Are You Preparing? 1 Peter 2:1-5

King James Version Chapter 2

2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but mchosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, mmare built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, mare built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Introduction: The book of 1 Peter was written during a great persecution happening to the church, because Peter mentions the "fiery trial" which the Christians were suffering under. Most likely it was the persecution under the Emperor Nero in 64 AD where Peter Himself was martyred. Most likely the book of 1 Peter was written in 63 AD just before his death.

According to the early-second-century historian *Tacitus (Annals 15.44), who disliked Christians himself, Nero burned Christians alive as torches to light his gardens at night. He killed other Christians in equally severe ways (feeding them to wild animals for public entertainment). In all, he may have murdered thousands of Rome’s Christians, although most Christians there escaped his grasp.

Keener, Craig S.. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (p. 685). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.

Peter wrote his epistle to comfort and strengthen the Christians that were under severe persecution. He speaks about the glory of their inheritance in heaven. He also wrote his epistle to reinforce all of their instruction regarding living the Christian life. Peter exhorts every Christian to abstain from worldly pleasures and serve the living God. He encourages believers to be ready to give a defense of their Christianity, and to display love toward one another. He also encourages them to be strong in their faith and to remove any doubts. He assures them that they were not following "cunningly devised fables" but had received the truths concerning Lord Jesus Christ, to whose glory the apostle Peter himself have been an eyewitness.

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Peter was aware of the persecution going on and more to come, he wanted Christians to grow spiritually and be prepared for what was to come. We should also grow in our spiritual walk with God. The future should not worry us as we know where we are headed for eternity. We are going to look at today in our process of growing spiritually and becoming a healthy Christian.

****Let’s Read Our Scripture for Today....

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, mare built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

****Beginning with verse one, we want to look at the First Word, “Wherefore”....

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Holman New Testament Commentary: I & II Peter, I, II & III John, Jude A. Beginning to Grow up (vv. 1–3)

This section logically flows out of the previous chapter and is connected to it with the word therefore which draws the reader back to the subject of the Word of God. The Word of God was the content of Peter’s preaching. The life-changing power of the Word must affect our lives as Christians.

I. “Wherefore” Or in other translations, “So” “Therefore” .

A. This Word is placed here for a reason. It wants us to look back at what was said prior to this. It has a direct impact on what is about to be said.

James, 1, 2 Peter, & Jude E. Exhortation to a Desire that Produces Spiritual Growth (2:1–3)

There is no real break here. The first word, “Wherefore” or “Therefore” (Greek oun), bases this injunction on the preceding, apparently on the fact that the readers have been born again by the agency of the Word of God that was proclaimed as gospel to them.

said.

B. What Was said prior: we look at verse 3-5 of chapter 1; We Have That Living Hope, and it does not disappear.

There is no real break here. The first word, “Wherefore” or “Therefore” (Greek oun), bases this injunction on the preceding, apparently on the fact that the readers have been born again by the agency of the Word of God that was proclaimed as gospel to them.

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

But it seems more likely that it relates to what has just preceded, namely, the new life that believers enjoy by God’s grace. They have been begotten by God (v. 23) by means of his word, and hence they are exhorted to lay aside all in their lives that quenches love for one another

C. They have been begotten by God (v. 23) by means of his word.

D. We Have That Living Hope, and it does not disappear.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

C. We Are Called to be Holy

14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

D. Being Born Again of Jesus Christ, we have Fervent love for our Brethren.

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: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

and hence they are exhorted to lay aside all in their lives that quenches love for one another

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: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

**** With us looking at what was said prior, Peter has laid the foundation for what he is going to tell us. The First is....

II. What is necessary in order to grow spiritually, What is Peter Telling Us?

A. He is Telling Us To Get Rid of undesired Baggage. “laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,”

hence they are exhorted to lay aside all in their lives that quenches love for one another

1. We are exhorted to lay aside all in our lives that quenches love for one another.

2. The sins listed tear at the social fabric of the church, removing the threads of love that keep them together. Peter signals thereby that no sin is to be tolerated in the community, that sin is to be rejected comprehensively.

B. Have a Desire for God’s Word in Order to Grow Spiritually.

The sins listed tear at the social fabric of the church, ripping away the threads of love that keep them together. Peter signals thereby that no sin is to be tolerated in the community, that sin is to be rejected comprehensively.

