2020-02-19 1 pet 1.22-25
Notes
Transcript
22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly,
23 because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God.
24 For All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you.
Gospel transformation should lead to Christian fellowship.
Gospel transformation should lead to Christian fellowship.
22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly,
1 pet 1:22
A. Because of the gospel we have a new identity.
A. Because of the gospel we have a new identity.
22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly,
Illus: The book of 1 peter is all about who you are in your new identity. I you are a citizen of heaven, what does that mean?
Verses 1-2 reminded the believers that their home was not this world, but instead they were heavenly exiles.
Verses 3-5 point our eyes to see that our hope in this world is eternity with Christ, therefore we are unshaken.
Verses 6-9 remind us that we can endure suffering because we do not belong to this world… but endure for eternity.
Verses 10-12 places you in the redemptive timeline knowing that all of history centers on Christ.
Verses 13-16 teaches that Jesus should make a difference in your life… i.e. as a heavenly exile you should take on the character of heaven.
Verses 17-21 remind us that God sees what is happening in this world. It reminds us that we were purchased to be different.
Which leads us to today's passage. Because of our heavenly identity we need a community. We need a community to pursue the holiness of God through. We need other believers to help us as God had transformed us.
The basis of Christian fellowship is the transformation of Christ, and the end of Christian fellowship is the holiness of God.
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen
2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient and to be sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
B. The pursuit of purity does not happen alone. We need one another.
B. The pursuit of purity does not happen alone. We need one another.
22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly,
Illus: We are called to be Christlike, holy, and pure with every thought, word, and action.
Generally when left alone we tend to surround ourselves with people who will affirm us, even if what they are affirming is sinful.
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the parroted phrase “The bible teaches us not to judge.”
That statement is “I don’t want people speaking truth into my life.”
Here is the thing… the cultivation of your holiness is done withing the soil of the church.
It is the intentional decision to pursue the holiness of God through allowing other believers access to your sin, and speak truth (in love) to you.
Think about sports for a moment. Athletes need coaches to critique and correct them, so that they can improve and excel in their sports.
Christians need other Christians to speak truth into their lives so that they can excel in their pursuit of God and his holy character.
23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works,
25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
II. Christian fellowship should lead to gospel transformation.
II. Christian fellowship should lead to gospel transformation.
22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly,
23 because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God.
A. Christian fellowship must be an intentional pursuit.
A. Christian fellowship must be an intentional pursuit.
22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly,
23 because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God.
Illus: Let’s be honest. Most of what we call fellowship today is not really fellowship.
Most of what we call fellowship today is so surface level that it barely can be called friendship.
We come to church, talk about he weather, LSU, our gripes and complaints, politics… but do not use the opportunity we have as believers for the reason God give up fellowship to begin with.
We should enter into intentional relationships together to grow in our relationship with God .
What would that look like. It is finding a specific time regularly to build a deep relationship with another believer.
In this relationship you have a specific pursuit in mind… you both want to pursue the holiness of God.
The focus of your time together is not wasted on talking about hobbies, sports, other people, but instead about each other.
You study the word of God together. You ask each other difficult questions about life, sin, and holiness.
You willingly accept rebuke because you know that it is from someone who cares enough about you to not ignore your sin.
When you enter into that kind of intentional relationship, you will see real results in following Jesus.
7 If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
B. We need to define what loving one another means.
B. We need to define what loving one another means.
22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly,
23 because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God.
Illus: A good doctor diagnoses sickness.
A good police officer will pull you over if you are driving recklessly.
A good counselor will help you see your emotional baggage and issues.
Yet, when we are looking for friends we want the exact opposite.
It shows our addiction to happiness vs health.
Would you hire a doctor who cared more about your temporal happiness over your long term health?
Would you respect a police officer who cared more about a drivers temporary happiness over his safety?
Would a counselor really help you if they only told you what you wanted to hear and did not deal with the roots of your issues?
Lets define what a quality christian relationship should look like. It is a person who loves you enough to help you follow Jesus. Even if it uncomfortable in the moment.
1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.
2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
III. Gospel transformation from the Word and christian fellowship lasts far longer than this life.
III. Gospel transformation from the Word and christian fellowship lasts far longer than this life.
24 For All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you.
24 For All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like a flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
1 pet 1:
What are you living for? What purpose do christian relationships play in your life?
What are you living for? What purpose do christian relationships play in your life?
Illus: Up until this point scripture has shared the wonder of being a heavenly citizen. It has talked about the heavenly dwelling that awaits you. It talks about God’s eternal plan.
Then it says that your flesh is like grass… you will wither and die.
BUT, what you sew for eternity will endure forever.
Does the way you live your life endure eternally?
Do your relationships lead you to eternal fruit.
Or when you get to the end of your life will you like Solomon say, my life, my relationships, everything was in vain.
My call for you today is reevaluate the relationships in your life. Do you have anyone who God is using to spur you to eternal fruit?
If not, would you find someone you trust this week, sit down and begin intentionally pursuing God with them.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.
10 Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.
13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.
18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Rom 12: