Historical Posts
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
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Revelation 01:18 He Lives – audio
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Text: Revelation 1:18
I. Christ lived!
A. He was born of a virgin as prophesied and witnessed by the wise men, Simeon, Anna, and others – Matthew 1; Luke 2
B. Jesus grew, and amazed many with His wisdom and understanding – Luke 2:52
C. Jesus was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness – Matthew 3:15
D. He performed many miracles as multitudes witnessed.
E. He overcame temptation, witnessed by the devil – Matthew 4
F. Jesus taught His disciples, the Jews, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and countless others.
II. Christ died!
A. He was falsely accused and put on trial:
i. They placed a crown of thorns on His head.
ii. He was struck, spat upon and mocked.
iii. He was crucified on a cross.
iv. His side was pierced with a spear.
v. Darkness covered the sky.
vi. The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
vii. The earth quaked, the rocks were split, and graves were opened.
B. Witnessing these events, the centurion and guards confessed “truly this was the Son of God.” – Matthew 27:54
C. Joseph of Arimathea:
i. Wrapped the body of Jesus.
ii. Lay His body in the tomb.
iii. Rolled the large stone to guard the entrance.
III. Christ arose!
A. The tomb was empty!
i. The stone was rolled away.
ii. The linen clothes and handkerchief were neatly folded separately.
B. An angel declared,
i. “He is risen”
ii. “why do you seek the living among the dead?”
C. He appeared to:
i. Mary
ii. The apostles
iii. Some on the road to Emmaus
iv. Saul of Tarsus
v. Over 500 at one time!
IV. Christ lives forevermore!
A. Romans 6:3-5, 8-11
B. 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 54-57
C. 2 Timothy 1:10
D. Acts 2:22-24
V. Because of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we can live forever!
A. Eternal life is in Christ alone – John 11:25-27; 1 John 5:10-13 John 10:10
B. To be in Christ, one must be baptized into Christ – Galatians 3:27
C. All spiritual blessings are in Christ – Ephesians 1:3
D. Just as Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we must die to sin, be buried with Christ, and be raised to walk a new life – Romans 6:1-5
E. Man must die except Christ should come first, but then what? – Hebrews 9:27
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 23:1-4 Consistency is the Key – audio
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Text: Matthew 23:1-4 (reading by Andy Anderson)
I. Observe!
A. Jesus told the multitudes and the disciples to observe the instructions of the scribes and Pharisees – Matthew 23:3
Are they themselves doing what they tell others to do? – Romans 2:21-24
B. Likewise, we must observe God’s instructions!
1) We need faith to come to God – Hebrews 11:6
2) It only comes from hearing God’s word – Romans 10:17
3) Therefore, we observe God’s word by faithfully studying it – Acts 17:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 2:2
C. Once God’s instructions are observed, they must be understood.
1) Jesus often taught in parables so many heard but did not understand His words – Matthew 13:12-13
2) Thus, Jesus often said:
“Hear and understand” – Matthew 15:10; Mark 7:14
“whoever reads, let him understand” – Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14
1. Ezra and all the people were helped to understand the Law of Moses – Nehemiah 8:1-8
2. Philip helped the Ethiopian eunuch understand what he was reading – Acts 8:30-39
3. Paul prayed for the Colossians that they would understand the law of Christ – Colossians 1:9-10
D. God gave us examples to learn from.
1) We should observe and do the right examples – 1 Peter 2:21-24; Acts 10:38; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 11:1
2) We should observe, but not do the wrong examples – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11
II. Do!
A. Observing only is half of the command. The other is action!
1) If we know what to do but do not do it, it is sin – James 4:17
2) Jesus told a parable in which a landowner put idle men to work – Matthew 20:1-7
3) An idle person will suffer, but a worker will reap the reward – Proverbs 19:15-16
B. Doing God’s will allows us to enter the kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 7:21
C. God is pleased when we do good – Hebrews 13:16; 1 Peter 3:10-12; Galatians 6:10
III. Jesus is consistent…are we?
A. The scribes and Pharisees did not practice what they preached, but Jesus did – Hebrews 1:12; 13:8
B. Do we live 7 days a week what we preach on the first day?
C. The scribes and Pharisees are not the same on the outside as they are on the inside…
D. Are we? – Matthew 23:25ff
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 26:31-35 Awakened by a Rooster – audio
