I have Secondary Progressive MS and have lived with the disease for twenty seven years. I have been under the care of a physician and neurologist for the past thirteen years. To this day, the only treatment that I have received is medication to relieve pain. Every two weeks, $300 is spent at the Pharmacist. I take high levels of…
The foundation of our faith is always under attack. In many cases the enemy has already won a victory and we have not even realized it.
“What do you believe?” someone may ask.
“I believe what our Church believes.”“What does your Church believe?” asking a second time.
“Our Church believes what our denomination believes.”“What does your denomination believe?” asking a third time.
“The same as our Church believes.”
A silly story that may in fact be the reality in many believers mind and heart. Many believers are content to rest their eternity and the eternity of their children in hands of others by being personally complacent about the Scriptures.
What Is the Final Authority of your Faith? (more…)
When I grew up this was a common term to identify the father or husband within the family. My dad was known as the head of the house. We all knew that. All that meant to us was that since God created Adam first, the Dad or eldest son was given this title, Biblically sanctioned. Dad got to make the final decisions; he was served first at each meal and was expected to lead family devotions.
“We know who wears the pants in your home” is a joke that we’ve all heard, implying that somehow the man of the house was weak and allowed his wife to make decisions without his co
nsent.
“Head of the house” is a term that I feel has been abused and misconstrued by today’s culture. The “macho man” stereotype man has been able to use this freedom to support a position in the family of which has been reduced to little more than the one who makes the decisions.
I read a snippet of a story today that gave a chuckle as it reminded me of a great lesson.
At the start of the McCarthy era, Floridian Claude Pepper, one of the Senate’s most outspoken liberals, was on the conservatives’ “hit list” along with many other senators. George Smathers lashed out with some typical right-wing invective—he called his opponent “the Red Pepper”—and he launched a campaign to expose Pepper’s secret “vices.” Smathers disclosed that Pepper was “a known extrovert,” his sister was a “thespian,” and his brother a “practicing homo sapiens.” Also, when Pepper went to college, he actually “matriculated.” Worst of all, he “practiced celibacy” before marriage.
Naturally, rural voters were horrified, and Pepper lost. (Book of Lists No. 2, pp. 36-37)
1 Peter 2:11 Peter 2:1
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2
1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,
WP-Bible plugin says that we ought to strip off anything that will breakdown loving relationships within the family of God. “So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2:2 And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk” (NETBible)
What’s important is that we contribute to a community experience of safety, care and love where everyone can grow in our Christian faith and become a fantastic testimony to the community outside of ours.
It’s a heart of deceit, hypocrisy and envy that will stoop to use the truth bring a brother down. What’s more we draw a massive blemish on our Christian testimony.
Let’s watch every word we say. Love your Christian brother and sister.
1 Peter 4:7-111 Peter 4:7-11
English: World English Bible - WEB
7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
8 And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Be hospitable one to another without grumbling.
10 According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms.
11 If any man speaks, let it be as it were oracles of God. If any man serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
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As I was going through College, got a job as a Limousine driver. We were new to the province but and I did not think about this factor being a problem. On my first day, I dropped off a client and was headed back to the office. The dispatcher called and asked where I was and when I’d be back. 10 minutes. I continued to drive, 10 minutes later, nothing looked remotely familiar yet. "When will you be in?" Any minute. Another 10 minutes and I noticed a sign, "Welcome to New Hamburg". Pulled over, got out a map and tried to discover where New Hamburg was. I was going in the exact opposite direction I was supposed to be going.
Recently rented a car that had a GPS system, Global Positioning System.
We need something like that in our life. That’s 1 Peter 4:71 Peter 4:7
English: World English Bible - WEB
7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
WP-Bible plugin. "The end of all things is near."
That could mean, "Christ’s coming is near." That word, "end" can also mean, "goal" as in 1 Peter 1:91 Peter 1:9
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9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
WP-Bible plugin "for you are receiving the goal of your faith." What you’ve set out to accomplish is in sight, now pay attention.
In any case, this phrase is intended to get your attention. Serious days ahead.
