Staying Clean in a Polluted World
Notes
Transcript
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Special Prayer
Special Prayer
Pastor Ed & Sonia Corbin (served here at GCA as children’s pastors) Prior to that, and since that time they served as missionaries to South Africa for 23 years (One of our supporting missionaries) They will be leaving on September 29th and going back on the field for approx 5 months. We’d like to pray for them and bless them in the name of the Lord today.
Introduction
Introduction
Recap last weeks message
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
1 peter 1.
Good morning and welcome to GCA, we’re so glad you’ve joined us this morning! While you’re turning in your Bible’s to , would like to thank everyone who participated in the silent auction for Hope House Charity Center fundraiser (Charlie Stevens) A ministry that feeds children in Kenya and India. Through the auction, we raised over $1,000!
Last week we said:
If you are in Christ, you have a Living Hope and your future is bright!
If you are in Christ, you have a Living Hope and your future is bright!
The ancient Romans had a saying:
“Where there’s life, there’s hope.”
“Where there’s life, there’s hope.”
While there’s an element of truth in that statement, there is no certainty of hope apart from Christ!
Recap last weeks message
“Human beings can live for forty days without food, four days without water, and four minutes without air. But we cannot live for four seconds without hope.”
The word hope in English often conveys doubt.
Old Testament the Hebrew word is batah and the New Testament word hope in the Greek elpizo. (there is no doubt attached to this word)
(vs. 3-5) In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never “perish, spoil or fade.”
“Our inheritance is death-proof, sin-proof, and time-proof”
“Kept in heaven and shielded by God’s power” (a military term) which means that God’s power is a garrison in which we find our security.
6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
“all kinds of trials or various trials” literally means ‘many colored’ and was used to describe the skin of a leopard. All kinds of trials literally means “varied” or “diversified” trials.
At least 15 x’s Peter mentions suffering using 8 different Greek words.
Holman NT Commentary
I don’t know if we can truly identify with what Peter was most likely referring to.
This takes on a depth of meaning against the background of the ghastly persecution led by the Roman emperor Nero. In that persecution, Christians were wrapped in freshly slaughtered animal skins and fed to dogs and wild animals. They were dipped in pitch or tar and set on fire as torches to light Nero’s gardens at night. This persecution was the first of nine that took place under the Roman Empire during the next 250 years. Peter himself very likely died during this first persecution.
All of this sheds some light on the expression Peter used to describe these varied trials: “a little while.”
What he was saying is that our suffering here is brief in light of our inheritance that lasts for eternity.
Regardless of how long our trials last, that length of time is nothing in light of eternity!
Our faith isn’t tested because God doesn’t know how much or what kind of faith we have. It is tested because we often are ignorant of how much or what kind of faith we have.
God’s purpose in testing is to display the enduring quality of our faith.
God has purpose in testing our faith
Faith is tested to show that it is sincere faith
Faith is tested to show the strength of faith
Faith is tested to purify it, to burn away the impurities from our faith
Peter cemented his point with the illustration of a goldsmith. To form a useful object, raw gold must be cast into a mold. For that to occur, the solid ore must be melted, requiring a temperature of 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit. When the gold is melted, the impurities rise to the surface, where they are skimmed off or burned off. A goldsmith knows the gold is ready to cast when the liquid gold becomes mirror like and he can see his face reflected in the surface.
Christianity isn’t a one time decision, It’s a way of life. We will be tested!
A faith that has been tested is a faith that can be trusted!
A faith that has been tested is a faith that can be trusted!
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
luke
Staying Clean in a Polluted World: Peter indicates three ways we can help this happen!
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
Live Ready
Live Ready
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.
“Prepare your minds” or “gird up”
1 Peter 2.
1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.
1 Peter 1.13
1 peter 1.
Literally means “Get your head together” or “Discipliner your mind.” A very loose paraphrase could be “be on your toes.”
Black’s New Testament Commentary: The Epistles of Peter and of Jude 3. Call to Holiness and Brotherly Love (1:13–25)
The first picture is of a man gathering up his long main garment and tucking it into his belt so as to leave his limbs free for action.
46 The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.
The English equivalent would be to “take off your jacket and roll up your sleeves”
Get your mind prepared to hear from God as like the prophets of old:
17 “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.
Jer
“Sober minded” means to be calm, steady, controlled; to weigh matters carefully. Why?
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
“Set your hope” can mean “Hope in the end” It is the Optimistic mind.
When the outlook is gloomy, It’s time to start looking upward.
It has to be dark for the stars to appear!
It has to be dark for the stars to appear!