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Text: Matthew 26:31-35
Introduction
1. Jesus had predicted that Peter, along with the rest of his apostles would desert him.
2. Peter denied that he would betray the Lord. In fact, he announced that he would die before he denied him.
3. However, with the crow of a rooster, Peter is brought to tears as he realizes his failure.
4. Let us examine this text and see if we can learn any lessons from it.
Body
I. Don’t Be Overconfident.
A. Matthew 26:31-35
B. John 21:15-17
C. 1 Corinthians 10:12
D. I’ll Never Forsake My Lord
II. Don’t Measure Yourself Apart From Trials
A. Proverbs 24:10
B. We don’t really know how strong we are until our faith is tested.
III. A Rooster’s Crow Is Not the Only Way to Be Awakened
A. Death, illness, scare, thanksgiving, compassion, kindness, goodness of God, etc.
B. James 5:19-20
C. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
IV. Jesus’ Love Is Beyond Understanding
A. Ephesians 3:18-19
Conclusion
1. In spite of Peter’s failure, Jesus still loved him and wanted him.
2. And, in spite of your failures, Jesus still loves you and wants you to be saved.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:10-12 Ministering Not to Themselves, but to Us – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:10-12
Introduction
1. Already in Peter’s epistle we have seen several blessings enjoyed by the elect of God
a. Born again to a living hope – 1 Peter 1:3
b. Having a joy inexpressible and full of glory – 1 Peter 1:8
2. As we continue in 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter expands upon the topic of the salvation Christians enjoy as a result of their faith
3. As we take the time to think about what is found in this passage, we cannot fail to be impressed with how privileged we are in God’s sight
a. For we will learn that we are the recipients of a gospel that was prophesied and has come to us only through the efforts of a very distinguished company of individuals!
b. And in their efforts, they were ministering not to themselves, but to us who are now Christians!
Body
I. WE HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO BY THE PROPHETS!
A. WHICH IS THE MAIN THOUGHT OF THIS PASSAGE
1. When the prophets prophesied, they were often intrigued by what they revealed – 1 Peter 1:10-11
a. This is because they were inspired or moved by the Holy Spirit, and not by their own will -II Peter 1:21
b. Therefore, they often expressed perplexity concerning those things they prophesied – Daniel 7:28; 8:26-27
2. But as pointed out in our text, it was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but us! – Daniel 12:8-9
B. CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS POINT
1. We who are Christians have been served by such people as:
a. Moses, Samuel, and David
b. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel
2. These men (And many others) spent their lives, and in many cases even gave their lives, in service to you and me!
3. Yes, these great heroes of faith suffered much in their service to God and to us who are now in Christ – Hebrew 11:36-38
II. WE HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO BY THE HOLY SPIRIT!
A. THIS THOUGHT IS ALSO EXPRESSED IN OUR TEXT
1. For it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets to proclaim things to come – 1 Peter 1:11
a. It was He who inspired David and Isaiah to foretell the sufferings of Christ – Psalm 22; Isaiah 53
b. It was He who likewise moved the prophets to proclaim the glories to follow
1) The resurrection of Jesus – Psalms 16: 9-11
2) His ascension and coronation – Daniel 7:13-14
2. And it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the apostles to reveal the gospel – 1 Peter 1:12
a. As Jesus promised He would, in His discourse to His apostles – John 16:13
b. As Paul said He did, in writing to the Ephesians – Ephesians 3:5
B. AGAIN, CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS TRUTH
1. Through His ministry of inspiration and revelation in the lives of the prophets and apostles, we have been served by the Holy Spirit
2. Because of His work, we have today the completed revelation of God’s Word in our hands!
3. This is in addition to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to which Peter referred in – 1 Peter 1:2
4. Do we appreciate the service that the Holy Spirit has rendered for us throughout the ages? Is this not an indication of the great value God must place upon His people?
III. WE HAVE BEEN MINISTERED TO BY THE APOSTLES!
A. THIS WE CAN GLEAN FROM VERSE 12
1. …those who preached the gospel to you
a. This is a reference to the apostles of Jesus Christ
b. Who were commissioned to preach the gospel, as recorded in Mark 16:15-16
2. As they carried out this Great Commission, they considered themselves but servants for those to whom they preached
a. As Paul said, they were but seed-throwers and water-boys – 1 Corinthians 3:5-7
b. They were serving as your servants and of Christ – 1 Corinthians 3:21-4:1; 2 Corinthians 4:5
B. THEREFORE, WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY MEN
1. Such as Peter, James, John, and Paul
2. Who gave their lives for our sake, to convince the world that our faith in their testimony is not unfounded, but that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead
Conclusion
1. Our Father in heaven must hold His elect (The church) in high regard to have them served by such a distinguished company!
