of the grace of life!”
3. Speaking of being heirs of the grace of life, do you know one can become such an heir? – Titus 3:3-7
1 Peter 02:18-25 Commendable Lives – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 2:18-25
Introduction
1. Our last study introduced the importance of submission to human institutions that rule over us – 1 Peter 2:13-17
2. Now in verses 18-25, Peter addresses those who were servants, emphasizing again the principle of submission
3. In the course of his instructions, Peter mentions conduct that is considered “commendable” before God
a. In the NKJV, the word “commendable” is used twice – 1 Peter 2:19-20
b. The NASV translates it as “finds favor”
4. In this study, we shall consider:
a. What is commendable conduct before God?
b. Why it is considered commendable?
c. How we can be sure to have this commendable conduct before God?
Body
I. WHAT IS COMMENDABLE CONDUCT BEFORE GOD?
A. TO SUFFER PATIENTLY WHEN MISTREATED FOR DOING GOOD
1. Consider the example given by Peter
a. A servant is trying to serve his master well
b. For some reason, however, his master mistreats him
c. The servant “finds favor” in God’s sight if he patiently and submissively endures the mistreatment!
2. To put it in other words:
a. When you are doing that which is good
b. And despite it you are being mistreated
c. But you endure the unjust treatment patiently
d. Your patient forbearance is commendable in the sight of God!
3. Note carefully:
a. It is not simply suffering patiently that is commendable
b. But suffering patiently when you did good, and yet are abused for it – 1 Peter 2:20
B. IS THIS APPLICABLE ONLY IN A MASTER-SLAVE RELATIONSHIP?
1. No! Consider 1 Peter 3:13-14, 17, where Peter speaks to brethren in general
2. In writing to servants, then, Peter is applying a general truth to a specific application
3. It is therefore applicable to any situation where we are told to submit – Matthew 5:10
a. In other words, in our relationship to government – 1 Peter 2:13
b. In other words, in a wife’s relationship to her husband – 1 Peter 3:1
c. In other words, in our relationship to one another – Ephesians 5:21
II. WHY IS THIS CONDUCT COMMENDABLE BEFORE GOD?
A. WE WERE CALLED FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE!
1. Consider 1 Peter 2:21-23
a. Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus
b. Just as He suffered patiently when mistreated without cause, so should we!
2. We have therefore been called to respond to ill treatment with good treatment – 1 Peter 3:9; Luke 6:27-36
B. IN VIEW OF THE POTENTIAL GOOD THAT CAN RESULT!
1. See what Jesus accomplished by His patient forbearance to mistreatment done to Him – 1 Peter 2:24-25
a. The forgiveness of our sins!
b. The restoration of straying sheep back to their Shepherd!
2. By following the example of Jesus, we can have an effect for good also
a. Returning good for evil, we are more likely to overcome evil – Romans 12:19-21
b. In this way we are more likely to change those who persecute us
c. For they are often ashamed when they see how we patiently endure their mistreatment by doing good
d. Just as we were moved by the sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins, so we might best move others to change their evil ways by patiently doing good even when they mistreat us.
III. HOW WE CAN BE SURE TO HAVE THIS COMMENDABLE CONDUCT?
A. “REJOICE” THAT YOU ARE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER
1. So Peter commanded later in this epistle – 1 Peter 4:12-14; Acts 5:41
2. Just as Christ did in His sermon on the mount – Matthew 5:10-12
3. Knowing that we are blessed in the sight of God, and have joined a great group of prophets, apostles, and disciples in suffering for Christ, can help us to have the proper attitude
4. Even if those mistreating us do not know that we are Christians, if our response is governed by Christ’s teachings, we can still have satisfaction in knowing that God is pleased!
B. “RESIST” THE TEMPTATION TO RETALIATE
1. When we suffer mistreatment by others, Satan is behind it all – 1 Peter 5:8-9
2. He would love to hinder the cause of Christ by having us retaliate just as people in the world would, proving that Christians are no different than sinners of the world
3. Don’t let him win!
C. “RESPOND” TO MISTREATMENT BY DOING MORE GOOD
1. When mistreated for doing good, just do more good! – 1 Peter 3:9; Romans 12:20-21
2. For “endure” (1 Peter 2:19) means “to bear from underneath, to undergo hardship”, thus to bear up under pressure
3. There is nothing noble (Commendable) about stopping when “the going gets tough”; but when “the tough get going”, and going about doing good, now THAT is commendable!
D. “RELY” ON GOD
1. Suffering patiently when mistreated for doing good does not always bring immediate satisfaction
2. We must therefore trust in God, believing that His will is best
3. So just as Jesus “committed Himself to Him judges righteously”(1 Peter 2:23), so should we – 1 Peter 4:19
4. And if our Christ-like behavior does not change the behavior of those who mistreat us, God will one day do what is right – Romans 12:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:6
Conclusion
1. Hopefully by following the “four R’s” (Rejoice, Resist, Respond, Rely) we can follow in the steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
2. If so, then we can be sure to have “commendable conduct before God”!
3. We have made reference to what Jesus accomplished by suffering for us, how He bore our sins on the tree (1 Peter 2:24). Peter also says Jesus did this “that we, having died to sins might live for righteousness”.
4. Have you “died to sins”?
5. Do you even know how that it is accomplished?
6. The answer is found in Romans 6:1-8
1 Peter 02:13-17 Governments of Men – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 2:13-17
Introduction
1. Our study in 1st Peter, shown us that those who are Christians have many blessings and responsibilities
2. In last week’s study we saw that we are to have our conduct honorable before others
3. What about our responsibilities to those governments of men under which we live?
4. When our true citizenship is in heaven, do we have any responsibilities on earth?
Body
I. OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN ONE WORD: SUBMIT! (1 Peter 2:13-14)
A. WE ARE TO SUBMIT TO EVERY ORDINANCE OF MAN
1. The word submit
a. It means be subject to, signifying to place one’s self under subjection
b. We are also told in this epistle that Christians will be submissive – 1 Peter 2:18; 3:1; 5:5
2. In this case, we are told to submit to every ordinance of man
a. The word ordinance literally means a creation
1) The Greeks and Romans were accustomed to describe the appointment of officers as the creation of them
2) Therefore, the expression ordinance actually refers:
a) Not to a particular law passed by government
b) But to the civil government or institution itself
3) NASV, to every human institution
b. Note also, we are to submit to EVERY human institution
1) Whether it be a monarchy, democracy, or totalitarian state
2) The responsibility of Christians is still the same: submit!
