ENCOURAGING WORDS--1 PETER 2:11-25

ENCOURAGING WORDS

1 PETER 2:11-25

Introduction:

We are strangers and pilgrims in this world. Our testimony for Christ is the thing that sets us apart from the rest of the world. Despite what might come in our lives we must protect that testimony for God’s glory. Here the Lord has given us some “Encouraging Words” to help us deal with the problems of life as we travel through this world awaiting the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I. OUR CONDUCT AMONG SINNERS

Vs. 12-14, “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13- Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14-Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”

A. Honest, v. 12, “They may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

B. Obeying the law, v. 13, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.”

II. THE FAITHFUL SERVANT

Vs. 18-19, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”

A. The servants of God, vs. 16-17

1. Honour all men, Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”

2. Love the brotherhood, 1 John 3:14, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

3. Fear God, 2 Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

4. Honour the king, Romans 13:7, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

B. The servants of men, v. 18-19, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19-For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”

1. Not only to the good and gentle,

2. But also to the froward (unfair, perverse, surly), v. 19- For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully,

3. When you do well and suffer for it, v. 20 “When ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”

III. Our Example,

V. 21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

A. His Character, vs. 22-23, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”

1. He did not fly off the handle, “Who did no sin.”

2. He did not use tricks, “Neither was guile found in his mouth:”

3. He did not react negatively, “When he suffered, he threatened not;”

4. He trusted in God’s judgment, “But committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”

B. He is the caring Shepherd, v. 25, “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

1. With Jesus there is no lack, Psalms 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

2. With tender care the LORD sees to our needs, Isaiah 40:11, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus stands ready to meet our every need as long as we faithfully serve Him. He has promised in Hebrew 13:5-6, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6-So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

THE WAR AGAINST THE SOUL- - 1 PETER 2:9-12

THE WAR AGAINST THE SOUL

1 PETER 2:9-12

Key verse: v. 11, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”

Introduction:

There is a war going on around us with the purpose of destroying God’s people. Christians are blessed people and Satan doesn’t like that. He wants to destroy the testimony of every faithful Believer. He has literally declared war against them.

I. BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD

Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

A. A CHOSEN people, Deuteronomy 10:15, “Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.”

1. Because He loved your fathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), Deuteronomy 4:37, “And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt;”

2. The LORD delights in His people, Deuteronomy 10:15, “Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.”

B. A PURCHASED people, Ephesians 1:14, “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

1. Be NOT the servants of men, 1 Corinthians 7:23, “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”

2. Therefore Glorify God, 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

II. ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS THAT WARS AGAINST THE SOUL

A. Even the best of men and women need an exhortation to abstain from sin…

1. Because Satan is seeking the weak Christian, 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

2. He is always on the move in the earth, Job 1:7, “And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”

3. He is the accuser of the Believer, Revelation 12:10, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”

B. Keep from the very appearance of evil, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

1. Hating sin and its effects, Jude 23, “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

2. Stop becoming idolaters, 1 Corinthians 10:7, “Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”

a. Rebellion against God’s Word is idolatry, 1 Samuel 15:23a, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

b. Some teach rebellion against the Lord, Jeremiah 29:32, “Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD.”

C. Don’t be a CASTAWAY Christian, 1 Corinthians 9:27, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

1. Learn to fight the GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

2. Learn to keep our SPIRITUAL BODY in shape by bringing our physical bodies under subjection, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27- But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

III. WE ARE STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS HERE

Hebrews 11:13, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

A. The Old Testament Saints have left us with a good example of faithfulness, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2-Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

1. We are in this world, but not a part of it, 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”

2. The faithful believer of the past did not love the world, 1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

B. Those saints faithfully looked for a city as did Abraham, Hebrews 11:10, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

CONCLUSION

We are in this war whether we want to be or not. The only way to win is God’s way. Then He will fight our battles and never be defeated.