This is the message to the Church. The charge to the Church. The Call of the Church has not so much to "doing" as it has to do with "being".
(7) "Therefore be"
Be what? 2 things
1. Clear-minded.
Get rid of the excess. The clutter, that which hinders. There’s something vitally important coming up, and so get rid of everything that so easily entangles us.
2. Self-controlled.
Calm & collected in our spirit. Not controlled by schedules / rules / agendas / tradition. Why?
#1 "so that you can pray" (7)
So that we will be free to pray. It is a calm and collected spirit that is conducive to the act of praying. That type of spirit results in praying. Put our Day-timer aside, worries & fears. In light of the serious nature of the days ahead, prayer is paramount.
I’ll never forget the day that the Gulf War broke out. I was at Lafontaine Terrace. Hearts were heavy. Power of Prayer was amazing. If you could ask God for one thing, what would it be?
#2 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sin." (8)
We are to stretch this love far. When it’s there, we begin to overlook / forgive some of the less attractive qualities. Like in a healthy family.
How would you describe love within a family? warm, tender, concern, loyal, support, care, nurture, refuge.
Romans 12:10Romans 12:10
English: World English Bible - WEB
10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;
WP-Bible plugin "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love" We may know that, in greek, "philadelphia" means brotherly love. "Philostorgos" (sotrgos = family unit / philos = love. Thus "family unit love")
When we love each other in this way, you become forgiving and caring. When there is sin, it’s acted upon in a loving, proper way. This can be Ladner’s most attractive quality.
The end is near: Therefore: pray & love.
#3 Care. "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" (9)
Does it seem strange to you that in the midst of a crisis, serious days, Peter says, "I want you to have a cup of coffee with someone?"
Wait a minute! Are there not more important things to do? Why take time to care…
In today’s generation, we are being bombarded by messages of hopelessness.
If in these days, we cannot find encouragement from the Church, where then? In these days, many in the world are looking for a haven. It’s here with you.
Jesus Christ is coming again! Therefore,
1. Pray. We will move forward on our knees
2. Love. Stretch it. Love unlikely, like family
3. Care. Love the strangers…with grace.
Now’s when Peter addresses the fourth ingredient that needs to be part of the Church’s life, especially in light of the fact that Jesus is coming soon; especially in light of the act that the days in which we live in are numbered.
#4 Serve.
(10) Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (11) If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides.
We must be a serving people.
Who? Every Christian must. Unite with others, allow themselves to be equipped to serve. We serve in the area that God has gifted you. I already know that God never holds back any congregation in the giftedness area. Every gift needed to do the work he wants done in Ladner is already here. Our work must be done n the context of prayer, unity.
The end of all things is near. Therefore:
What is the result?
God is glorified! Praise is brought to God. (11b) "so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen"
That, by the way is your calling. Bring praise and glory to God. When we are doing it the way God wants it done, we become attractive to the community, effective and we become very fulfilled in our personal lives.
1 Peter 3:1-71 Peter 3:1-7
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3
1 In like manner, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word;
2 seeing your pure behavior in fear.
3 Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing;
4 but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious.
5 For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God, also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:
6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.
7 You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.
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Today we’re talking about the home. In one way I feel a little unqualified to give counsel. Many of our homes deal with challenges that I have not even come close to experiencing. I have performed several hundred funerals during my years of ministry but I never really understood the grieving process until my mother’s funeral.
Heidi & I mark 25 years of marriage. We were best friends before we started dating. We’ve prayed together most every day since about our third date. We were virgins on our wedding day. Alcohol, drugs or tobacco have not been a part of our life together. We don’t fight…we have disagreements. There’s sense of unconditional love. I love who Heidi is and she loves me. We’ve put it in our schedule to enhance our marriage.
As years have passed, I’ve discovered that every home is unique because it’s made up of uniquely designed individuals, by God himself. You can’t take those two people and put them in a box with eight rules. Your life is unique.
Our passage today deals with Principles in the home. If you look at the passage and see rules, you’ll be way of the track. The principles are understood within the context of the entire theme of the book. (more…)
1 Peter 2:11-251 Peter 2:11-25
English: World English Bible - WEB
11 Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 having good behavior among the nations, so in that which they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
14 or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to those who do well.