B. THE APOSTLE PAUL TAUGHT THE SAME PRINCIPLE
1. We are to be subject to the governing authorities – Romans 13:1
2. We MUST be subject, and show such submission by paying taxes and customs, and showing respect and honor to our officials – Romans 13:5-7
II. REASONS WHY WE MUST SUBMIT (1 Peter 2:15-17)
A. PETER GIVES US TWO GOOD REASONS
1. First and foremost, this is the will of God – 1 Peter 2:15a
a. Also, for the Lord’s sake – 1 Peter 2:13
b. That ought to suffice for all true servants of God
c. But Peter does explain why this is the Lord’s will
2. That we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men – 1 Peter 2:15b
a. Having a heavenly King, Christians are often falsely accused of treason – Acts 17:5-8
b. By doing good, we can silence (Lit., muzzle) such ignorant charges
B. PAUL GIVES US ANOTHER GOOD REASON
1. Governing authorities that exist have been appointed by God! – Romans 13:1
a. This truth is emphasized in the book of Daniel – Daniel 2:20-21; 4:17, 25, 32
b. Even those that are evil, which God uses for His divine purposes and then replaces – Exodus 9:16 (Egypt); Isaiah 10:5-12 (Assyria)
2. This being the case, to resist the government means to resist God Himself! – Romans 13:2-4
3. Lest we find ourselves resisting against God Himself, Christians freely submit
4. But is the principle of submission to government without exception?
III. THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE
A. IT IS NOT WHENEVER GOVERNMENT IS OPPRESSIVE
1. Consider the government and conditions under which Peter and Paul wrote:
a. The government was totalitarian, with Nero as ruler, an evil, vicious emperor
b. Under his reign, Christians suffered greatly – 1 Peter 4:12-13
c. Eventually, even Peter himself was crucified, and Paul was beheaded
2. Under such oppressive governments, our responsibilities remain clear:
a. We are to submit
b. We are to pray for our rulers, that peace may prevail – 1 Timothy 2:1-2
B. THE EXCEPTION: WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN!
1. As illustrated by Peter and the rest of the apostles – Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29
2. Only when we are forced to disobey God, must we then disobey the government
3. Even then, it is only the particular laws designed to force us to disobey God that we have a right to break; we have no authority to break other laws in protest
4. We are charged to pray for those in authority, and submit to them in all other areas
Conclusion
1. Such is our responsibility as Christians under whatever government we may find ourselves
a. Even though we have liberty and freedom in Christ, we should use that freedom in serving the Lord – 1 Peter 2:16
b. As we do so, we will show honor and respect to those in authority – 1 Peter 2:17
2. Of course, we who live in countries that allow freedom of religion should be especially quick to show our respect and submission, and to thank God daily for this wonderful privilege!
3. Speaking of freedom of religion, are we taking advantage of such freedom by rendering obedience to God? Perhaps there are those who have not yet done so – Hebrews 5:9
Matthew 06:33 Priorities – audio
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Text: Matthew 6:33
Introduction
A. Jesus lists many things that we need for our physical well-being.
1. He ends by saying “do not worry about tomorrow”
2. But what we should do is simply put first things first.
3. God always puts spiritual things first.
B. These verses below all deal with our reaction to others.
1. I believe this shows how important God deems our relationships.
2. These relationships affect our worship/service to God.
Body
I. First – Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness
A. Matthew 6:33
B. Without this there will be no need to hope for a relationship with God
1. Worry is one of the greatest destroyer of a relationship
2. Trust in God enables us to be trust worthy
II. First — remove the plank from your own eye
A. Matthew 7:3-5
B. Jesus’ words condemn one who would constantly look for sin in others while he would ignore his own sin.
1. We tend to magnify the smallest transgression in others
2. While we down- play great transgressions in which we are involved.
III. First — be reconciled
A. Matthew 5:23-24
B. Thoughts and actions arising from bitter human relations hinder acceptable worship to God. As Christians, we must have the right attitude and action toward others to have a right relationship with God – Romans 12:18
IV. First — forgive others before you ask God to forgive you
A. Matthew 6:14-15
B. If we refuse to forgive others before God, we forfeit our own forgiveness by God.
1. We must seek to have a forgiving spirit
2. When those who wrong us ask for our forgiveness we will forgive “as Christ forgave us” – Colossians 3:13
Conclusion
A. What will help us in fulfilling the above points?
B. 2 Corinthians 8:3-5
C. No matter what we give or do, if we have not first given ourselves to God it means nothing
Blame – audio
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Many of my sins are not really my fault, it seems to me.
Most of them happen because of the people around me, or the situations I face. If any normal person lived my life, he’d probably fare worse than I do.
If Satan gets us thinking like that, he’s already won half the battle.
It helps to see how it happens, I think, and James helps us with this.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death (James 1:13-15).
We might point the finger of accusation at God, thinking that he’s putting temptations in front of us.
While he might bring us difficulties to strengthen our faith (see Abraham and Isaac—Genesis 22), he’ll never tempt us to sin.
Gop hates sin, and he wants more than anything for us not to give in.
Sometimes it’s easier to blame the people around us.
Have you ever blamed your spouse for some shortcoming in your life?
If you’re married, you probably have, and it all started with Adam (“It was this woman you gave me . . .”).
This concept has not slowed down yet.
Ever lost your temper and blamed it on your kids?
Or maybe we blame our siblings, boss, or coworkers.
“I would do better, Lord, if it weren’t for ___” (put his or her name in the blank).
The main problem with that is that it doesn’t help. In fact, it hurts us because it keeps us from facing the real problem.
Which is where we came in.
The truth is, Satan takes advantage of things within us to lead us astray.
He may use other people, or outside situations, but I don’t sin without my own consent.
So if you’re struggling, ask yourself which desire Satan is using.
Think about how you can satisfy that desire within God’s will instead.
Pray about what barriers you might build to thwart Satan’s plan.
The last place Satan wants you to look is within yourself, and truly examine yourself, because he knows one of our best defenses is recognizing that we are at fault, nobody else.
1 Peter 02:09-12 A Plea to Pilgrims – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 2:9-12
Introduction
1. Having said that as Christians we are:
a. a chosen generation
b. a royal priesthood
c. a holy nation
d. God’s own special people
e. Peter makes a heart-felt plea concerning our conduct before those in the world
2. As we consider this plea to pilgrims, remember that Peter is speaking by inspiration; it is actually GOD who is making this plea!
Body
I. THE BASIS OF THE PLEA
A. YOU ARE BELOVED
1. Beloved by whom?
a. By Peter, of course – 1 Peter 2:12
b. By Paul, James, John, & Jude, all of whom used this same term of endearment
c. But most of all, we are beloved of God and Jesus! – Romans 1:7; Colossians 3:12
2. It is out of such human and divine love that this plea is made
B. YOU ARE SOJOURNERS AND PILGRIMS
1. You have not yet reached your heavenly home
2. As we will see later, failure to heed the plea will mean you will never reach it!
3. In view of that real possibility, we find this plea made even in form of begging!
C. YOU ARE ENGAGED IN WARFARE
1. A war in which fleshly lusts wage war against the soul
2. The outcome will determine whether or not we will reach our heavenly home
D. YOU ARE BEING OBSERVED BY OTHERS
1. Some of which who often speak evil of you (even as they did of Christ)
2. But by heeding this plea, it is possible to cause those very ones who speak evil of you to glorify God in the day of visitation
a. This day of visitation is the Day of Judgment
b. We have an opportunity to bring glory to God by the way we heed this plea
II. THE PLEA ITSELF
A. FIRST, THE PLEA BEGS US TO ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS
1. The word abstain means to hold one’s self constantly back
2. From what are we to abstain?
a. Fleshly lusts, some of which are defined by Paul – Galatians 5:19-21
b. Notice that they involve more than just sexual sins (such as fornication)
c. They also include sins of the emotions (hatred, outbursts of wrath, jealousies, envy)
3. Why must we hold ourselves constantly back from these things?
a. According to Peter, they wage war against the soul
b. According to Paul, they can keep us out of the kingdom of God! – Galatians 5:21
c. So if we want to succeed in our spiritual pilgrimage and reach our heavenly destination, we must heed this plea to pilgrims!