This requires discipline on our part. Most Christians are beating the air as the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:26. In verse 27 he said, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Let’s not be a CASTAWAY before our Lord.

OUR ADVERSARY, THE DEVIL- -1 PETER 5:8

OUR ADVERSARY, THE DEVIL

1 PETER 5:8

Introduction:

This grave warning concerning the devil was given not only to young Christians who are easily subject to temptations, but also to “the elders which are among you” (v. 1). It often appears that Satan’s greatest victories are among those who should be aware of his works among men.

I. GIVING OCCASION TO BLASPHEME

A. David, the king of Israel was not occupied with the DANGERS OF TEMPTATION and FELL into Satan’s trap, 2 Samuel 12:13-14, “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. 14- Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.”

B. Christian leaders who are not wise regarding the adversary, Ephesians 5:15, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,”

1. Walk CIRCUMSPECTLY = cautiously, watchful on all sides, 1 Peter 4:7, “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”

2. Walk ACCURATELY as the Apostle’s teaching was accurate about Jesus Christ, Acts 18:25, “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.”

C. Satan’s BUSINESS is to deceive the whole world, Revelation 12:9, “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

1. Note his character:

a. The great dragon, Revelation 12:3, 7, And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 7- And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,”

b. That old (ancient) serpent, Genesis 3:1, “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”

2. He is the great deceiver, 2 John 7, “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”

a. He tried to deceive some in the church in SMYRNA, Revelation 2:9, “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.”

b. He tried to deceive some in the church at PERGAMOS, Revelation 2:13, “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

c. He tried to deceive some in the church of THYATIRA, Revelation 2:24, “But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.”

II. PETER COULD SPEAK FROM BITTER EXPERIENCE

A. The Lord had WARNED him, Luke 22:31-32, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat : 32- But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

B. Peter’s PRIDE has risen up in the form of SELF-CONFIDENCE, Luke 22:33, “And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.”

C. Later it is Peter WARNING US of his bitter experience, 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

1. Be careful for the CARES of this life, Luke 21:34, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”

a. He warns pastors of GREED, 1 Peter 5:2, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;”

b. He warned them about PRIDE, 1 Peter 5:5-6, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”

2. No Christian can allow Satan to get an ADVANTAGE, 2 Corinthians 2:10-11, To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

CONCLUSION

Though Satan is deceptive and powerful, we need never fall to his tempting if we simply do what James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH--1 PETER 1:1-9

THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH

1 PETER 1:1-9

Key verse: v. 7, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

Introduction:

What do you think of the trials that a believer might go through? Do you consider them punishment for sin? Do you think perhaps that God is unjust in allowing you to go through these difficulties?

The Bible teaches that the trial of our faith is a good thing. God’s purpose in allowing to go through trials is to increase our faith and trust in Him. Consider the following:

I. OUR FAITH IS A PRECIOUS FAITH

A. Precious faith is more precious than gold, v. 7; 2 Peter 1:1, 4, “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

1. There is only ONE FAITH, Ephesians 4:5, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism,”

2. It is through the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 1:30, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”

3. By faith in Christ we have received the great promises of His Word, 2 Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

B. Precious faith has a lively hope, v. 3; Colossians 1:23, 27, “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

1. It is grounded and settled, and easily not moved, Colossians 2:6-7, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him : 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

a. David’s conviction, Psalm 62:2, “He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence ; I shall not be greatly moved.”

b. David’s conviction grew stronger, Psalm 62:6, “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.”

2. It is an unmovable faith that abounds, 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

II. OUR FAITH NEEDS TO BE TRIED FATIH

A. Tried Faith is not a strange thing, 1 Peter 4:12, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:”

B. Tried Faith reveals our heart, Deuteronomy 8:2, “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.”

C. Tried Faith brings experience, Psalm 66:10-12, “For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. 11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. 12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.”