2. To be so privileged should motivate us to praise God for His grace and to devote our lives in grateful service to Him and His people
3. But the grace God bestowed toward us reached its peak when addition to all these (Prophets, the Holy Spirit, apostles) He sent His only Son to serve us as well!
4. “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28
5. Shall we not respond with grateful service through faithful obedience to His Will?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:06-09 Joy Inexpressible and Full of Glory – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:6-9
Introduction
1. One of the many blessings available to us as the elect of God is a very special kind of joy
a. For reasons we shall notice in our lesson, Christians are able to greatly rejoice – 1 Peter 1:6
b. We have access to joy that is inexpressible and full of glory – 1 Peter 1:8
c. A joy so great, so glorious, that it is impossible to truly express with words!
2. In this lesson, we shall focus our attention on Peter’s remarks in 1 Peter 1:6-9 concerning this inexpressible joy that we as Christians are blessed to have
Body
I. THE BASIS FOR INEXPRESSIBLE JOY
A. THERE ARE PAST GROUNDS FOR REJOICING
1. We have been set apart by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit – 1 Peter 1:2
2. We have been sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 1:2
3. We have been born again to a living hope – 1 Peter 1:3
B. THERE ARE PRESENT GROUNDS FOR REJOICING AS WELL
1. We are God’s elect – 1 Peter 1:2
2. We are kept by the power of God through faith – 1 Peter 1:5
C. AND THERE ARE FUTURE GROUNDS FOR REJOICING
1. We have an inheritance reserved for us in heaven – 1 Peter 1:4
2. We look forward to the salvation which will be revealed in the last time – 1 Peter 1:5
D. All these blessings (Past, present, future) serve as the basis for inexpressible joy.
II. THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF THIS JOY
A. IT ENABLES ONE TO REJOICE EVEN IN TRIAL – 1 Peter 1:6
1. No matter what degree of suffering one may experience, in Christ there is joy to match
a. As Peter explains in 1 Peter 4:12-13
b. As he and the rest of the apostles exemplified in Acts 5:40-41
2. How can Christians find joy in such trials?
a. Informed Christians understand the purifying nature of such trials – 1 Peter 1:7
b. Knowing what trials can produce, it is possible to be joyful in trials – James 1:2-4, 12
B. WHAT KIND OF TRIALS?
1. The word various includes all kinds
2. Primarily, it includes those which come as a result of living for Christ – Matthew 5:10-12
3. But we can also rejoice in the everyday afflictions of life
a. For example, sickness, heartbreak, frustration, approaching death
b. For these things also provide an opportunity to test our faith, hope, love, longsuffering and patience
4. If one is able to rejoice even in the midst of such trials, surely they have a joy inexpressible and full of glory!
C. But how can Christians be sure to possess this joy?
1. For it must be admitted that all do not
2. There are times when even the best of us do not
III. POSSESSING THIS INEXPRESSIBLE JOY
A. WE MUST LOVE JESUS – 1 Peter 1:8
1. Whom having not seen you love
2. Jesus is the ultimate source for being able to rejoice in all things – Philippians 4:4
a. He has promised that if we truly love Him, He and His Father will be with us – John 14:23
b. If Jesus is with us, we can receive that joy which is inexpressible! – John 15:11
3. But can we who have never seen Jesus, love Him? Yes! – 1 Peter 1:8
4. How can we come to love Him we have not seen? Through a devotional study of:
a. The Old Testament, with its prophecies of the Messiah
b. The Gospels, with their description of His life, teachings, compassion, suffering, death, and glorious resurrection
c. The Acts, with its action-packed portrayal of the Lord working together with His church
d. The Epistles, where we learn of many blessings found in Christ, and of His ministry as High Priest interceding in our behalf
e. The Revelation, in which we learn of the glorious victory to be won by the Lamb and His followers
B. WE MUST ALSO BELIEVE IN JESUS – 1 Peter 1:8
1. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing
2. Through believing in Jesus we can rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory
3. But such faith is more than a mental assent, or academic knowledge of Jesus
4. It involves the key element of faith itself, which is trust
a. Trusting in His commands to be for our ultimate good
b. Trusting in His promises to be fulfilled
c. The kind of trust that prompts us to obey Jesus wholeheartedly
d. This kind of faith comes from the Word of God – Romans 10:17
Conclusion
1. When we have this kind of faith in Jesus, and when we truly love Him with our whole being
a. A blessing we receive is that joy inexpressible and full of glory!