4. How can one abstain from fleshly lusts? In his epistles, Paul explains how:
a. Keep your mind on the things of the Spirit, not on the things of the flesh – Romans 8:5-6
b. Grow in Christ, and don’t provide opportunities for the fulfillment of fleshly lusts – Romans 13:13-14
c. Should such opportunities arise, flee them (remember Joseph and Potiphar’s wife?), and pursue after that which is good – 2 Timothy 2:22
B. THE PLEA ALSO BEGS US TO HAVE HONORABLE CONDUCT
1. The word honorable in the Greek is kalos
a. It means that which is good, beautiful, harmonious, and lovely
b. In other words, our conduct is to be something beautiful and refreshing to behold
2. We can have conduct that is honorable
a. If on the one hand, we abstain from fleshly lusts
b. And on the other hand, we do good works
3. We have seen what fleshly lusts are. What good works can we do that are beautiful to behold?
a. We can see to the needs of those who are poor, fatherless, widowed, sick, and otherwise afflicted – James 1:27
b. We can demonstrate love and hospitality to brethren, friends, neighbors, even strangers – Hebrews 13:1-3
c. We can react kindly to those who despise us, speak evil of us, and mistreat us – Luke 6:27-31
4. The effect of such conduct is that it will likely prompt others to glorify God!
a. As Jesus taught us – Matthew 5:16
b. Even those who at the present may speak against us as evildoers! – 1 Peter 2:12
Conclusion
1. By heeding this plea to pilgrims as found in 1 Peter 2:11-12, it is possible to accomplish several things at the same time:
a. We can save ourselves
b. We can glorify God
c. We might even help save those who presently speak evil of us!
2. As the people of God who have obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:10), can we do any less?
a. Abstain, then, from those fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul!
b. Conduct yourselves, then, in ways that are honorable and a thing of beauty to behold!
3. In so doing, you will ensure the successful completion of your spiritual pilgrimage!
4. Speaking of the mercy of God, have you received the mercy that comes through the blood of Christ? – Acts 20:28
1 Peter 02:04-10 Jesus: Cornerstone or Stumblingstone? – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10
Introduction
1. When the infant Jesus was being presented to the Lord at the temple, an interesting statement was made concerning Him by Simeon: “Behold, this Child in destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel…” – Luke 2:34
2. In other words, Jesus was destined to have different effects on different people
a. To some, He would be the cause of their rising
b. For others, He would be their down fall
3. In 1 Peter 2:4-10, the apostle Peter expands upon this same theme
a. To some people, Jesus serves as a “cornerstone”
b. To others, He is a “stumblingstone”.
Body
I. TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE, JESUS IS A “CORNERSTONE”
A. HE IS A “LIVING STONE” – 1 Peter 2:4
1. Which was rejected by men
a. As stated by John in John 1:11
b. Instead, they crucified Him
2. And yet, He was chosen by God, considered to be precious
a. As foretold in Psalm 118:22, God has taken that which was rejected by men and made it the “cornerstone”
b. The cornerstone of what?
B. THE “CORNERSTONE” OF A GREAT SPIRITUAL HOUSE OR TEMPLE – 1 Peter 2:5-6
1. Upon which we are being built
2. The same thought or illustration is used by the apostle Paul – 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
3. As this spiritual house built upon Christ, we fulfill certain responsibilities
a. We serve as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God – 1 Peter 2:5
1) Our bodies – Romans 12:1-2
2) Our praise – Hebrews 13:15
3) Our doing good and sharing – Hebrews 13:16
4) Even our deaths – 2 Timothy 4:6-8
b. We therefore serve as God’s special people – 1 Peter 2:9-10
1) With a special task of proclaiming the praises of God
2) For by His grace…
a) We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light
b) We who were not a people are now the people of God
c) We have obtained mercy!
C. JESUS IS THE ROCK UPON WHICH WE, AS INDIVIDUALS, BUILD OUR LIVES – Matthew 7:24-27
1. By following His teachings, we are able to establish our lives on solid ground
2. And this enables us to withstand the “storms” of life
II. TO THOSE WHO DISBELIEVE, JESUS IS A “STUMBLINGSTONE”
A. THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE – 1 Peter 2:7-8
1. Either Jesus is the cornerstone
a. Upon which we are being built as stones in His temple
b. Upon which we are building our lives by following His teaching
2. Or He will be the “stumblingstone” over which we will meet our doom!
B. THAT JESUS WOULD BE A STUMBLINGSTONE TO SOME
1. Was foretold by Isaiah, who Peter quotes – Isaiah 8:13-15
2. We saw that Simeon also foresaw the same thing when Jesus was presented in the temple as a newborn – Luke 2:34
3. Even Jesus saw Himself as this stumblingstone – Matthew 21:42-44
C. SADLY, JESUS HAS BECOME A STUMBLINGSTONE TO ISRAEL
1. Romans 9:30-33; 1 Corinthians 1:23
2. Jesus was a stumbling block to many of the Jews because
a. They thought that they could attain righteousness by keeping the Law
b. They could not accept the need for a suffering Messiah to atone for their sins!
D. IN A SIMILAR WAY, JESUS IS A STUMBLINGSTONE FOR MANY PEOPLE TODAY
1. Pride prevents them from accepting Jesus on His terms!
2. They think that they can please God and go to heaven on the basis of their good deeds
3. Therefore, they are unwilling
a. To confess their sinfulness, and their need for Jesus Christ
b. To turn their lives over to Jesus, and to do His Will
E. THE SAD PART IS THIS: TO THOSE WHO STUMBLE BY BEING DISOBEDIENT, DOOM AWAITS!
1. For such doom has been appointed by God – 1 Peter 2:8
2. Such is logically necessary, for without Christ
a. We will die in our own sins – John 8:24
b. Righteous punishment can only follow – Revelation 20:11-15
Conclusion
1. We often sing “Jesus, Rock of Ages,” for truly Jesus is like a rock. But what kind of rock is He to us?
2. If we are willing to believe and obey Jesus, He can be the CORNERSTONE
a. Upon which we can be added as part of His church, the spiritual temple
b. Upon which can build our lives so as to have a full and meaningful life
3. But if we disbelieve and are disobedient, then by necessity Jesus will be our STUMBLINGSTONE
a. Over which we will fall
b. Under which we will be broken and be ground to powder
4. There is no middle ground. What will Jesus be for you? Are you obedient to His Word?
Fight to the Death – audio
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We’re in a fight to the death
It’s easy to become spiritually complacent, to get comfortable where we are, to forget what’s at stake.