1. Tried faith refines or purifies one’s faith, Job 23:10, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

2. Trials prove the reality of one’s faith, 2 Timothy 4:16-17, “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

a. It is a Faith that is exercised in godliness, 1 Timothy 4:7, “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”

b. It is a Faith that increases, Luke 17:5-6, “And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. 6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”

III. OUR TRIED FAITH BRINGS REWARDS

A. For those who endure, James 1:12, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

B. God will honor the faithful, 1 Samuel 2:30, “Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”

1. Faithfulness is honored by the Lord Jesus, Matthew 25:21, “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

2. The faithful servant will be WITH his Master, John 12:26, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

CONCLUSION

The believer will go through the fire of testing if he is willing to serve Jesus Christ. Many of our brethren before us have gone through some terrible persecution and come out stronger, more determined to serve God. God has honored their faithfulness.

HE IS PRECIOUS TO THE BELIEVER-1 PETER 2:1-8

HE IS PRECIOUS TO THE BELIEVER

1 PETER 2:1-8

1 Peter 2:7, “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,”

Introduction:

How precious is the Lord to us? Peter tells us that Jesus is PRECIOUS to the believer, BUT he does not tell us HOW PRECIOUS.

That part we have to determine for ourselves. Is He precious enough for us to do the following things?

I. PUTTING AWAY THE THINGS OF THE WORLD

A. Putting away all filthiness and the excessive amount of wickedness, James 1:21, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

1. All malice or ANIMOSITY, Ephesians 4:31, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”

2. All guile or DECEIT, Psalms 32:2, “Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.”

3. All hypocrisies, a PRETENSE of having a VIRTUOUS CHARACTER, 1 Peter 1:22, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:”

4. All ENVIES, a feeling of DISCONTENT or COVETOUSNESS with regard to another's ADVANTAGES, SUCCESS, POSSESSIONS, Matthew 27:17-18, “Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18- For he knew that for ENVY they had delivered him.”

5. All evil speakings, 1 Peter 2:12, “Having your conversation HONEST among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, GLORIFY God in the day of visitation.”

B. You received with MEEKNESS the engrafted Word, Hebrews 4:2, “For unto us was the GOSPEL preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

1. We were the SERVANTS OF SIN, Romans 6:17, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, BUT ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.”

2. But you have OBEYED THE GOSPEL, III John 1:3, “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.”

a. The Word of God was planted among you, Romans 11:17, “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;”

b. You TRUSTED Jesus Christ, Ephesians 1:13, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”

II. FEASTING ON THE PRIVILEGES OF THE BELIEVER

A. He is our REFUGE for safety, Isaiah 26:20, Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

B. We have the privilege TO COME before His throne of grace BOLDLY TO FIND HELP, Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

C. The privilege of PRAYER in Jesus NAME, John 16:23-24, “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father IN MY NAME, he will give it you. 24- Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

1. The privilege which should flow from His GOING TO HEAVEN, i.e., ASKING the Father IN JESUS NAME, John 15:16, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

2. Through Jesus we have ACCESS to the Father, Ephesians 2:18, “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

D. He supplies our needs through Jesus Christ, Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

1. His grace is INEXHAUSTIBLE and AMPLE for all our needs, 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”

2. We shall be ABUNDANTLY satisfied, Psalms 36:8, “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.”

3. We shall glory in the INHERITANCE of Jesus Christ, Ephesians 1:18, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

CONCLUSION

ENCOURAGING WORDS-1 PETER 2:11-25

ENCOURAGING WORDS

1 PETER 2:11-25

Introduction:

We are strangers and pilgrims in this world. Our testimony for Christ is the thing that sets us apart from the rest of the world. Despite what might come in our lives we must protect that testimony for God’s glory. Here the Lord has given us some “Encouraging Words” to help us deal with the problems of life as we travel through this world awaiting the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I. OUR CONDUCT AMONG SINNERS

Vs. 12-14, “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13- Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14-Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”

A. Honest, v. 12, “They may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

B. Obeying the law, v. 13, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.”

II. THE FAITHFUL SERVANT

Vs. 18-19, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”

