You Must be a Boudreaux (Christian)

Main Point — We typically look like who we belong to (or where we come from).

Introduction

When I was a kid, I spent many summers working for my grandpa’s company. This was my dad’s dad. I called him “Paw Paw Coonie” (he was from southeast Louisiana so I will let you use your imagination on why we called him “Coonie”).

Anyway, working for my grandpa was hard work. Now, I don’t mind hard work, however I hated this type of hard work. The days began super early and ended super late and I didn’t make much money (some of you are thinking that’s just everyday in your life).

Every now and then, I wouldn’t have to work the normal job. Sometimes my grandpa would take me with him whenever he needed to go by other companies he worked with. He would make the rounds to put out any fires or to make sure they knew he would take on any new jobs.

It never failed that when I walked into the building and met the people that he worked with before they ever asked me who I was they would say, “you must be a Boudreaux.” It was obvious that I belonged to Paw Paw Coonie.

Tension

Typically, we look like where we come from. I come from the Boudreaux clan of southeast Louisiana. There is a Boudreaux look and you’re looking at it right now. When you saw my grandpa and my dad, you didn’t wonder who I belonged to.

And honestly, this doesn’t even have to be physical traits. If you meet close friends of mine, we’re similar. If you meet guys that I’ve grown in ministry with, we’re similar. I had someone meet one of my ministry buddies that grew up in ministry with me and they said they could tell we were around each other — because we were similar.

The reason is simple — that’s my family, those are my boys — and we typically look like who we belong to.

How many people see your life and without even asking you, they say, “you must be a Christian?”

This is exactly how it should be for anyone who follows Jesus. We look like where we come from. People don’t even need to ask who we belong to. They will know it simply because we look like who we belong to.

Bible

1. God changes our desires.

1 Peter 2:1–3 (ESV)

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

He changes our desires through salvation.

1 Peter 2:3 (ESV)

if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

"If” is better thought of as the word — “since.” 1 Peter 1:1 — Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Peter also puts in plainly in 1 Peter 1:14-15 — As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.

They had “tasted that the Lord is good.” As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 34:8 — Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.

They are new creations. 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

1 Peter 1:23 — since you have been born again.

Our desires change because we’ve been made new. We no longer belong to the old, former life. We belong to Jesus.

You can’t look like what you don’t come from. How can you expect to have your desires changed if you haven’t had your life changed? Do you know Jesus?

He changes our desires through Scripture.

1 Peter 2:2 (ESV)

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

Maybe you’re sitting there this morning thinking, “Danny, I’ve been saved, I’ve been born again, but I still don’t desire what God desires.” Well, could it be that you’ve experienced zero spiritual growth since you were saved because you don’t spend any time with God?

You may not even realize it because it’s been so long, but if you’re a follower of Jesus, you will “long for the pure spiritual milk.” You will long for meaningful time with God through His Word — through Scripture. He’s left us with His Word because there’s so much more for us to learn and understand and obey. We have so much more growing that needs to happen.

We know this to be true when a baby is born. If a baby is born and years go by without any growth, we know there’s something wrong. If we know this about physical babies, why don’t we know this about spiritual babies? You shouldn’t be a 10 year old Christian and still need someone to take care of you like you’re a new born baby.

John Phillips tells the old story about a little girl who learned in Sunday School that “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14) When asked to quote it she said, “Many are cold, but a few are frozen.”

Is this true of your life? Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus through meaningful time in His Word? Think about your own life, take stock for a moment. Based on your actions, your money, your time — is your relationship with Jesus important?

He changes our desires through separation.

1 Peter 2:1 (ESV)

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

Peter now reflects upon their new life in Christ. They have been changed by Jesus and now they must “put away” some things. Paul used the phrase “put away” in Romans 13:12 — The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

The word for “malice” means depravity. It’s the general word in Scripture for evil or wickedness. It refers to those so entrenched in the world’s system that they exhibit the same malicious spirit of the world. This is a description of the former life before we surrendered to Jesus.

“Deceit” carries the idea of trickery and betrayal. It’s more than lying — it’s acting two-faced or being disingenuous.

“Hypocrisy” portrays the idea of an actor on stage putting on a show.

“Envy” is the hatred of other people’s prosperity and success. It has been referred to as the “favorite indoor sport” among Christians because it’s so prevalent in the church.

“Slander” is to talk down someone else. It could be translated as “evil speaking.” “Slander” is common when rumors or gossip begins.

Jesus never deceived or tried to trick anyone. He was never putting on a show but was the perfect representation of God. He never wanted someone else to fail but rather came so that all could experience prosperity and success. He never talked down to anyone but accepted all who would come to Him.

Where do we struggle to separate ourselves from our former sinful lives? Too often, the church, which should be like Jesus, looks too much like the world.

2. God conforms our destiny.

1 Peter 2:4–10 (ESV)

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

He conforms us for His possession.