Suppose you’re fighting a battle in the middle of a great war, completely surrounded by the advancing enemy. What would you do? Kick off your boots and enjoy a latté while you read the morning newspaper? It’s a ludicrous picture, but it’s something many of us do.
We’re tempted to live our lives as if there’s not this huge cosmic struggle going on. Just do our jobs, manage our to-do lists, pay our bills, and act like there’s no Satan, no “spiritual forces of evil,” as Paul puts it. That’s a deadly approach.
C.S. Lewis said that we make two mistakes when we think about Satan and his demons. Some of us respond with superstition… We might overstate Satan’s power. Superstitious folks see Satan everywhere they look. Others respond with what Lewis calls “substition”, which understates Satan’s role in today’s world.
I think most of the folks I know (including myself) fall into this camp. Blinded by our modern understanding of reason, we’re more likely to believe that everything has a rational, physical explanation. People do bad things because they make bad choices, had a rough upbringing, inherited bad genes, or have a mental illness.
Is it also possible that they fell under the sway of Satan and let him take over their lives? I think so. Peter’s warning still applies: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
I think we need to be more aware of what Satan is doing in the world, and particularly what he’s doing in our lives.
- If you’re a Mom or Dad, he’s after your kids. He’ll do anything to win their hearts.
- If you’re married, he’s after your marriage. He’s trying to drive a wedge between you and your spouse.
- If you’re single, he’s trying to undermine your relationships so that they pull you away from God.
Regardless of where you are, he’s after you, and he’ll pull every trick in the book to convince you that your relationship to Jesus really isn’t that important.
Don’t let him intimidate you – he can’t overpower God, of course – but don’t underestimate him either.
We’re in a fight to the death, and eternity hangs in the balance.
Resurrection – audio
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One day we’ll all be resurrected.
There’s a sense in which we’ve already been raised, of course. When we identified with Christ in baptism, God raised us from our spiritual graves. We were dead, and now we’re alive. We were lost, and now we’re found. But the resurrection isn’t finished yet.
Sometimes my body aches and my head hurts (“in this we groan,” 2 Corinthians 5:2). I struggle with sin way more than I should. I look around and see a messed-up world. And it all reminds me that there’s a bigger, better resurrection coming.
We’ve been resurrected, but we can’t wait to be resurrected – completely, finally, and irrevocably.
I think that’s what Paul’s talking about here: “if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:11). He’d been saved, of course, but he knew all too well that God was still working on him. He had a clear and future focus – he was excited about what God had done for him, and about what the Lord was still doing in him, but he couldn’t wait for what lay ahead.
Maybe you need that reminder today. You feel like you’re being swallowed up by life’s pressures, demands, and stress. Pause a few minutes and look ahead. The daily grind will still be there, but for now think about that future resurrection from the dead. Jesus promised that he’s coming back to this world to take you where he wants you and where you want to be.
He’s already saved you from all your sins, and he’s given you his Spirit as a down payment. But as with all down payments, the Spirit is just a small taste of what’s coming. He’ll change your body into an incorruptible one . . . a body that doesn’t hurt, moan, groan, or age. He’ll redeem this world from all of its corruption and decay and create a new dwelling place for his people. And he’ll take away every vestige of sin.
We will, by his grace, “attain the resurrection from the dead.”
That’s what gives us a different perspective from the folks around us who don’t know Christ.
1 Peter 01:22-02:03 The Practice of Holy Living – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3
Introduction
1. I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God – I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod; For I’m part of the family, the family of God. (Song 890)
2. I have spent the last several weeks help us to realize that as believers we are to pursue holiness.
a. We realize that because we belong to God therefore, we should act like it
b. But we also realize the incredible cost of our redemption and this drives us to pursue holiness
c. But this morning Peter is going to give us a test that reveals the genuineness of your pursuit of holiness.
d. We have all had struggles with fellow believers, but what is our response to those struggles that is what reveals our heart.
e. Weigh yourself by this standard of genuine love for fellow believers, all based upon the eternal bond of Believers, this then hopefully will lead us to action as we seek to take up the call as believers.
3. For the genuineness of your pursuit of holiness is revealed in your relationship with other believers.
Body
I. Do you have genuine love for your fellow believers (1 Peter 1:22)
A. Obedience leads to purity (1 Peter 1:22a)
1. Peter is transitioning from the call to holiness to the practice of holiness, what we are about to study is what the pursuit of holiness will look like in the life of a believer.
2. When you have accepted the free gift of being purchased out of the slave market of sin paid for by Christ, you are responsible and led by the Spirit to pursue holiness.
3. Your obedience to the truth of the Gospel and your obedience to the pursuit of holiness will lead to purified souls.
4. One who has purified himself by living according to God’s Word has discovered the joy of obedience.
B. Purity produces love (1 Peter 1:22b)
1. This purity is revealed by a changed life and Peter explains that this changed life is revealed in a changed relationship with God and likewise with God’s family
2. The word that Peter uses for love is the philo love that is the brotherly love, it is pure love, it is not a mask that you wear when you come to church
a. This is a genuine love for your fellow believer; it’s pure and not tainted
b. The implication that Peter is giving is that there were some in the body of Christ that just pretended to love each other.
c. The love that should be on display here this morning should walk out those doors with you when you leave, it should remain with you in the privacy of your car and in the sanctity of your home.
d. This love comes not from your selfish motives, or your selfish desires but as a spring of love that bursts forth because of your obedience to the truth, that means that this love is a reflection of your pursuit of holiness.
C. Are you loving your fellow believer? (1 Peter 1:22c)
1. Peter now repeats the call to love, but this time uses not philo but agape
2. And in adding to the intensity of the command he includes that we should agape love each other fervently.
a. This agape love is the love Christ demonstrated on the cross in its purest sense.
b. This is the word used in John 3:16 when we are told that God loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son.
3. This love should come from the heart, because we realize the preciousness of the other person, we understand that regardless of their past and regardless of their actions today, Christ gave His life for them.
4. In a discussion about the number of churches in town and the conflict in which some were born, a comment was made by a person who shall remain nameless, they said, “whenever more than about thirty people go to church together we can’t stand one another and split.” It’s a sad statement, but not that far from the truth, this is not philo love and it for sure isn’t agape love.
5. Peter is taking us from the principle of pursuing holiness to it’s practice. It is one thing to say that we are servants of the Lord, willing and able to pursue holiness, and quite another to practice genuine love for other who belong to the same family as we do. But Peter continues by building on Who we have in common. And the eternal bond of believers.
II. Have you experienced the eternal bond of believers (1 Peter 1:23-25)
A. Your lasting new birth (1 Peter 1:23)
1. If you have come to know Christ as Savior you can rest assured of the truth that you were born again, this time not die, but to live eternally.
2. Your Salvation and the Word of God are inexpressibly linked together.
3. This imperishable Word was the content of Peter’s preaching. His hearers must be affected by its life-changing power, indeed it is through it that we heard about and have received the gift of Redemption from the market place of sin.