A. The servants of God, vs. 16-17

1. Honour all men, Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”

2. Love the brotherhood, 1 John 3:14, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

3. Fear God, 2 Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

4. Honour the king, Romans 13:7, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

B. The servants of men, v. 18-19, “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19-For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”

1. Not only to the good and gentle,

2. But also to the froward (unfair, perverse, surly), v. 19- For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully,

3. When you do well and suffer for it, v. 20 “When ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”

III. Our Example,

V. 21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

A. His Character, vs. 22-23, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”

1. He did not fly off the handle, “Who did no sin.”

2. He did not use tricks, “Neither was guile found in his mouth:”

3. He did not react negatively, “When he suffered, he threatened not;”

4. He trusted in God’s judgment, “But committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”

B. He is the caring Shepherd, v. 25, “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

1. With Jesus there is no lack, Psalms 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

2. With tender care the LORD sees to our needs, Isaiah 40:11, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus stands ready to meet our every need as long as we faithfully serve Him. He has promised in Hebrew 13:5-6, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6-So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

THE FREENESS OF SALVATION--MEMORY VERSE: 1 PET. 1:2

THE FREENESS OF SALVATION

Memory Verse: I Pet. 1:2

I. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION DECLARED

A. The Freeness Of Salvation and God's Electing Grace.

Election is probably one of the most misunderstood doctrines of the Word of God. It has been misrepresented by its friends and foes. Many who fear this doctrine are afraid that it will exclude some from going to heaven and will be the cause of some going to hell. Election will cause no one to go to hell, but it will be the cause of all those who go to heaven. Election means to choose, or pick out. It is used of:

(1) Christ being chosen of God;

(2) of elect angels; and

(3) of believing Jews and Gentiles. The word, choose or chosen, is sometimes translated from the same Greek word as elect or election. All people should go to hell, and all would go if it were not for God's electing grace!!!

1. The saved are called the elect. (a)-1 I Thess. 1:4; (a)-2 Col. 3:12; (a)-4 Titus 1:1

2. God's foreknowledge and election.(a)-3 I Pet. 1:2; (a)-5 Rom. 8:29-30. Some people have the mistaken notion that God only knows what will happen in the future, and then predestinates or chooses to let it happen. This would destroy the meaning of election and predestination. It should be obvious to all that God did predestinate something he foreknow, not something that He had no knowledge of at all. See Acts 2:23.

3. God's order in election seems to be foreknowledge, election (choosing), predestination, etc. Salvation is entirely of Grace and not because of something good that God saw in us.(a)-3 I Pet. 1:2; (a)-5 Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:4-14

4. God does the electing or choosing. John 15:16

B. The Freeness Of Salvation And The Invitation.

God's election does not restrict our preaching or our invitation to all sinners.

1. The heavy laden may come. (b)-1 Matt.11:28

2. The thirsty may come. (b)-2 Isa.55:1; Rev. 22:17

3. The poor, with nothing to pay may come. (b)-2 Isa. 55:1

4. Whosoever will may come. (b)-2 Rev.22:17

5. All those who believe and call by faith, may come. Rom. 10:9-17. Read all of John 6:37.

C. The Freeness Of Salvation & and The Call For Repentance And Faith.

1. All men are commanded to repent.Acts 17:30

2. Repentance declared to be essential.Isa. 55:6,7, Acts 2:38: 3:19

3. Repentance and faith go together.Acts 20:21

II. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION DECLINED.

A. The Freeness Of Salvation & Man's Depravity.

1. It is not God that restrains sinners from salvation. See all Scriptures under (d).

2. It is man's depravity and his rejection of salvation through Christ that prevents his salvation. (d)-6 John 5:40

B. While Salvation Is Free, Man's Rejection Of Christ Leaves Him Condemned And Lost. (e)-1 John 3:18; (e)-2 John 3:36