15 For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.
17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
18 Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.
19 For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God.
20 For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God.
21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you TR reads “us” instead of “you” an example, that you should follow his steps,
22 who did not sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.”
23 Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously;
24 who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.
25 For you were going astray like sheep; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer “Overseer” is from the Greek episkopon, which can mean overseer, curator, guardian, or superintendent. of your souls.
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Optional Title: Grace in the World
It’s easy to sit in the pew and make a bold decision for Christ. It’s a little tougher living it 5 minutes later. You’ll be challenged before you get the coffee in your hand at the coffee bar and equally tough outside the doors. Children, Spouse, Home, Work, Business, Neighbours, Class Mates & Teachers, Politics… The list is nearly endless. Help! I’m a Christian in a Pagan World.
A. Principles to Live By (2:11-12)
Dear Friends (11)…a tenderness because He understands the challenge
1. You are strangers (11)…Be reminded that this is not your home. (You are…)
2. Choose to be abstain (11)…Be Holy…Get rid….
3. Understand the battle (11)
There is a spiritual battle raging. Any time brethren stand
There is a war raging in your soul. Renew your minds daily.
4. Spirit of Submission (12)
Live good lives. Filled with Grace. Love Joy Peace Patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self-control
Do good deeds (not religiholism abuse) doors open & I’m there. Judging & hypocrisy
5. Give Glory to God (12)
The power of God’s grace is the greatest power resource at our disposal.
Story of Steve: Catholic that saw the good deeds (grace)
Two important pictures: Surrender & Glory
story of a new born baby….
1. A new born baby comes in a room 2. Immediate attention focused. Baby’s important
3. The baby is not questioned. Everything’s cute. What the baby wants the baby gets.
4. Nobody says, “The baby is too loud” “He smells”
The focus is on the baby. It makes all the difference in our attitude and actions.
In our lives, the focus is on God and his desires and needs.
God wants all to come to repentance, to give him glory.
Submission: Servanthood, To obey, be subject +++ A Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden".
Glory is lifting persons interests above yours. To give this person credit due. To hold in honor. “Lord, I lift your name on high…” Glory
Without a submissive spirit, there is no expression of glory. Oxymoron.
Holding sin and giving glory?
B. Applying the Principles to Authorities
Spirit of Submission
1. You are strangers (11)
2. Choose to be abstain (11)
3. Understand the battle (11)
4. Spirit of Submission (12)
Submit to every authority (13)
Do good (15)
Live as free men (16)
Show proper respect to everyone (17)
Love the brethren (17
Fear God (17)
Honor the King (17)
Give Glory to God (17)
C. Applying the Principles at Work
Spirit of Submission
1. You are strangers (11)
2. Choose to be abstain (11)
3. Understand the battle (11)
4. Spirit of Submission (12)
Give Glory to God (20)
D. The Example of Christ
Submissive Spirit
1. No Retaliation (23)
2. No Threats (23)
3. Trusted God (23)
4. He bore our sins (24)
Give Glory to God
The captain of the ship looked into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance. Immediately he told his signalman to send a message" "Alter your course 10 degrees south." Promptly a return message was received: "Alter your course 10 degrees
north."
The captain was angered; his command had been ignored. So he sent a second message: "Alter your course 10 degrees south–I am the captain!" Soon another message was received: "Alter your course 10 degrees north–I am seaman third class Jones. "Immediately the captain sent a third message, knowing the fear it would evoke: "Alter your course 10 degrees south–I am a battleship."Then the reply came "Alter your course 10 degrees north–I am a lighthouse."
In the midst of our dark and foggy times, all sorts of voices are shouting orders into the night, telling us what to do, how to adjust our lives.Out of the darkness, one voice signals something quite opposite to the rest–something almost absurd. But the voice happens to be the Light of the World, and we ignore it at our own peril.
1 Peter 2:4-101 Peter 2:4-10
English: World English Bible - WEB
4 coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious.