B. The brevity of the flesh (1 Peter 1:24)
1. In contrast with the imperishable seed that now makes up our identity because of what the Triune God has accomplished for our salvation, Peter quotes from Isaiah 40
2. Flesh and the things of the flesh are fleeting,
a. even more fleeting than flesh are the glories that come from a life lived in the flesh.
b. Beloved, it is much easier to love each other both in the brotherly sense of philo and sacrificially in agape when we realize that those things that cause us to hold back our love are not eternal, they are fleeting and in fact are mostly gone.
c. But, your fellow believer is eternal you will stand side by side in heaven giving glory to God and giving him praise for his enduring Word.
3. An exasperated preacher once said this about a person who left his congregation angry, “I guess they will probably ask Christ to reserve a mansion on the other side of heaven from mine.” Have you ever felt that way? Of course we have all been there, but realize this we are all spending eternity together, let’s start now by loving that which eternal and casting aside those fleeting things of the flesh.
C. The enduring Word of God (1 Peter 1:25)
1. We have already had to understand at least in part the truth that the Word of the Lord endures forever.
2. The Word of God has stood when no other book has lasted, it has been the object of great kings wrath and burned by blood thirsty mobs, but yet it remains.
3. What a statement of our faith which Peter says is the result of the word being preached to you.
D. Peter staying true to the style that he has so far in his book, gives us the challenge, then gives us the reason to live up to the challenge and now he is about to make it personal.
III. Have you taken up the call as believers? (1 Peter 2:1-3)
A. Practice genuine love (1 Peter 2:1)
1. Peter now opens our hearts and reveals that we must plead for forgiveness if we are harboring any of these five sins which will drive a wedge between believers and be used of Satan to incite a family feud.
2. Each these five sins reveal a lack of pure love for each other, and instead reveal a love for a life that we should have left behind when we came to know Christ.
a. Malice – which is wicked ill-will
b. Deceit – which is deliberate dishonesty. You realize that you deliberately lie to spare yourself that this is a form of hate for your fellow believer
c. Hypocrisy – pretending to love
d. Envy – resentful discontent
e. Slander – which is backbiting lies.
B. Long for the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2)
1. Instead of these things the life of the believer should long for the Word of God like a new born striving for milk.
2. How many of you strive for the word of God like this? Peter’s instruction is sometimes the last place we go.
a. Notice as well that Peter doesn’t say look to the Word of God to defeat nor to find faults with your fellow believers
b. But instead he says that we should look to the Word of God to provide the nourishment that we ourselves need to grow in respect to salvation
c. This is what is meant when Paul says working out your salvation with fear and trembling – Philippians 2:12
C. Be a part of the family of God (1 Peter 2:3)
1. If you are a believer this morning you have tasted the graciousness of the Lord.
2. Since you were blessed, be a blessing to the family of God, not because you like a person, or because you feel the obligation, but rather you are a child of God act like it.
3. Use the example of Christ’s kindness to you and sacrificially love your brother or sister in Christ, join in the family of God.
Conclusion
1. Peter no doubt has touched each of us here this morning.
a. Your faith, your pursuit of holiness is directly related to your love for each other.
b. As in any family there are the hard times and the fusses but as believers these should never separate us from each other.
c. Don’t try to reserve the mansion on the other side of heaven from each other.
2. You are part of a family, the family of God, act like it, and live like it.
3. If, You are not now is the greatest opportunity you will ever have to be a part of the family of God!
John 08:31-32 Four Truths – audio
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Text: John 8:31-32
Opening Comments
When the trials are past (3rd verse)
Introduction
A. Jesus said if we abide in His Word we are His disciples
1. We shall know the Truth
2. This Truth will set us free
B. Tonight we will look at four of these truths
Body
I. THERE IS REDEMPTION FOR THE SLAVE – Ephesians 1:7
A. In Him refers to in the Beloved of Ephesians 1:6
B. We have redemption
1. To redeem one by paying the price
2. A releasing effected by payment of ransom
3. Deliverance
C. Note the change from adoption in Ephesians 1:5 to redemption of a slave or a captive
D. Through His blood
1. There is no redemption without His blood – Hebrews 9:22
2. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats can take away sin – Hebrews 10:4
E. The forgiveness of sins
1. Release, as from bondage, imprisonment
2. Forgiveness, pardon, of sins
3. Letting them go, as if they had not been committed
II. RECONCILIATION FOR THE ENEMY – Romans 5:10.
A. Man is reconciled to God and not God to man
1. Reconciled – to change, exchange, as coins for others of equivalent value
2. To reconcile those who are at variance
3. Return to favor with, be reconciled to one
4. To receive one into favor
B. Man departed from God so man needs to return to God
C. How are we reconciled?
1. By the death of the Christ and then we will be saved by His life – Hebrews 7:25
D. How are we saved by his life?
1. By being added to the church – Acts 2:47
2. By Him providing a way of escape – 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. By Him providing mercy and grace to help in time of need -Hebrews 4:15-16
4. Because He is reigning over all things – 1 Corinthians 15:25-26
III. REGENERATION FOR THE SINNER – Titus 3:5
A. The only washing relating to Christianity is baptism – John 3:1-12; Acts 22:16
B. The renewing process is accomplished by the knowledge of the Word of God – Romans 12:2
1. The mind is renewed – Romans 12:2
2. The mind is renewed by knowledge – Colossians 3:10
C. The Holy Spirit works through the knowledge He has given to renew the inner man
IV. RESTORATION FOR THE WANDERER – Galatians 6:1
A. A Christian might be overtaken in sin, but not be devoted to it – 1 John 1:8-2:2
B. Overtaken – to take one by forestalling him by surprise, detect
C. Restore – to render fit, sound, complete; to mend, to repair
Conclusion
A. Redemption for the slave
B. Reconciliation for the enemy
C. Regeneration for the sinner
D. Restoration for the wanderer
E. Obey while you have time!
Jeremiah 01:05 The Sanctity of Life – audio
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(Abortion Sermons presented in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013)
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Text: Jeremiah 1:5
Introduction
A. For forty years we have lived with the silent, and sometimes not so silent, holocaust in our midst as the lives of 55 million innocent and unborn children have been killed, plucked from their journey to enter this world.
1. Who were they? Who would they have become?
2. The unmarried graduate student who gave birth to hi-tech guru and co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, may well have aborted this child had her pregnancy occurred in 1973 rather than 1955.
3. This past week former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, recovering victim of a crazed gunman, visited, along with her husband Mark Kelly, Newtown, Connecticut, site of the latest horrible shooting incident.