b. A blessing that can sustain us till we reach the end (Goal) of our faith: salvation! – 1 Peter 1:9
2. And that is because this inexpressible joy
a. Is based upon many other blessings: past, present, and future
b. Enables us to joyfully persevere through all kinds of trials in this life
3. But again, this blessing is only for those who truly love Jesus and believe in Him
a. Do you love Jesus? If you do, you will keep His commandments – John 14:15, 23
b. Do you believe in Jesus? If you do, you will do what He says – Luke 6:46
4. Are there commandments of Jesus you have not yet obeyed? If so, why not obey them today so that this inexpressible joy can be yours as well!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 1:3-5 Living Hope – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:3-5
Introduction
1. In our study of Peter’s epistle so far, we have noticed
a. That as far as the world is concerned, Christians are but pilgrims
b. But as far as God is concerned, we are His elect
2. As the elect (Chosen) of God, we are the recipients of many blessings that God offers to all who will obey and follow Christ
a. One of these blessings is described in 1 Peter 1:3-5
b. There we learn that God has caused us to be born again unto a living hope
3. An understanding of this living hope can help Christians who are pilgrims be more joyful during their sojourn in this life
4. Therefore, in this lesson we shall examine what Peter says about the Christian hope that makes it a living hope
Body
I. BECAUSE GOD IS MERCIFUL!
A. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES NOT IN OUR OWN PERFECTION OR RIGHTEOUSNESS
1. It is a good thing that it does not, for all are sinners in God’s sight – Romans 3:23
2. Even as Christians we find ourselves guilty before God – 1 John 1:8, 10
B. THE BASIS FOR OUR HOPE LIES IN THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD’S MERCY
1. Mercy bestowed while we were yet sinners – Romans 5:6, 8
2. Mercy bestowed upon the conditions of faith, repentance, and baptism – Acts 2:36-38
3. Mercy bestowed continually upon Christians as they repent of and confess their sins – 1 John 1:9
II. BECAUSE JESUS IS ALIVE!
A. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS CRUCIAL TO OUR HOPE
1. If Christ is not risen, then the apostles were liars, and our faith is vain! – 1 Corinthians 15:14-15
2. If Christ is not risen, we are still held guilty for our sins, no forgiveness has occurred – 1 Corinthians 15:17
3. If Christ is not risen, those who have died as Christians have perished, they are lost – 1 Corinthians 15:18
4. If Christ has not risen, then we do not have a living hope, instead we are to be pitied by others! – 1 Corinthians 15:19
B. BUT THROUGH JESUS’ RESURRECTION, WE HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE
1. Peter may have reference not just to the process of conversion, but to the renewed hope produced by the resurrection of Jesus
a. After Jesus’ death and prior to His resurrection, the disciples were despondent
b. But after the resurrection of Jesus, His disciples were born again in regards to their hope
2. Surely the fact that Jesus did rise gives us reason for a living hope
a. God would not raise a liar, so anything Jesus said about our hope is true – John 11:25
b. Since Jesus rose from the dead, we have a firm hope that we too will one day rise from the dead – 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
c. By the abundant mercy of God, and upon the basis of Jesus’ own resurrection, then, we have been born again to a living hope!
III. BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF OUR INHERITANCE!
A. THE DEGREE OF HOPE WE HAVE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE INHERITANCE WE HAVE
1. If our inheritance is a good one, our hope is strong, or living
2. If our inheritance is a poor one, then our hope is weak, or dead
B. AS DESCRIBED BY PETER, OUR INHERITANCE
1. IS INCORRUPTIBLE
a. The Greek word means not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable
b. Unlike this present heavens and earth in which now live, and which will one day be destroyed – 2 Peter 3:10-13
2. IS UNDEFILED
a. The Greek word means not defiled, unsoiled
b. It is unlike the earthly Canaan, which could be and was defiled by its inhabitants
c. Our hope pertains to that where the defiled are not allowed to enter – Revelation 21:27
3. DOES NOT FADE AWAY
a. The Greek word means unfading, perennial
b. Such is our heavenly reward: it will not rust, fade, or wither like so many things do here on earth
4. IT IS RESERVED IN HEAVEN
a. The word means to watch, to observe, to guard, protect, to reserve, set aside
b. Therefore, our inheritance is safely guarded in heaven itself!
c. No one, not even Satan himself, can steal it from you!
C. Since this is the nature of our inheritance upon which our hope rests, we can see why our hope is described as a living hope.