5 You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
6 Because it is contained in Scripture,
“Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious:
He who believes in him will not be disappointed.”
7 For you therefore who believe is the honor, but for such as are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected,
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and,
“A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”
For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
10 who in time past were no people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
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A. As You Come To Him (4)
1. “Come” is an action of continuance
Constantly coming. This is not referring to that moment of salvation when you come to Christ. This is not referring to the person that thinks he’s arrived. This is speaking of those that are practicing 1 Peter 2:11 Peter 2:1
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2
1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,
WP-Bible plugin.
a. You’re either in rehab or denial.
Which sin are you struggling to get rid of?
b. You can’t come without grace.
Why? Because the risk is too great. The root of your sin is selfishness. Your glory and reputation is what’s all important (1:24). “If I take off the mask, they’ll see me as I really am.” If you allow yourselves to be exposed without grace you are left standing naked and pitiful. Might as well jump in a wolves den basted in barbecue sauce.
In a Church without grace (legalism) nobody would dare expose themselves as they really are. Sin is either excused or abused….both are deadly.
That’s why it is of ultimate importance to:
(1) Understand who are God is.
(2) Understand who man is.
c. You can’t come without brokenness.
A quote from “The Ragamuffin Gospel” by Brennan Manning. “Getting honest with ourselves does not make us unacceptable to God. It does not distance us from God, but draws us to him–as nothing else can–and opens us anew to the flow of grace. While Jesus calls each of us to a more perfect life, we cannot achieve it on our own. To be alive is to be broken; to be broken is to stand in need of grace. It is only through grace that any of us could dare to hope that we cold become more like Christ.” (p.85)
d. You can’t come alone.
And that’s why, in the picture of grace, Peter shows a picture of the SPIRITUAL HOUSE, the Church Universal. Not an organization of religion and rules and liturgy. A house, moulded by grace, to extent praise to God.
B. The Living Stone. (4)
Matt. 16:15-18Matt. 16:15-18
English: World English Bible - WEB
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
18 I also tell you that you are Peter, Peter’s name, Petros in Greek, is the word for a specific rock or stone. and on this rock Greek, petra, a rock mass or bedrock. I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
WP-Bible plugin, Jesus is asking Peter. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
1. The solid rock is Peter’s confession.
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Peter’s thoughts may be back to that day when he writes these words.
a. A Living Stone. The basis of what the Church is all about. What WBC is all about. My faith. lt’s living in that it is personal.
A first-nation tribe was receiving some ancient artefacts from a museum. They touched them and wept. “These are living emblems to us.”
b. A Life-giving Stone (5)
“You also are like living stones.” My life is Christ. For me to live is Christ. Our faith is not dead but alive and growing. We are an alive, spiritual houses that is giving life to those without.
c. A Corner Stone. (7)
The most valued stone. The focus. He’s what holds us together. It’s with his strength and resources that we go on tomorrow. It’s like Him we seek to grow to become.
C. The Living Stones
Understanding, we can only be this by God’s grace. With the grace measurement scale we look from God’s eyes.
1. Two Types of Teaching
2. The reality of who you are a. You are Living Stones
b. You are a Chosen People
c. You are a Royal Priesthood
d. You are a Holy Nation
e. You are a People Belonging to God
3. The ramifications of grace.
a. You are being built (5)
There’s a place of significance in God’s framework for you. He values you in His house
b. Your sacrifice is pleasing (5)
What did you bring to the Lord today. If you are a child of God, He shed tears of delight.
c. You have the right. (8)
Because you belong to the family of God, through the eyes of grace, you can declare the praises of God.
Grace in the Church.
1. Is Broken
2. Allows others to be broken.
3. Practices Servant Leadership
The Lord’s Supper is the greatest expression of grace. Jesus gave Himself. Without a fight. Without pointing a finger. He loved and forgave. He served us. Looked at us and asked, what is their need…I’ll supply it.
Our Deacons distribute the bread and the cup, saying, “I want to serve you….what is your need?”
You in turn pass the bread and the cup, symbolic of saying, “I want to serve you…what is your need?”
4. See others as God sees them.
1 Peter 1:221 Peter 1:22
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22 Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently:
WP-Bible plugin – 1 Peter 2:31 Peter 2:3
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3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious:
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A preacher came to his new Church and preached his first sermon. Next Sunday’s message seemed familiar to some folks but nothing was mentioned. It was the 3rd Sunday that some folks caught on that this was the 3rd time they were hearing the same message. “Are you just repeating the same message?” “Yes, & when you start doing what I said, I’ll move on to something else.”
Preachers’ expect people to take their words to heart and act on them…Peter was no different.
A. What Drives You?
1. “Now that you have purified yourselves…” Now, this is the first and only time that it is mentioned in 1 Peter. But Peter expected that we were driven to do this.
1John 3:3John 3:3
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3 Jesus answered him, “Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, The word translated “anew” here and in also means “again” and “from above”. he can’t see the Kingdom of God.”
WP-Bible plugin “Everyone that has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”
Hope = Jesus Christ & our new birth.
What’s he talking about in 1 Peter? 1 Peter 1:15,161 Peter 1:15,16
English: World English Bible - WEB
15 but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior;
16 because it is written, “You shall be holy; for I am holy.”
WP-Bible plugin… “Be Holy”…It’s a similar word. Peter’s expectation was that the readers would be driven to “Be Holy, Pure, Prepare our minds for holy action. Getting rid of that which binds. Not by doing this on our own strength but surrendering our lives to the Grace of God. To be holy ought to drive you. What drives you? It makes all the difference in your decisions. #1 is often Self interest. And there’s our struggle.
2. How can you change the path you’re on?
Grace. You surrender yourself and acknowledge it’ll be all God and none of me.
a. by obeying the truth (22)
b. through the spirit (KJV)…cf. Tit.2:11… The two go hand in hand. God’s Word is a gift of his grace. It’s alive and is changing your life.
B. Is Grace Alive In Me?
The next thing Peter does is to offer you a test as to how is God’s grace growing in your life. This is for you to examine your life. If you are allowing the Grace of God to be at work in your life, you will notice changes happening.
1. Love sincerely.
(unfeigned love {KJV} = w/o hypocrisy.)
Anybody can mask love, but inside you hate. Oh, pastor, I don’t hate! One reason so much stress is put upon gossip is that it is an expression of hate. Hatred is the highest level of demonic activity. Imagine the devil’s thoughts that hung Christ on the cross. And Christians have those thoughts?
Working or living with an angry person is like walking through a mine field. No fun.
a. malice (2:1) = ill-will, desire to injure
b. deceit = probably meant to decoy, trap
c. hypocrisy = acting like you love.
d. envy = jealousy
e. slander = backbiting, putting someone down.
All of these are rooted in selfishness..lack of grace
A lady once came to Billy Sunday and tried to rationalize her angry outbursts. "There’s nothing wrong with losing my temper," she said. "I blow up, and then it’s all over." "So does a shotgun, and look at the damage it leaves behind!"
Sincere love is genuine agape love. Right from the depths of your heart. You made a choice to love. You can’t do it on your own, it’s God’s grace alive in you.
2. Live your new nature (1 Peter 1:231 Peter 1:23
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23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.
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For you have been born again. Inside the doors of our home, inside these walls…the activity of the devil is banned…rebuked in its entirety. Hatred expressed toward another person is the will of the devil himself. To say that there is justification of hatred is to say that the devil has some good points to make.
Galatians 5:19Galatians 5:19
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19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,
WP-Bible plugin “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like.” (6 out of 10 not bad?)
What does Jesus say? Matthew 5:22Matthew 5:22
English: World English Bible - WEB
22 But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca “Raca” is an Aramaic insult, related to the word for “empty” and conveying the idea of empty-headedness.!’ shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna Gehenna is another name for Hell that brings to mind an image of a burning garbage dump with dead bodies in it..