4. In their public remarks, they expressed concern that our society has become “desensitized to acts of violence.”
a. Appropriate words, I think, that certainly should be considered in the broadest possible sense in our effort to grasp our willingness to tolerate, even nurture, the open and flourishing presence of evil in our society.
b. It takes a deadening of the soul to permit this, a state of being “desensitized.”
c. We know it because when those senses are awakened, our indifference and willingness to tolerate evil is pushed back.
d. When William Wilberforce fought to abolish the slave trade in England, he moved a boatload of the elite into proximity of a slave ship to smell the stench. Their senses were awakened and a major step forward was achieved to end the horror.
e. Reformed slave trader John Newton composed “
5. If there is good news, it is that, slowly, America seems to be coming to its senses regarding destruction of unborn children.
a. A Time Magazine cover story announced “40 years ago abortion-rights activists won an epic victory with Roe v Wade: They’ve been losing ever since.”
b. But in noting that ultrasound has reduced the willingness of Americans to tolerate abortion, author of the story Kate Pickert misses the key point when she writes, “Thanks to prenatal ultrasound, Americans now understand what a fetus look like and that babies born as early as 24 weeks can now survive.”
6. Ultrasound is sensitizing a desensitized American public that has been willing to tolerate this horror over these forty years.
a. Wars are not won overnight. Victory is achieved battle by battle.
b. Wilberforce did not stop slavery, but he stopped the slave trade.
c. Lincoln’s first aspiration was not total abolition of slavery in America, but making it illegal in new entrants to the Union.
7. A battle before us now, as the American soul awakens to the evil of abortion, is to end the waste of US taxpayer funds, which now provide almost half the budget of the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood.
B. The very basic fundamentals of human life begins with Genesis
1. We are a part of God’s eternal plan – Ephesians 2:10
2. Notice what God told Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1:5
Body
I. OUR PRESENT DAY HOLOCAUST
A. On September 11, 2001 over 3500 lives were extinguished do the bombing of the world trade towers in New York. In that crowd of people there were potential doctors, scientists, preachers, future leaders whose lives were taken due to evil terrorists.
B. What did not make the headlines on September 12, 2001, the very next day, was the 4000 lives that were extinguished by what is called pro-choice. It happen again on September 13, 14, 15 etc. Each day since 1973 approximately 4000 unborn babies are aborted each day, 28,000 each week, 112,000 each month, 1,460,000 each year.
1. One September 11, 2001 Terrorist killed over 3500 people, and the outcry for justice was heard around the world.
2. But, 4000 unborn babies are being taken every day, and I see no weeping, no anger, and no outcry for justice.
3. The penalty for killing an unborn eagle in this country is a fine of up to $5000 and up to five years in prison. But, the killing of an unborn baby is not considered a crime at all, as long as the mother approves.
4. One in four women have had an abortion and one in ten women in a church have an abortion.
5. AMERICAN WAR CASUALTIES
– REVOLUTIONARY WAR 25,324
– CIVIL WAR 498,332
– WORLD WAR II 407,316
– KOREAN WAR 54,246
– VIETNAM WAR 56,655
– GULF WAR 293
– WAR ON THE UNBORN 31,000,000 since abortion was legalize in 1973.
Over 6 times the number of casualties in all the wars combined.
C. Psalm 139:13-16 – For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
1. Within 21 days the baby’s backbone, spinal cord, and nervous system are forming and a small heart is present and beating.
2. At one month arms and legs are present. There is a head with rudimentary eyes, ears, mouth, and brain. The digestive system has begun. The baby is still only one-fourth of an inch long, but he is ten thousand times larger than when he began.
3. At 2 months the baby is fully formed. He reacts to stimuli such as tickling. He will try to grasp a tiny instrument with his tiny hand. He “swims” or moves about in the amniotic fluid. He has fingerprints.
4. By the end of the 3rd month, as one observer notes, “he can kick his legs, turn his feet, curl and fan his toes, makes a fist, move his thumb, bend his wrist, turn his head, squint, frown, open his mouth,” swallow, and breathe.
a. The lack of value for life today is the result of godlessness. Many of our universities and schools have taught our young people that human beings are nothing more than highly organized, animated slime.
b. Our children are taught that they are cosmic accidents, nothing more than time + chance + matter. Our society has rejected the belief that HUMANS HAVE INTRINSIC DIGNITY BECAUSE THEY ARE CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
1. The Psalmist tells us – Psalm 127:3 – Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.
2. Did you know that you are God’s crowning creation?
3. Did you know that you’re the greatest thing that God every created
4. You Were Created in God’s Image.
5. Do you know why you’re so valuable to God? Because you look just like Him!
6. Genesis 1:27 – So God created man in His own image.
7. Don’t you ever convince yourself that your worthless. Don’t you ever buy into the lie that no one loves you.
8. You:
– are not an accident.
– were not mass-produced.
– are not an assembly-line product.
9. You were:
– deliberately planned.
– specifically gifted.
– lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman.
10. Psalm 100:3 – Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
II. ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
A. Story – “It Matters to This One”
A young man was walking along the seashore. Far ahead of him, he saw a another man walking towards him. He paused every few steps, stooped down, throwing something into the sea.
The young man hurried forward, his feet awkward in the sand, as he tried to catch up with the man. As he came closer, he saw that it was an old man, and the reason that he would stop every step or two was to pick up a starfish and fling it into the ocean. It was only then that the young man noticed the thousands of starfish that littered the beach for miles, stranded there by the tide.
The young man rather was rather curious. What the old man was doing seemed so pointless, and he couldn’t wait to catch up with him to tell him so. The young man came near the older man.
“Why are you doing this?” he gasped. “You can’t save all of these starfish! It’s useless! What does it matter?”
The old man paused for a moment, looking down at the crusty starfish he’d just picked up. He turned it over slowly, then answered. “It matters to this one,”
III. TWO POSSIBLE OPTIONS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD FOR AN UNWANTED PREGNANCY:
A. Raise and Love the Child.
B. Adoption.
C. Neither one is a good option, but they are the only answers to a bad situation.
D. ABORTION IS MURDER (A sin to correct a sin!!!)
Conclusion
1. The good news is that you can have forgiveness.
2. The good news is you can have help from brothers and sisters in Christ
3. God loves you. Do you love God?
4. Jesus says if you love me keep my commandments – John 14:15
Psalm 111:02 The Works of The Lord are Great – audio
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Text: Psalms 111:2
Introduction
1. Let’s begin by reading Psalms 111:1-10, noting in particular Psalms 111:2
The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
2. In the psalm, the works of the Lord are His works of redemption for Israel – Psalm 111:5-9
Body
I. HIS CREATION
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. God created the heavens and the earth – Genesis 1:1
2. They declare the glory and handiwork of God, His power and deity – Psalm 19:1-2; Romans 1:20
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM…?
1. Like David, contemplating their beauty and intelligent design? – Psalm 8:3-4
2. Viewing a starry night, an illustrious sunset, or even a single flower?
II. HIS WORD
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. David praised the value of God’s Word – Psalm 19:7-11
2. Even more so now that we have the living-giving words of Jesus! – John 6:63
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. Like the truly blessed man? – Psalm 1:1-3
2. Reading that which provides comfort, hope and guidance? – Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
III. HIS SALVATION
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. The salvation of mankind made possible by God’s love – John 1:29; 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10
2. Saved by grace – Titus 3:4-7
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. With the aid of such passages like Romans 6? – Romans 6:3-7
2. Reflecting on the consequence of such truths? – Romans 8:31-39
IV. HIS CHURCH
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. That church built by His Son, purchased with His own blood – Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28
2. Which is the kingdom of God, the bride of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit – Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 3:16
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. With the aid of books like Acts, Ephesians, Colossians?