IV. BECAUSE WE ARE SAFELY GUARDED!
A. CHRISTIANS ARE KEPT FOR THE SALVATION READY TO BE REVEALED IN THE LAST TIME
1. The word kept is a military term
2. It means to guard, protect by a military guard, either to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight
3. While our inheritance is being kept guarded in heaven under the watchful eye of God, we are being garrisoned about by God’s protecting care for it.
B. NOTE THAT BEING KEPT INVOLVES TWO THINGS
1. First, THE POWER OF GOD!
a. We have the help of God Himself, who knows how to help those in temptation
b. He knows how to deliver them out of temptation – 2 Peter 2:9
c. He knows how to enable them to bear with the temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13
d. He supplies the armor necessary to withstand in the evil day – Ephesians 6:10-13
2. Also, OUR FAITH!
a. To be safely guarded by God’s protective care requires faith on our part
b. The only way we can ever lose our inheritance reserved in heaven is to become unfaithful to the Lord! – Revelation 2:10
c. While the Bible teaches the security of the believer
1) It also teaches that a believer can become an unbeliever – Hebrews 3:12-13
2) And it teaches that unbelievers have no hope – Hebrews 3:14-4:3
d. As long as we remain faithful, then, we have the assurance of God’s protective care to guide us until we receive that inheritance reserved in heaven for us!
Conclusion
1. In this passage (1 Peter 1:3-5), then, are four reasons why the hope of the Christian is called a living hope:
a. Because God is merciful!
b. Because Jesus is alive!
c. Because of the nature of our inheritance!
d. Because we are safely guarded!
2. A living hope can be a source of great joy in the lives of Christians; it certainly was to the original recipients of Peter’s epistle: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials. – 1 Peter 1:6
3. Do you have this living hope?
a. You do if you have received God’s mercy offered in Christ, and are remaining faithful to the Lord
b. If you have not received this mercy, or have neglected it through unfaithfulness, why not come to the Lord according to His conditions found in His Holy Word? – Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:9
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Colossians 01:15-20 The Many Roles of Christ – audio
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Text: Colossians 1:15-20
Introduction
1. The book of Colossians was written by the apostle Paul to confront a series of errors that were being taught in the churches of Colossae.
2. Among other things, false teachers were evidently teaching that salvation was not through Christ alone but that it was also the work of angels and other spiritual beings.
3. In other words, they believed that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was not sufficient in and of itself.
4. Paul sets out to prove this teaching false.
5. He points out that it is through Christ that we all can receive forgiveness – Colossians 1:13-14
6. He then goes on to firmly establish the superiority of Christ.
7. Today, let us note some of the phrases he uses to describe Jesus.
Body
I. THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD – Colossians 1:15
A. On the one hand, we know that no man has seen God at any time.
1. Exodus 13:18-23
2. 1 Timothy 6:16 – Who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
3. John 1:18 – No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
B. Yet, Jesus is described as the image (Icon) of the invisible God.
1. An interesting play on words.
2. God, the Father, has appeared to us in the Person of His Son, Jesus.
3. Hence, He is called, “The Word.” – John 1:1-2
4. John 14:8-11
5. Hebrews 1:1-3
6. The Devil does all that he can to blind the world to this fact – 2 Corinthians 4:4-5
7. If we desire to know about the Father, we simply must look to Christ – John 1:18
II. THE FIRSTBORN OVER ALL CREATION – Colossians 1:15-16
A. Many false doctrines have arisen from the phrase “Firstborn over all creation…”
1. This has led some to (Incorrectly) believe that Jesus was the first thing that God created.
2. Colossians 1:16 shows us that Jesus is the Creator of all things.
3. Everything that was created, was created by Him.
4. John 1:3 – All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
5. He could not have created Himself!
6. Therefore, Jesus is not a created Being.
7. John 8:58 – Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
B. The difficulty is resolved when we realize that the word “firstborn” is not always talking about chronological order of birth.
1. A more common uses was to emphasize someone’s supremacy.
2. We see this usage in regard to David in Psalm 89:27
3. So, calling Jesus the firstborn over all creation is referring to His supremacy over all creation.
4. Additionally, this is also the meaning of the word…
a) “Beginning” in Colossians 1:18. Arche – chief.
b) “Preeminence” in Colossians 1:18. Proteuo – first in rank.