WP-Bible plugin “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ (term of reproach) is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
1Timothy 2:8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
A woman was bitten by a dog suspected of having rabies. She was rushed to the hospital, treated and left in a room to wait for an autopsy report on the dog. Only then would she know whether or not she might have rabies. An intern on duty that day thought he should explain the seriousness of the situation to the woman. She asked him a lot of questions, and by the end of the interview, the intern realized that he had told her more than he intended to tell her. She was visibly shaken.
Later, when he came by to look in on her, she was sitting on the side of the treatment table, writing. Show would pause occasionally and stare out into space, then resume writing. The young doctor was sure he had upset her so much that she was writing her will, or funeral instructions, or some other equally grave document. He went back in to try to calm and comfort her. He asked if she were writing her will. “Oh, no,” she said, “Just in the event I have been infected, I’m making a list of people I want to bite before I die.”
You may want to check your emotional health by making a list of the people you would like to bite before you die. If you see people that were there last year, you are in danger.
C. What will make the difference?
2 Peter 3:182 Peter 3:18
English: World English Bible - WEB
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
WP-Bible plugin “But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory now and for ever. Amen.”
But how do I grow in grace? What will make the difference?
1. Live for eternity & God’s glory. (1:24)
There’s a lot of misplaced glory running around. We’re building ours up like it’s going to last? We need first to come to God in repentance for living a selfish life. It’s not all about you, but God. Bring back the glory. Also, we need to extend forgiveness.
2. Crave God’s Word. (2:2)
We need a re-bible movement in our Christian life. Hear the preaching is not enough. Reading motivational christian stories is not enough. We must submit ourselves to God and open His book.
a. Crave God’s Word = a pursuit of love.
b. The Pure Word = the real thing, not someone’s opinion.
c. Let God bring Growth = God’s grace is unleashed by His Spirit through His Word.
Grace changes you.
It’s the devil that lures you to avoid this book when crisis comes to your life. Why? This is your way out. Oh, your anger may be subdued, but it has not gone anywhere, just suppressed, only to be awoken another day.
My story:
I have hated people. I didn’t talk to them or even about them…but in my heart I hated. Until God got my attention & I repented of my sin and renounced the work of the devil in my life, and chose love. At that moment and not before, God began to work in that person’s life. My hatred was a foothold of the devil in my life and his. My choice of repentance and love broke the bondage.
1 Peter 1:13-211 Peter 1:13-21
English: World English Bible - WEB
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, Literally, “gird up the waist of your mind” be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ—
14 as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance,
15 but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior;
16 because it is written, “You shall be holy; for I am holy.”
17 If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as strangers here in reverent fear:
18 knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers,
19 but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ;
20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of times for your sake,
21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.
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A. “Therefore”
What’s it there for… 1 Peter 1:31 Peter 1:3
English: World English Bible - WEB
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
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“Praise”…glorious mercy into a living hope.
Fantastic! I have a living hope. I can face tomorrow….Well, how do you face tomorrow?
Now, I’m talking to all of us! We all love Jesus.
We all believe the Bible. We may all be sure of heaven. But living it out is tough. You can behave like you aren’t for only so long before you hit the wall. Spiritual yo-yo’s or wanna be’s.
Therefore….application follows truth. an eg is:
2 Cor. 4:82 Cor. 4:8
English: World English Bible - WEB
8 We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair;
WP-Bible plugin is “We are”…this is where we’re living
2 Cor. 4:132 Cor. 4:13
English: World English Bible - WEB
13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, “I believed, and therefore I spoke.” We also believe, and therefore also we speak;
WP-Bible plugin is “It is written”…the truth
2 Cor. 4:162 Cor. 4:16
English: World English Bible - WEB
16 Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.
WP-Bible plugin is “Therefore”… application
1 Peter 1:61 Peter 1:6
English: World English Bible - WEB
6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials,
WP-Bible plugin…“you may have to suffer” ….life
1 Peter 1:31 Peter 1:3
English: World English Bible - WEB
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
WP-Bible plugin… “Praise…living hope” …..truth
1 Peter 1:131 Peter 1:13
English: World English Bible - WEB
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, Literally, “gird up the waist of your mind” be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ—
WP-Bible plugin… “Therefore” application.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action.”