2. Learning of the origin, spread, nature of and work of the church?
3. Reveling in its simplicity in contrast to the denominationalism of today?
V. HIS PROMISES
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. We can look forward to the resurrection of the dead – John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
2. We can look forward to new heavens and new earth – Revelation 21:1-4
3. We can look forward to the new Jerusalem, the city whose builder and maker is God! – Hebrews 11:10, 16; Revelation 21:2
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. Pondering on how God will raise the dead? – 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
2. Looking forward to that new heavens and new earth? – 2 Peter 3:13-14
3. Reflecting on the great and precious promises? – 2 Peter 1:4
Conclusion
1. We have considered only a few of the great works of the Lord:
a. His creation
b. His Word
c. His salvation
d. His church
e. His promise
2. If you have not yet done so, study the great works of the Lord
a. Reflect on the beauty and design of God’s creation
b. Read and meditate on God’s revelation (His Word)
3. As you do so, obeying the latter, you will find great pleasure both now and in the hereafter..!
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?
What is Your Sermon? – audio
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Introduction
1. The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard.
He once raised the question as to what would happen if there were no preachers. He concluded that the only thing remaining would be the lives of Christians. And so he wondered: “What kind of sermon would you be preaching?”
2. A poet once expressed it somewhat like this:
You are preaching a gospel day by day;
by the things you do and the words you say.
These may be many, or maybe just few;
but say, what is the gospel according to you?
3. What does the world see as they observe the children of God?
4. I would like ask is that what they see when they see you?
Body
I. Calmness
A. In a world that seems to be coming apart at the seams, the Christian needs to radiate calmness. Someone has written:
Said the Robin to the Sparrow:
“I would really like to know,
why these anxious human beings
rush around and worry so.”
Said the Sparrow to the Robin:
“I think that it must be,
that they have no heavenly Father
such as cares for you and me.”
B. Do we live in fear?
1. Are we constantly fretting over material things?
2. We should “relax” in the Lord and enjoy our Christian lives. People can tell whether we are contented or not. We ought not to portray a frustrated image.
3. Philippians 4:4-7
II. Courtesy
A. In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul admonished:
1. “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” – Philippians 4:4-5
2. The term “forbearance” (ASV), or “moderation” (KJV) is probably obscure to many.
3. The rendition “reasonableness” (ESV) is some better.
4. But, I like “gentleness” (NKJV) the best!
B. The idea is that of courtesy or graciousness.
1. Unfortunately some people are known as professional grumps.
2. They are ever poised to “tell off” someone – the waitress, the bank clerk, the grocery checker.
III. Compassion
A. It was said of Christ, on a number of occasions as he saw the crowds in distress, that he had “compassion” on them.
1. The Greek word for compassion is related to a term that has reference to one’s inner organs.
2. Metaphorically it denotes a deep inner feeling for someone. When we see folks suffering, we should feel for them and strive to help them as we are capable.
3. When we see the bereaved, do we “feel” their pain – as much as one can for another?
4. Galatians 6:1-5
B. It seems the world is growing increasingly cold.
1. The problem is not global warming; it’s global cooling.
2. It’s a dog-eat-dog environment (significantly undergirded by the evolutionary philosophy).
C. We cannot help everyone of course; nor can we solve all the world’s problems. The Christian does need to show compassion in his daily demeanor.
IV. Courage
A. John F. Kennedy wrote a book titled Profiles in Courage, in which he applauded this quality.
1. Courage is a virtue. David once said to the Lord: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). The noblest courage of all is that derived from faith in God.
2. Courageousness is not pugnaciousness.
3. It is not the disposition that is loud-mouthed, or that runs over others.
B. Courage is quiet confidence while doing what is right.
1. Courage is a quality people admire; it is not that of which they are fearful, or that by which they are intimidated.
Conclusion
1. Yes, people are seeing your sermons every day.
2. Make sure they are clear and meaningful for good.
3. When folks observe your life as a truly Christian sermon, they may just want to hear about what it is you have – that they might need!
Ephesians 05:01-13 Unfruitful Works of Darkness – audio
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Text: Ephesians 5:1-13
Introduction
A. Before one obeyed the Gospel of the Christ
1. He was separated from God – Isaiah 59:1-2
2. lost in sin – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3. In a state of spiritual darkness – Ephesians 2:1-2; 5:8
B. Jesus came to this sin-darkened world “to seek and to save” the lost – Luke 19:10
C. Those who follow Jesus do not live in darkness – Acts 26:16-18.
Body
I. HOW DOES ONE TURN TO THE LIGHT WHO IS SEPARATED FROM GOD, LOST IN SIN, AND IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS?
A. Every alien sinner is called by the Gospel of Jesus Christ – 2 Thessalonians 2:14
B. When one hears, believes, and obeys that Gospel, something takes place.
1. Colossians 1:13
2. 1 Peter 2:9
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
4. Romans 13:12
5. 1 John 1:6-7
C. All these things being true, it is no wonder that Paul would exhort the Ephesians – Ephesians 5:11
II. APPLICATION OF EPHESIANS 5:11
A. In the context Ephesians 5:11 applies to the immoral practices in which the phrase is found; But it is not limited to its immediate context of Ephesians 5.
B. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
C. 1 Timothy 5:22
D. Matthew 7:17-20
E. THINK! Is Jesus merely talking about trees and the fruits they produce, or is he using this figure to illustrate the fact that false teachers and others producing the “unfruitful works of darkness” are actually evil?
1. By their fruits we shall know that they are corrupt.
2. In order for a good tree and evil tree to have fellowship, they would have to be producing fruit together.
3. Herein lies the problem. Can a good tree, a tree of light, produce “unfruitful works of darkness”? NO!
4. If a good tree cannot produce “unfruitful works of darkness,” how is it possible for it to be in fellowship with the kind of tree that does? IT CANNOT!
5. What kind of a tree produces “unfruitful works of darkness”? An evil tree, a tree of darkness – in other words, one who walks in darkness
F. Fellowship with God is contingent upon “walking in the light.” The fellowship we have with others walking in the light – 1 John 1:6-7
G. It is impossible for one “walking in the light” to have fellowship with one “walking in darkness.” When one does so, he himself ceases to “walk in the light” because he becomes a partaker (Fellowshipper) of the evil deeds being done by the one who is “walking in darkness.” – 2 John 9-11.
Conclusion
A. Light is often used by the NT writers as a synonym for truth and righteousness, while darkness represents sin and error – 1 John 1:6-7
B. Ephesians 5:8-13
C. Matthew 5:14
D. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
New Years (2012-2013) – audio
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Many people have told me that time passes more quickly as you get older.
I don’t know if it’s true for everyone, but from where I sit I think they’re right.
Can you believe 2012 is gone?
It’s been an eventful year. The presidential race occupied our attention for much of the year. We were intrigued by the London Olympic Games, horrified by shootings in Aurora and Newtown, and now we’re preoccupied by talk of heading over the nebulous but scary “fiscal cliff.”