B. He Is Telling Us Need To Have a Desire for God’s Word in Order to Grow Spiritually.

v2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

1. Peter wanted his readers to be as eager for the nourishment of

1. Peter wanted his readers to be as eager for the nourishment of the Word as babies are for milk.

Peter wanted his readers to be as eager for the nourishment of the Word as babies are for milk.

the Word as babies are for milk.

C. We Have sampled God’s Word. v3 If so be ye have tasted that the

2. We should want the sincere, pure Word, unadulterated, because this alone can help us grow. Two adjectives describe it, translated as “pure” and “spiritual” by the NIV.

We should want the pure Word, unadulterated, because this alone can help us grow.

Two adjectives describe it, translated as “pure” (adolon) and “spiritual” (logikon) by the NIV.

“pure” and “spiritual” by the NIV.

3. Longing to grow spiritually comes from a taste of the beauty of the Lord, an experience of his kindness and goodness. Those who pursue God ardently have tasted his sweetness. Christian growth for Peter is not a mere call to duty or an alien moralism. The desire to grow springs from an experience with the Lord’s kindness, an experience that leaves believers desiring more.

C. We Have sampled God’s Word...v3 If so be ye have tasted that the

C. We Have sampled God’s Word...v3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord

Longing to grow spiritually comes from a taste of the beauty of the Lord, an experience of his kindness and goodness. Those who pursue God ardently have tasted his sweetness. Christian growth for Peter is not a mere call to duty or an alien moralism. The desire to grow springs from an experience with the Lord’s kindness, an experience that leaves believers desiring more.

Lord is gracious.

C. Peter Is Telling us That what we have just spoken about will happen if we have have tasted God’s goodness....

3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

v3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

is gracious.

v3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

O taste and see that the Lord is good:

Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

1. It is kinda like when you go into Sams Club in Casper, they have those tables set out with an employee fixing some of their products and they want you to taste the food in hopes you will like it and buy it.

2. We have taken a sample, having experienced God’s grace in our new birth, and had found that indeed the Lord is good.

They had taken a sample, having experienced God’s grace in their new birth, and had found that indeed the Lord is good.

****As we look to Jesus, His Goodness, His Grace, and the attitude as Christians, we should have, We need to realize exactly what we are a part of. We all belonged to one “spiritual house.” There is a unity of God’s people that transcends all local and individual assemblies and fellowships. We belong to each other because we belong to Christ. Jesus is the Foundation....

all belonged to one “spiritual house.” There is a unity of God’s people that transcends all local and individual assemblies and fellowships. We belong to each other because we belong to Christ.

III. Jesus Is The Chief Cornerstone and Born Again Christians are Stones of the Same Building...

4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, mare built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

A. There is only one Saviour, Jesus Christ, the one and only, one spiritual building, the church. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of the church; binding the building together.

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, A tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: He that believeth shall not make haste.

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone,

A tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation:

There is only one Saviour, Jesus Christ, and only one spiritual building, the church. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of the church (), binding the building together. Whether we agree with each other or not, all true Christians belong to each other as stones in God’s building.

20 And are built upon the foundation of the iapostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

lHe that believeth shall not make haste.

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. binding the building together. Whether we agree with each other or not, all true Christians belong to each other as stones in God’s building.

1. Though rejected by men, Jesus Christ was exalted by God!

Though rejected by men, Jesus Christ was exalted by God!

B. Whether we agree with each other or not, all true Christians belong to each other as stones in God’s building. Believers are living stones in His building. Each time someone trusts Christ, another stone is quarried out of the pit of sin and cemented by grace into the building.

2. He was not the kind of Messiah they were expecting, so they stumbled over Him

B. Believers are living stones in His building.

1. Whether we agree with each other or not, all true Christians belong to each other as stones in God’s building. Each time someone trusts Christ, another stone is quarried out of the pit of sin and cemented by grace into the building.

Believers are living stones in His building. Each time someone trusts Christ, another stone is quarried out of the pit of sin and cemented by grace into the building.

2. Peter now draws the comparison between Christ as “the living Stone” and believers as “living stones.” Believers are “living stones” because of their faith in the resurrected Christ.