We have been given this glorious salvation, entirely by the grace and mercy of God.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action.
B. What Is The Action?
I think you find the answer to that as you slide down to verse 16…”Be Holy”
1. What does “holy” mean?
a. “Different”…not odd. Your life has a different quality. It’ll show itself in having a different lifestyle, passions, interests, focus.
b. “Pure”. A Christian’s life has that different quality from those without God. We bring our body and spirit into the spiritual alignment shop. A laser beam focus upon the Grace of God. You can stay clean in a polluted world.
2. There are some things that it does not say.
a. Pretend you are holy. Pain inside…(Superficial)
b. Look like you’re holy. Follow the rules (Legalist)
c. Sound like you’re holy. Right words (Depthless)
d. Convenience Holiness. (Sunday Christian).
e. We’re talking about “being”
(1) to be born into existence.
(2) come upon the stage.
Robin Williams is an actor that I admire. (Not his lifestyle or even his films). In his career he has that ability of “being” that person. He does not pretend. Recently he was a Jew living under the oppression of the Germans during WW2 or an aspiring physician that wants to bring healing with laughter. An actor knows what it is to rest in that new person. Trying ceases…it’s in your soul….you can see it in your eyes…
Be Holy……..how? Here’s the answer…GRACE. No easier for you to live salvation than it is for you to earn it.
C. What Does Grace Do? Our Resources
1. We recognize God as Father. (14, 17)
(Grace adopts you into New Family)
2. My Father is holy. (15, 16)
(Grace give you a Godly fatherly example)
3. The Word of God. (16)
(Grace gives you a personal letter)
4. The Judgment of God. (17)
(Grace lovingly Disciplines when we stray)
5. The Love of God. (18)
a. Grace loves unconditionally.
“God’s compassion never ends. It is only his mercies that have kept us from complete destruction.” Lam.3:22 (LB)
b. Grace does not base love on performance
“He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy.” Tit.3:5 (NLT)
c. Grace took your punishment.
“When Jesus served as a sacrifice for our sins, he solved the sin problem for God — not only ours, but the whole worlds. 1Jn.2:2 (Message)
d. Grace understands your human weaknesses.
“He understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.” Hb.4:15 (NLT)
e. Grace does not hold onto grudges.
“God will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve…He is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”
Ps 103:9-13Ps 103:9-13
English: World English Bible - WEB
9 He will not always accuse;
Neither will he stay angry forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor repaid us for our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 Like a father has compassion on his children,
So Yahweh has compassion on those who fear him.
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D. What Must I Do?
1. Prepare “Gird up your loins” (KJV)
The picture is that of a NT man tucking his garment into his belt so that he was unhindered working or running.
2. Prepare your mind. The Battle for personal holiness is not a physical one. The devil wants your mind…he works endlessly to fill it with:
a. worry
b. jealously
c. hate
d. unforgiveness
e. impurity
Preparing your mind means tying up the thoughts that hinder the work. Free the mind to run for God and focus upon God. Ever had trouble focusing on the things of God? Distracted when you want to pray, read God’s Word and Worship?
Reason: Our mind is cluttered
Colossians 3:1Colossians 3:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
3
1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
WP-Bible plugin Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3. Prepare your mind. (Personalize it)
I cannot free your mind. (mass exorcisms…)
A prepared mind:
a. is self-controlled. calmed, sober. No exterior emotions or thoughts are controlling your mind.
b. free to focus. Your mind can’t run ungirded.
4. Obedience (14)
(Romans 12:1Romans 12:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
12
1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
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If you know an area you are to obey in…obey
5. Live as Strangers (17)
This world is not your home…it often looks like we plan on staying. You’re a pilgrim.
6. Fear God (17)
Respect.
7. Know the cost of your Redemption (18)
D. What Must I Do Today?
Return To God (21)
1 Peter 1:3-91 Peter 1:3-9
English: World English Bible - WEB
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials,
7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—
8 whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory—
9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
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The answer is found in the grace of God. Life is filled with challenges, yet, the opening word in our text is Praise. In other words, give God a Eulogy. And again, the basis for praise is found in grace.