5. His supremacy over all creation is established by the fact that He is the Creator – Colossians 1: 16
6. Hebrews 3:3-4 – For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.
C. His authority and supremacy extends to both heaven and earth.
1. Matthew 28:18 – And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
2. Hebrews 1:3-4 – Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
III. THE SUSTAINER – Colossians 1:17
A. Not only is Jesus the Creator of all things, He is also the Sustainer of all things.
1. Literally, Colossians 1:17 says that “all things stand together.”
2. Creation continues to exist because Jesus upholds it.
B. Hebrews 1:3 – Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
C. He will continue to uphold all things until He returns – 2 Peter 3:7
IV. THE HEAD OF THE BODY – Colossians 1:18
A. The body is the church – Colossians 1:24
B. Not only is He supreme over all physical creation; Hebrews also is head over His spiritual kingdom.
1. John 18:36 – Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
2. Daniel 7:13-14 – “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.
C. There is only one…
1. Body – Ephesians 4:4 – There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
2. Head – Ephesians 4:5 – One Lord, one faith, one baptism;
3. Standard by which we are judged – Ephesians 4:5 – One Lord, one faith, one baptism;
V. THE FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD – Colossians 1:18
A. Here, the term “firstborn” is used in both of the ways discussed earlier.
1. He was chronologically the first to be raised never to die again.
2. His resurrection was also the first in order of importance as well.
B. Why is Jesus’ resurrection so important?
1. By it He was declared to be the Son of God – Romans 1:4 – And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:17-19 – And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
a) If Jesus is not raised, then we are still in our sins.
b) If Jesus is not raised, then all those who have already died, are lost for all eternity.
c) We are indeed in a pitiable state.
3. His resurrection foreshadows our own – 1 Corinthians 15:51-54
Conclusion
1. He is the Image of the invisible God.
2. He is the Firstborn over all creation.
3. He is the Sustainer of all creation.
4. He is the Head of the Body.
5. He is the Firstborn from the dead.
6. He is our Savior!
7. Obey Him!
Delivered on: November 25, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Philippians 03:12-14 Looking Back – audio
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Text: Philippians 3:12-14
Introduction
1. Earlier this year, the college football season opened with the University of Michigan playing Alabama.
2. Michigan was beaten badly. 41-14.
3. After the game, coach Brady Hoke said, “The important thing is that we can’t let Alabama beat us twice. This is a week where we will learn about our team’s leadership and our motivation. There are only 11 more guaranteed opportunities for University of Michigan football games, so we have to learn from what happened in Dallas and start focusing on Air Force this weekend.”
4. Wide receiver, Devin Gardner said, “”I haven’t looked at every defense we play, but they have got to be the best. I learned more in that game than I’ve learned in all the practices I’ve had since starting to play wide receiver. That’s the important thing. We don’t just want to forget this happened — we need to learn from this and apply the lessons to Air Force. We can’t let one team beat us twice.”
5. In these comments we see two important facts.
a. Michigan wanted to learn from their mistakes and get better.
b. Then they wanted to move on and not allow Alabama to “beat them twice.”
6. In other words, once they had analyzed the game and learned all they could, they wanted to forget about it and move on.
7. As Christians, we must do the same thing.
Body
I. IT IS BENEFICIAL TO LEARN FROM THE PAST.
A. We can learn from other’s mistakes – 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
1. Notice that in 1 Corinthians 10:6, we are told that what happened to Israel was an example to us.
2. Notice that in 1 Corinthians 10:11, we are told that these things were written for OUR admonition.
3. Their failures, and their subsequent punishment, should teach us…
a) Not to lust after evil things – 1 Corinthians 10:6
b) Not to become idolaters – 1 Corinthians 10:7
c) Not to commit sexual immorality – 1 Corinthians 10:8
d) Not to tempt Christ – 1 Corinthians 10:9
e) Not to complain – 1 Corinthians 10:10
f) Not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought – 1 Corinthians 10:12
4. The Old Testament and history in general are full of lessons to be learned.
B. We can learn from other’s successes – Hebrews 11:1-12:2
1. Hebrews 11:1-40 is often referred to as the Hall of Fame of Faith.
2. It gives us a list of people who trusted God and were rewarded for it – Hebrews 11:6
3. We read of such people as:
a) Able.
b) Enoch.
c) Noah.
d) Abraham and Sarah.
e) Moses.
f) And many others.
4. Then in chapter 12, we are told… Hebrews 12:1-2
a) That “great cloud of witnesses” is comprised of all of those who we discussed in the previous chapter.
b) Their faithfulness to God and God’s faithfulness in them ought to teach us to trust in God as well!
C. We can learn from our own mistakes.
1. David’s example.
a) With Bathsheba.
(1) 2 Samuel 12:7 – Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!…
(2) 2 Samuel 12:13 – So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
(3) It is important to note that, even though he undoubtedly would have had other opportunities, David never did something like this again.
b) With the movement of the ark.