What’s happened in your world in 2012?
Did you welcome a child into your life? Send one to college?
Get a new job? Change careers?
Perhaps you went through a divorce or lost someone you love.
The way Paul closes Philippians seems quite appropriate as we end one year and begin another.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Philippians 4:21-23).
In the 1,950 years since Paul dictated this letter from a Roman jail, the world has changed in many ways. Nations have risen and fallen. Wars have been fought, and millions of people have lived and died.
But in so many ways, things are still the same.
We look at a world that’s not too different from the one Paul saw from his imprisonment. People are laughing and crying and dreaming and living and dying.
And what the world needs now—what we need now—is the same thing they needed.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ”
We still live in a fallen world, and we’re a fallen people, but the hope Paul extended to the church at Philippi is the same hope God extends to us today.
He offers us hope through his grace, which is how Paul finished the letter.
And I think that’s a pretty good way to end a year:
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
But, there’s just something neat about new.
The smell of a new car, the look and feel of a new gadget, the cuteness of a new puppy.
Many of us get excited about a new year.
There’s optimism in the air, isn’t there? Yep, I messed up last year, but this year’s gonna be different.
It’s a beautiful new slate, clean start, fresh beginning.
New me for the new year, as they say.
God likes new things too, something Paul celebrates here:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God gives newness, but it’s not tied to the calendar, of course.
And it has nothing to do with weight loss or gym memberships or quickly-made-but-easily-forgotten resolutions.
He gives newness in Christ.
In fact, he recreates us in Christ, which is incredible.
All those sins?
Gone.
The guilt, hopelessness, living only for self?
A thing of the past.
God gives you a new identity with a new hope, a new outlook, and a new future.
Maybe that’s just what you need
Maybe you got sidetracked last year, got your priorities out of whack, became a little self-serving.
Now’s a good time to change that.
God’s not bound by our calendars, of course, but there’s no better time than today to ask God to give you a fresh start.
If you’re not a follower of Christ, trust in him as God’s Son and connect to his crucifixion in baptism.
Maybe you obeyed the gospel long ago, but today what you need more than anything is for him to be your Lord and Savior once again.
Ask him.
He’ll make you new, completely new, beautifully new.
In Christ, “the new has come.”
1 Peter 01:01-13 Fortifying the Focus of our Hope – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:1-13 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. Up to this point in his epistle, Peter has summarized some of the blessings enjoyed by God’s pilgrims
a. Their election, sanctification, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus – 1 Peter 1:2
b. Their rebirth to a living hope – 1 Peter 1:3
c. Their incorruptible inheritance, reserved in heaven – 1 Peter 1:4
d. Their being kept by the power of God through faith for the salvation to come – 1 Peter 1:5
e. Their great joy, which is inexpressible and full of glory – 1 Peter 1:6-9
f. The honor of having been served by a distinguished group of individuals – 1 Peter 1:10-12
2. Starting with 1 Peter 1:13, we find a series of exhortations
a. These exhortations are based upon the wonderful blessings listed previously
b. These exhortations are found throughout much of the rest of the epistle
3. The first exhortation relates to the hope that we have as Christians – 1 Peter 1:13
a. In which we are charged to rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
b. Put another way, we are being charged to fortify the focus of our hope
Body
I. OUR DUTY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE
A. THAT IS THE PRIMARY EXHORTATION IN THIS PASSAGE
1. The words rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you is the main point of 1 Peter 1:13
2. The other exhortations which precede it are subsidiary and will be considered later
B. WHAT DOES IT MEANS TO REST YOUR HOPE FULLY?
1. It means to set your hope perfectly, unchangeably, without doubt and despondency
2. As the NASV puts it: fix your hope completely on the grace
3. Therefore Peter is exhorting us to make our hope one that is complete, strong, and not wavering
C. THE CULTIVATION OF A STRONG HOPE IS THEREFORE A CHRISTIAN DUTY
1. We have a duty to develop and fortify our hope
2. Just as we need to cultivate patience, self-control, etc, so we need to cultivate our hope
3. For without a hope that is strong
a. Our faith may waver
b. We are subject to fear, doubt, and depression
4. Yes, the cultivation (Or fortification) of our hope is essential to living joyful and victorious lives as Christians!
II. IDENTIFYING THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE
A. AS DEFINED IN VERSE 13, OUR HOPE IS
1. The grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
2. The unmerited favor that we will receive when Jesus comes again!
B. AS ALLUDED TO IN THE PRECEDING TWELVE VERSES, OUR HOPE IS:
1. The inheritance…reserved in heaven for you – 1 Peter 1:4
2. The salvation ready to be revealed in the last time – 1 Peter 1:5
3. The praise, honor, and glory we shall receive at the revelation of Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 1:7
4. The end of your faith–the salvation of your souls – 1 Peter 1:9
C. IN VIEW OF ALL THESE VERSES, THE FOCUS OF OUR HOPE IS TO BE:
1. The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the wonderful grace He will bring!
2. The wonderful praise, honor, and glory we shall receive when He comes!
3. The complete and final salvation of our souls from sin and its effects!
4. The receiving of our wonderful inheritance, the heavenly city, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that does not fade away!
III. WHAT IS NECESSARY TO FORTIFY THE FOCUS OUR HOPE
A. GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND
1. Gird up is an oriental expression
a. It refers to the act of gathering up around the waist the long, loose robes worn by those in the east
b. Such gathering up was necessary or one’s progress in running or some other act of exertion would be impeded
2. With the use of this metaphor, Peter is saying
a. We must put out of the mind all things that would impede the free action of the mind in connection with developing our hope – Romans 12:2
b. We must put out of the mind such things like worry, fear, or obsession with material possessions – Proverbs 23:7
3. In other words, remove anything and everything that is not conducive to having a strong hope in the coming of our Lord – Philippians 4:8
a. Such as carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life – Luke 21:34-35
b. Such things as these choke us and hinder our ability to bear fruit (Such as the fruit of a strong hope) – Luke 8:14
B. BE SOBER
1. The word sober means to be calm and collected in spirit
2. It is that state of mind in which the individual is self- controlled, able to see things without the distortion caused by worry or fear
3. To fortify the focus of our hope requires a CALM and SERIOUS attention to the task at hand – Luke 21:36
4. We cannot cultivate and fortify a strong hope if we are so weak-minded that we allow things to divert us away from our true calling!
Conclusion
1. And what is our calling? To travel this life as pilgrims, but with a hope that is resting fully upon the grace we will receive when Christ comes again!
2. The problem with many Christians today is NOT that they have no hope
a. But that their hope is weak and shallow
b. And that is because they are preoccupied with the affairs of this temporary life
3. To remain faithful to the Lord, we need to heed Peter’s exhortation to fortify the focus of our hope by:
a. Freeing our minds of those things which would hinder us
b. Being more serious about the kind of lives our Heavenly Father would have us live – Luke 12:35-40
4. Our next lesson will elaborate upon how God would have us live; but for now, are we living for God at all?
Matthew 26:31-35 Awakened by a Rooster – audio
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Text: Matthew 26:31-35