A. We were born for glory (1:2-4)
“glory” of God means the sum total of all that God is and does. Not a separate attribute. God is glorious in wisdom, power and mercy. Seeks to reveal His glory in our lives.
1. The miracle began with God (2,3)
What feeble glory man builds for himself will eventually fade away. Empires fall. Names are forgotten. The glory of the Lord is eternal
For us, lasting glory started with God. He chose us. I don’t know when it happened, but the fact remains that God said, “I’d love to have you in the family.” This choice had nothing to do with you and everything to do with God. This was according to his “foreknowledge” which means to set one’s love upon someone in a personal way. (1Cor.8:3)
At the same time, the Holy Spirit is drawing you to embrace the Father and Jesus himself provides the bridge to God through the death burial & resurrection.
2. The Christian’s Hope (3,4)
Our new birth in Christ is described as a living hope. There is life in Christ and he alone can give life to us. Because it has life, it grows in strength and beauty. Time destroys most of our hopes but the Christian’s hope only grows.
Peter calls this hope and inheritance. We’re included in the Christ’s last will and testament and will share in the glory with him. It will never perish.
B. We are kept for glory (1:5)
Not only is the glory being “reserved” for us, but there is no danger of losing the reservation. Our inheritance is shielded by God’s power, even until the last day. The tense tells us that God’s power is constantly shielding, keeping, protecting.You are not kept by your power, strength, faithfulness but by the power of God. Assurance…Rejoice!
C. We’re being prepared for glory (1:6,7)
We need to remember that God is also getting us ready for heaven and preparing us for service and life yet to come.
1. Trials meet needs. (6)
“you may have to…” Discipline because of disobedience, trials prepare us for growth, other times it may eve help to prevent us from sinning.
2. Trials are varied. (6)
“all kinds of trials” Variegated is literal translation. God’s grace is also “variegated” (1 Peter 4:101 Peter 4:10
English: World English Bible - WEB
10 According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms.
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No matter what the colour of your day, God has sufficient grace to meet the need.
3. Trials are not easy. (6)
“Suffer Grief.” (Same word used of the Lord’s grief in garden of Gethsemane). We are not to take a careless view of our trials. If God is at work in your life he doesn’t want you to ignore the crisis.
4. Trials are controlled by God. (6)
“a little while” When God allows his children to go through the furnace, he keeps one hand on the clock and the other on the thermostat. If we rebel, he may have to reset the clock.
Paul’s illustration: No goldsmith would deliberately was the precious ore. He would put it into the smelting furnace long enough to remove the cheap impurities; The goldsmith would keep the metal in the furnace until he could see his face reflected in it. God wants to see the glory and beauty of Christ reflected in our lives.
Also, just as the goldsmith tests the metal to see if it is pure gold or counterfeit…so trials test our faith.
A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted. Too many Christians are professing a “false faith”
Jesus told a parable that brought out the same truth (Matt.13:1-9). Seed that fell on shallow soil produced rootless plants, and plants died when the sun came up. The sun represents trials. What does your faith look like in the midst of trial?
D. Christians can enjoy glory now (1:8-12)
Trial impacted faith that is genuine, growing and vibrant, results in praise, glory & honour. Joy does not have to wait. The dynamic is in looking to Christ and resting in his grace & mercy.
1. Love Christ (8) Our love is not based on physical sight but a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ and the Word he has given us. Are you in a trial? Immediately lift your heart and mind to Christ and His word.
Satan wants the worst to come out of us in the midst of trials, but God wants to bring out the best.
2. Trust Christ (8) To love someone means to trust them. Faith means you surrender all to God and obey His Word in spite of circumstances and consequences. Trusting in times of trial not only brings growth but deepens your love for Christ.
The devil wants the opposite.
3. Rejoice in Christ (8)
You may not be able to rejoice over the circumstances, but rejoicing can happen by centering your heart and mind on Jesus Christ. Each experience of trial helps us learn something new and wonderful about our Savior. That results in inexpressible and glorious joy….so deep it’s hard to express.
4. Receive from Christ (9)
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