(1) 2 Samuel 6:3 – So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.
(2) 2 Samuel 6:6-7 – And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.
(3) David learned from his mistake – 1 Chronicles 15:11-15
2. What about us?
a) Are we wise enough to learn from our past mistakes?
b) Proverbs 26:11 – As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly.
c) We have a duty, an obligation, to learn from our past mistakes.
d) If we do not learn, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes again and again.
e) Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. – Einstein.
f) Learn from your mistake so that at least one good thing will come from it.
D. We can learn from our own successes.
1. David’s example – 1 Samuel 17:34-37
a) David knew that God had delivered him from the lion and bear in the past.
b) As a result, he knew that God would deliver him from Goliath.
c) It is important to note that David gave God the credit. He did not claim to have done these things by his own power or strength.
2. What about us?
a) Do we remember all of the answered prayers?
b) Do we remember all of the times that God helped us get through a difficult patch?
c) Remembering those things ought to give us courage for the future.
II. ONCE WE HAVE LEARNED WHAT CAN BE LEARNED FROM THE PAST, WE MUST PRESS ON.
A. Dwelling on past mistakes can be torture.
1. If ever anyone who had a past that they would like to forget, it had to be the apostle Paul.
2. Yet, he said that he had to forget the past and press on – Philippians 3:12-14
3. There comes a time, when you just have to move on and press onward and upward.
4. Even if our heart condemns us (We can’t forgive ourselves), God is greater than our heart – 1 John 3:20
B. Dwelling on past successes has the potential to be equally dangerous.
1. Past successes will not get me to heaven.
2. I have to stay faithful till death.
3. Ezekiel 18:24
4. Even Paul pointed out that he had not yet attained to perfection – Philippians 3:12
5. I must not be overconfident – 1 Corinthians 10:12
III. THERE IS ONE SENSE IN WHICH WE MUST NEVER LOOK BACK – LUKE 9:61-62
A. No one has ever turned back who has not first looked back.
B. We dare not look back on our previous lifestyle with longing.
1. Proverbs 3:31
2. Proverbs 23:17
3. Proverbs 24:1
4. Proverbs 24:19-20
C. Hebrews 6:4-6
D. 2 Peter 2:20-21
Conclusion
1. As Christians, we must learn from both our past mistakes and our past successes.
2. Once we learn what we can, we must move on…
a. And not continually beat ourselves up over our mistakes.
b. And not continually pat ourselves on our back for our successes.
3. We must never look back to that old life of sin with a desire to return.
Delivered on: November 11, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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1 Thessalonians 04:11-12 An Aspiring Christian – powerpoint
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1thessalonians-04-11-12-an-aspiring-christian.pdf
thessalonians-04-11-12-an-aspiring-christian.pptx
Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Aspire – Set and Reach for a Goal
Romans 15:20
2 Corinthians 5:9
Make this Your Goal – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Not Ambition
Ecclesiastes 12:8
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Lead a Quiet Life
Acts 11:2, 18
1 Timothy 2:2
Mind Your Own Business
1 Timothy 5:8
1 Peter 4:15
Work with Your Own Hands
1 Thessalonians 2:9
Ephesians 4:28
The Desired Result
Walk Properly Toward Those Who are Outsiders
That You May Lack for Nothing
Colossians 4:5
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:01-02 The Elect of God – audio
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Text: 1 Peter 1:1-2
Introduction
1. In our previous study, we noticed that Peter referred to Christians as pilgrims of the Dispersion
a. This description implies that Christians are but strangers, foreigners, sojourning in a land that was not their own, and scattered about like seed
b. With their citizenship in heaven, they may be in this world, but they are not to be of this world
c. Therefore, one of their important duties is to be separate – 1 Peter 2:11
2. One might think that since Christians are scattered strangers in this world, they are to be pitied
3. Not so, for though they are strangers in the world, they are the ELECT of God – 1 Peter 1:2
a. The word elect simply means chosen and is thus translated – 1 Peter 2:9-10
b. There we learn that Christians are a chosen generation; they are truly God’s chosen people!