1 Peter 2:4–5 (ESV)

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9a (ESV)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.

I wonder if Peter is remembering that awesome statement that Jesus made to him at Caesarea Philippi in Matthew 16:18 — And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

He was “rejected by men” because the Jews didn’t want to accept His rule. But He was “chosen and precious” to God because everything was built on Him! Colossians 1:16-17 — For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

“As you come to Him…you yourselves like living stones are being built up.”

Our relationship with Jesus has made us like Him. He’s a living stone and we are called to be living stones. God’s building a kingdom of His own and we get to be pieces to that great structure.

Chuck Swindoll — We’re in the middle of an ongoing construction project. Christ is in the process of building up His church — those dead stones that are being quarried from the pit of sin, brought to life as “living stones,” and fitted into His glorious structure. Each time someone trusts Christ as Savior, another stone is placed into that living, growing church.

Our part is to come to Him, but the growth is God’s work. He’s building something, He’s working something, He’s molding you in order to place you exactly where He needs you to be in the kingdom He’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:6 — I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

Peter is painting a very clear picture about those who follow Jesus. You might think, “Danny, I’m just a regular, average Christian. I’m not a minister or a pastor.” Friend — YOU’RE SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT!

“Living stones”

“Spiritual house”

“Chosen race”

“Royal priesthood”

“Holy nation”

“A people for His own possession”

We no longer belong to ourselves. Our destiny is now for His possession. Galatians 2:20 — I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Think about the value something has because of who it belongs to. A jersey isn’t just a jersey anymore if Michael Jordan wore it. A dictionary is no longer simply a dictionary if Abraham Lincoln was the owner. A desk becomes so much more if you know Winston Churchill used it to write many a speech. The owner creates a lot of value to the possession. Well, friend, what does that mean for you and me that belong to God?

He conforms us for His purpose.

1 Peter 2:6–8 (ESV)

For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

I love how passionate Peter is about those who follow Jesus. Nothing compares to Jesus and the relationship that we now have with Him.

Philippians 3:7-8 — But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

To those who believe in Jesus, He’s everything. To those who don’t, He’s “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” 1 Corinthians 1:21-25 — For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

God conforms us, not just for His possession but also for His purpose. We’ve been saved, changed, born again so that “you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

It’s now our job to proclaim the truth of what Jesus has done for us. How often do we take the opportunity to share what God has done? How often do we share our testimony of the Lord? We shouldn’t be able to contain the truth of what God has done. It should be the anthem of our lives — we were once in darkness but God has called us into His marvelous light!

He conforms us for His praise.

1 Peter 2:10 (ESV)

Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Just imagine the turmoil all of these readers are dealing with. Peter draws their attention to the fact that they could still be wasting away in nothingness.

However, God has brought us together as His people. God has brought meaning and purpose to our lives. God has given us mercy when we deserved death.

3. God controls our direction.

1 Peter 2:11–12 (ESV)

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Peter brings them back to the reason for writing this section — they must “put away” these things that destroy the presence of God in their lives. God wanted to use them for great things but they would be hindered if they allowed the devil to have control over them.

Peter reminds them to live as good people no matter where they are. Live in reflection of their Savior and their home even while they lived in a distant land as “sojourners and exiles.”

Listen to how Peter described Jesus in Acts 10:38 — God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Why live like Jesus? Why live “honorable” around others? Everything we do is so that people can see Jesus.

They were dealing with people who were making all sorts of accusations about Christians. In fact, this whole exile has begun with one man, Nero, falsely accusing Christians of burning Rome. However, even when this happens we must show them Jesus.

David is a great example of this. Even though King Saul was jealous of him and wanted to get rid of him, David never retaliated. Actually Saul gave this testimony about David in 1 Samuel 24:17 — He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil.”

Warren Wiersbe — In the summer of 1805, a number of Indian chiefs and warriors met in the council at Buffalo Creek, New York, to hear a presentation of the Christian message by a Mr. Cram from the Boston Missionary Society. After the sermon, a response was given by Red Jacket, one of the leading chiefs. Among other things, the chief said, “Brother, we are told that you have been preaching to the white people in this place. These people are our neighbors. We are acquainted with them. We will wait a little while and see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will then consider again of what you have said.”

Paul told people to battle their enemies with kindness. Listen to this from Romans 12:17-21 — Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Peter would later say in 1 Peter 3:9 — Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

In all that we do, we should bring glory to God because God is in control of our direction and our decisions.

So What

How is God changing your desires? Have you given you life to Him? Have you been spending time with Him? Have you given up the old former life and taken on the new life Jesus offers?

How is God conforming your destiny? You’re His possession, His people, for His purpose and His praise. What’s He doing in your life as you’re being built up in Him?

How is God controlling your direction, your decisions? Are you allowing Him to guide your life?

We typically look like who we belong to or where we come from. Do you look like Jesus?