Peter now draws the comparison between Christ as “the living Stone” and believers as “living stones.” Believers are “living stones” because of their faith in the resurrected Christ.

3. Nowhere else in the New Testament are believers called living stones, though elsewhere they are described as God’s temple or house (; ; ; ). The picture here is of a house in which believers constitute the building stones.

Nowhere else in the New Testament are believers called living stones, though elsewhere they are described as God’s temple or house (; ; ; ). The picture here is of a house in which believers constitute the building stones.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Corinthians3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

C. We are also to offer up spiritual sacrifices.

1. Praise of our lips is one Sacrifice. “Spiritual sacrifices” are required, meaning that they are sacrifices offered by virtue of the work of the Holy Spirit

“Spiritual sacrifices” (pneumtikas thysias) are required, meaning that they are sacrifices offered by virtue of the work of the Holy Spirit

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

2. Our bodies is another, give ourselves totally to God.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

3. And the good works we do for others

But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

D. These Sacrifices Must be acceptable to God.

4. The money and other material things we share with others in God’s service is also a spiritual sacrifice. Paul speaking to the church at Philippi about the things sent to him for his needs. Paul speaks of being content in any situation.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

and the good works we do for others (). The money and other material things we share with others in God’s service is also a spiritual sacrifice (). Even the people we win to Christ are sacrifices for His glory ().

4. The money and other material things we share with others in God’s service is also a spiritual sacrifice ().

5. Even the people we win to Christ are sacrifices for His glory

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 402). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.D. These Sacrifices Must be acceptable to God.

16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

D. These Sacrifices Must be acceptable to God.

Even our deaths -

D. These Sacrifices Must be acceptable to God.

King James Version Chapter 2

acceptable to God by Jesus Christ

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

1. Not any and every sacrifice is pleasing to God, but only those offered “through Jesus Christ.”

not any and every sacrifice is pleasing to God, but only those offered “through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5: 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Conclusion:

Jon Courson sums up the thrust of Peter's exhortation writing that "The degree to which those attributes (the sins of ) exist in our lives will be the degree to which our hunger for the Word will be diminished. No matter how good the meal Rosilyn prepares for me, if I stop off at McDonald’s on the way home and score a couple of Quarter Pounders with large fries—and super-size the whole deal—when I get home, I won’t be interested in what she’s made. When people stop reading or studying the Word, it’s because they’re eating the junk food of the world.

Howard Hendricks wisely said "you are either in the Word and the Word is conforming you to the image of Jesus Christ, or you are in the world and the world is squeezing you into its mold. And yet the great tragedy among Christians today is that too many of us are under the Word of God, but not in it for ourselves." Remember… Dusty Bibles always lead to dirty lives.

The old Scottish preacher's wise saying still holds true

Sin will keep you from the Bible or The Bible will keep you from sin

1) We are to lay aside the rotten attitudes that hinder our brotherly love. That’s verse 1.

2) We are to earnestly crave God’s Word so we can grow spiritually. That’s verse 2.

We can say this in a slightly different way:

Verse 1 describes certain horizontal sins that we need to put off.

God's Word does our souls good!

Verse 2 describes the vertical reality of spiritual growth and a closer walk with God.

Here is Peter’s whole point:

The way we treat one another has a direct impact on our relationship with God. As long as we harbor these relational sins and wrong attitudes, we will never grow spiritually. These relational sins are like junk food of the soul. They choke off our craving for the Word so that instead of growing, we stay just as we are.

B. Our Challenge:

Our Challenge is To Feed From God’s Word and to Feed Others With God’s Word

1. To Feed From God’s Word

2. To Feed Others With God’s Word

The Word of God is too wonderful for Christians to neglect! Yet I dare to say that there has been a wholesale neglect of the Word of God among Christians in the Lord’s church today.

“If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious”, as Peter says, if you have been born again by the Word of God, then I plead with you to make Bible reading an integral part of your daily life!

Mark A. Copeland

Sermons From First Peter 32

to us?

If we are willing to believe and obey Him, He can be the cornerstone ...

Upon which we can be added as part of His church, the spiritual temple

Upon which can build our lives so as to have a full and meaningful life

“If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious”, as Peter says, if you have been born again by the Word of God, then I plead with you to make Bible reading an integral part of your daily life!