4. In this lesson, we shall consider what it means for Christians to be The ELECT Of God
Body
I. WE ARE A PART OF GOD’S PREDETERMINED PLAN
A. PETER SAYS ELECT ACCORDING TO THE FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD
1. The word foreknowledge comes from prognosis
2. It means forethought, pre-arrangement
3. Being the elect of God is in keeping with God’s plan which He designed beforehand
B. PAUL EXPOUNDS UPON THIS PRE-ARRANGEMENT IN EPHESIANS
1. God planned it before the world began – Ephesians 1:4
2. It anticipated the chosen being holy and without blame – Ephesians 1:4
3. It looked forward to the elect being adopted as sons – Ephesians 1:5
4. This plan is according to God’s good pleasure – Ephesians 1:5
5. This plan has a goal that the elect walk in good works – Ephesians 2:10
C. WAS THIS ELECTION INDIVIDUAL OR CORPORATE?
1. I understand election by God to have been general, not particular; corporate, not individual
2. That it would be the body of Christ, the church as a whole
a. Which God chose to be the recipients of His divine and gracious purposes
b. And which He planned beforehand (Foreknowledge) to carry out in Christ Jesus
3. While in the corporate sense this choice is unconditional and final, as individuals we must be diligent to make your calling and election sure – 2 Peter 1:10
a. Just as Israel (As a nation) had been chosen by God to receive His blessings during the Old Testament period
b. But individually, the Israelites also had to make their calling and election sure
II. WE BECOME GOD’S ELECT THROUGH THE SANCTIFYING WORK OF THE SPIRIT
A. SANCTIFICATION AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. Sanctification, the process by which we are set apart for God’s purpose, is accomplished by the Holy Spirit
2. There are several passages that describe the connection between the Holy Spirit and our sanctification – 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13
B. HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT ACCOMPLISHES THIS SANCTIFICATION
1. It is through the Word of God
a. It was God’s will that the Holy Spirit would reveal the Word to the apostles – John 16:12-13
b. Through this revealed Word, we are sanctified (Set apart) – John 17:17
2. Therefore, when people obey the Word of God which has been revealed by the Holy Spirit, they become chosen…to salvation through: – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
a. sanctification of the Spirit (The Divine side of conversion, as the Spirit has revealed the Word and convicts men of sin through it)
b. and belief of the truth (The human side of conversion, as they believe it)
III. WE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OBEDIENCE!
A. GOD’S CHOSEN ARE EXPECTED TO BE OBEDIENT
1. We saw earlier in Ephesians 2:10 that it was part of God’s plan before time began that the people of God would walk in good works
2. This is all part of God’s wonderful grace as defined by Paul – Titus 2:11-14
3. We do not earn salvation by such good works (Titus 3:5), but nonetheless we are to be diligent in doing them – Titus 3:1, 8, 14
B. PETER WILL LATER EXPOUND UPON THE NEED FOR OBEDIENCE
1. As obedient children of God, we are to be holy – 1 Peter 1:14-16
2. We are even to submit to civil authorities, that we might silence the ignorance of foolish men – 1 Peter 2:13-15
3. Peter implies grave consequences to those who obey not the gospel of God – 1 Peter 4:17
IV. WE HAVE THE BLESSING OF FORGIVENESS!
A. WE ENJOY THE SPRINKLING OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST
1. A clear reference to the blessing of forgiveness of sins made possible by the death of Christ
2. The blessing of forgiveness is one enjoyed
a. When we first become Christians upon our baptism into Christ – Acts 2:38; 22:16
b. As we confess sins throughout our daily walk with God – 1 John 1:7-9
B. THIS BLESSING IS ONLY ONE OF SEVERAL MENTIONED IN PETER’S EPISTLE
1. He later speaks of an inheritance – 1 Peter 1:4
2. And the salvation of souls – 1 Peter 1:9
3. He describes Jesus as the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls – 1 Peter 2:25
4. He also refers to the care of God – 1 Peter 5:7
Conclusion
1. We hope to examine some of these blessings for God’s elect in greater detail in future lessons
2. But what we have seen from 1 Peter 1:2 is that while Christians may indeed be pilgrims, strangers living in a world not their own, they are not to be pitied!
3. For by the grace of God and their obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are God’s elect, His chosen ones, and as such they are:
a. Part of God’s predetermined plan
b. Chosen through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit
c. Given responsibilities in keeping with the fact they are the children of God
d. Recipients of the richest blessings God has to offer (Such as forgiveness of sins)
4. Is it surprising, then, that Peter would address such people with: Grace to you and peace be multiplied?
5. Certainly those who are God’s elect receive in multiple measure the saving grace of God and the peace which accompanies such unmerited favor!
6. How about you? Are you one of the elect of God? You are if you have answered the call of the gospel through the obedience of faith – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38-41
7. If you have not yet rendered obedience to the gospel, then please do so today, especially in view of the following statements by Peter and Paul:
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? – 1 Peter 4:17
And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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