Pursue Holiness
Pursue Holiness
14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Peter gives us the why? Because our lives are supposed to reflect the character of God.
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Peter gives us the why? Because our lives are supposed to reflect the character of God.
Before you say, “it’s impossible to be Holy like God is Holy,” Here’s a better understanding of where this concept comes from:
44 the priest is to go and examine it and, if the mold has spread in the house, it is a persistent defiling mold; the house is unclean. 45 It must be torn down—its stones, timbers and all the plaster—and taken out of the town to an unclean place.
44 I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. 45 I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
44 I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. 45 I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.
1 pet 1.14
Leviticus 6. The Purpose for God’s Dietary Laws (44–47)
You shall therefore sanctify yourselves: One great purpose of the dietary laws of Israel was to sanctify—to set them apart—from other nations. It made fellowship with those who did not serve God far more difficult.
Leviticus 6. The Purpose for God’s Dietary Laws (44–47)
We see this sanctifying effect in Daniel 1, where Daniel and his friends refuse to eat the unkosher food at the king of Babylon’s table—and God blesses them for being set apart for His righteousness.
The root meaning of the word translated “holy” is different. Not “odd” but rather a different person.
lev 11.
Peter gives us the why? Because our lives are supposed to reflect the character of God.
The root meaning of the word translated “holy” is different. Not “odd” but rather a different person.
When we chose to “be different”, the world won’t understand. It simply will not make sense to them.
4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.
We were disobedient children
In other words, “Place your hope totally on the return of Jesus Christ and its results, and live your life in light of that future reality.”
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
But now we should be obedient:
But now we should be obedient:
2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
states that we have been “chosen” to be obedient to Jesus Christ.
For many of us our greatest obstacle to following Christ is our desire to fit in.
God didn’t create you to fit in, but He created you to stand out!
God didn’t create you to fit in, but He created you to stand out!
There is a wrong type of thinking that has invaded western Christian culture and it is this - God’s highest calling in your happiness. (God’s highest calling is your holiness)
The theology of happiness has empowered countless Christians to personal Justification.
Not happy in marriage - just leave
Want something - can’t afford - buy on credit anyway
Dating / knowing you should wait - God will understand (He forgives) Live with each other and have sex anyway
When we believe that God wants us to be happy above all else, we begin to believe that discomfort, delay, and suffering can’t be God’s will.
Without knowing it, we begin to worship the false God of comfort, money, pleasures and things.
Before you know it, God exists to serve you!
Fear God
Fear God
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
Fear of God refers to fear or a specific sense of respect, awe, and submission to a deity. People subscribing to popular monotheistic religions might fear divine judgment, hell or God's omnipotence. (Wikipedia)
The remaining verses (18-21) explain why the believer should fear the Lord.
1 pet 1.
He didn’t redeem us with silver of gold but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. He reminds us that He redeemed us from the empty way of life handed down to us.
18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. 21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.
21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
1 pet
Fear is a gift when we’re afraid of the right things.
Fear is a gift when we’re afraid of the right things.
Fear is a gift when we’re afraid of the right things.
Are you appropriately fearful of God?
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
Oswald Chambers said, “The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else.”
Oswald Chambers said, “The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else.” If you are going to translate the Gospel into life, you need the fear of God. Are you appropriately fearful of God?
Some redefine the fear of God for believers to “respecting” Him. While respect is definitely included in the concept of fearing God, there is more to it than that. A biblical fear of God, for the believer, includes understanding how much God hates sin and fearing His judgment on sin—even in the life of a believer. (gotquestions.com)
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
phil 2.
“You should fear and tremble because God is working to keep you. And I think it means the sheer awesome presence of God in our lives working for us, not against us, should produce trembling. That is amazing. So, the New Testament treats the fear of God as a motive for not turning away from him. We should fear in the sense that we seek refuge from God away from God’s terrible wrath. God’s grace in Christ is the refuge from God’s wrath outside Christ. There is terror outside of Christ, and there is a different kind of trembling inside of Christ.” John Piper
There is terror outside of Christ, and there is a different kind of trembling inside of Christ.” John Piper
There is terror outside of Christ, and there is a different kind of trembling inside of Christ.” John Piper
Are you appropriately fearful of God?
The remaining verses (18-21) explain why the believer should fear the Lord.
18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
Closing
Closing
I want you to know the hope you have in Christ and in light of that hope …
1 Peter is a microcosm of Christian faith and duty, the model of a pastoral charge. E.G. Selwyn
Live Ready
Pursue Holiness
Fear God
Prayer