We Are Built By God

“A chosen generation”

1 Peter 2:1-12

Jesus institutes a “friendship” in John 15:12-17 – one that would continue, on into the Acts. This group of Apostles was not for just anyone – Jesus clearly “called” them (v.16). In a similar fashion, the life of a Christian is, in many ways, an exclusive one. We are in the world, but not of the world. Many false “brotherhoods” exist (Frats and Sororities, Masonry, etc.) - but there is one true brotherhood that God has instituted, and that is where the Christian really is. This series intends to explore the power and beauty of the true Christian brotherhood that those who are faithful enjoy. The Church is composed of individuals. As such, the value of the individual within this framework is important. This lesson will deal with the nature of God's People- where they come from, how they view themselves and others, and what they do to continue in righteousness.

We will consider the building up of the Christian, the difference of the Christian, and the life of a Christian.

The Christian is “built up” by God's truth (1-6)

Never underestimate the importance of the foundation

God's People have always had a foundation

Patriarchs – Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc.

The Law of Moses – Moses, Joshua, etc.

The Gospel - Jesus

Do we truly understand our origin?

If we are to be brothers and sisters in Christ, shouldn't we start at the beginning?

Too often, we forget the necessity of the basic foundation of our faith.

“I've heard this before, so I don't need to listen, etc.”

We say that, yet we keep failing.

These teachings are simple to understand – so why do we fail to keep them?

This is why Peter writes about “laying aside” our evil habits. We have to do this to be able to DESIRE this “milk of the Word.”

Hebrews 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

This was a rebuke, but the author told them this for their benefit. If the milk would benefit them, it should do the same for us!

There is development to be made, yet let's not forget our foundation!

Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was imprisoned, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (15) and saying, "The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

This is the Gospel at its core!

Jesus the Cornerstone draws us!

We come to Him as if to a “living stone”

Christ is “chosen of God, and precious”

Is. 53 describes him: “he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” (v.2)

However, after the Cross, Jesus is eminently desirable!

John 12:32-33 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." (33)This He said, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die.

Our draw is and should always be the CROSS.

Jesus the Cornerstone repels the world!

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

The name of Jesus will not always be welcomed, indeed, “disallowed of men”.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

This statement alone should explain the hatred poured upon Jesus even to this day.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Jesus' ministry condemned the vain and empty religion of the 1st century. Our actions in righteousness will have the same effect.

The Christian is built to be different from others (7-10)

Jesus is regarded in only TWO ways.

Those who believe Jesus regard Him as “precious”

“precious” - an honor, of value

Matthew 13:45-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Unbelievers reject Him, yet are conquered by Him

A clear juxtaposition to the believers – these are disobedient, stumbling (striking out at) the word of God.

They were “appointed to” this – this isn't Calvinism - once we have chosen to stand against God, He will give us that position!

Never is this stone considered only a “wise moral teacher”, or “a good man” - this is the Messiah!

Different for a PURPOSE!

Our privilege is a responsibility! We are not given our place in the kingdom to sit on our laurels!

John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."

The truth frees us not only FROM SIN, but FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS!

This privilege will not give us prominence in the world – we are “peculiar” (PURCHASED, or PRESERVED). We are to “shew forth the praises” of our Savior!

Understand where you WERE, and where you NEED TO BE.

God “called us out of darkness” - we “were not a people”

Looking back at the darkness reminds us how much we needed the LORD, and still need Him.

This inheritance is the same as Israel, yet perfected through God's grace and Christ's blood!

The Christian is to be Holy (11-12)

The Christian is built to work for the LORD (11-12)

“I beseech you” - this was important to Peter!

Peter bases his begging upon the fact of their association as Christians.

Do we accept correction on that same basis? Do we outlaw correction, counting our brotherhood as refuse?

The hardest verb to practice - ABSTAIN

Abstain from “fleshly lusts” - a desire for the world.

Not only sexual, but all-encompassing.

These lusts “war against the soul” - destroying our spiritual being.

If I abstain, I'm not “missing out on fun”, but in fact I'm providing an “honest conversation”.

The reaction of others tells much about me

Worldly people may speak against us just as these did in the 1st century.

It's only through God working in us that they will “glorify God”

Like the Patriarchs

Cain – Genesis 4:13-16

1 John 3:12 not as Cain who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his works were evil and the works of his brother were righteous.

A clear difference between Abel and Cain. Not only did this act of God justly punish Cain, but it also removed his wicked influence upon the rest of Adam’s family.

Adam’s line continues with Seth – seen to have clear separation by Genesis 5 – Cain’s line is not mentioned within the genealogy of Adam.

Lot – Genesis 13:11-13

Abram and Lot had separated because of logical reasons – however, Lot’s choice to dwell near Sodom culminated in him living there, and the ultimate death of his wife during the escape before Sodom’s destruction.

There is an importance to realizing the distance needed from the sinful world. Don’t dwell so close to evil.

Like the Israelites

A Covenant of Separation – Exodus 19:3-7

As always, God lays out the requirements at the outset.

Separation in the Promised Land – Exodus 34:12;Numbers 33:50-56

Disobedience of these precepts triggered the degeneration of God’s People into abject wickedness, and eventually slavery to foreign powers.

This is the charge of the latter Prophets, to tell the People, even then, that while not all hope was lost, the reason for their eventual suffering was exactly this.

Jeremiah 3:6-8 Jehovah also said to me in the days of Josiah the king, Have you seen that which backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and has fornicated there. (7) And I said after she had done all these things, Turn to Me! But she did not return. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it. (8) And I saw, when for all the causes for which backsliding Israel committed adultery, I sent her away and gave a bill of divorce to her, yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but she went and whored, she also.

Like ALL of God’s People

This is summed up in the character of Jesus.

1 Peter 2:22-23 He who did no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth, (23) who when He was reviled did not revile in return. When He suffered, He did not threaten, but gave Himself up to Him who judges righteously.

Hebrews 7:26 For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens,

II. The Christian is not solitary

A. How can we be unequally yoked?

1. By spending more time and effort on relationships with sinners than with our own brothers and sisters.

a. Romans 12:9-10 Let love be without hypocrisy, shrinking from evil, cleaving to good; (10) in brotherly love to one another, loving fervently, having led one another in honor.

2. By keeping a distance from our fellow Christians instead of drawing near to them.

a. 2 Corinthians 6:12 You are not restrained in us, but you are restrained in your own affections. – These Christians might have been close in proximity, but not close in the spirit of love!

b. James 5:16a Confess faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. – this takes closeness and trust!B. We have a NEED for time with our own brothers and sisters.1. We are not to cut off ties with worldly people - 1 Corinthians 5:9-102. Sometimes we moan about brethren, “but we just don’t have anything in common!” – NOTHING could be further from the truth! Ephesians 2:11-22a. We WERE in darkness!b. We ARE saved through Christ’s blood!c. We SHARE in the rich spiritual blessings of a covenant relationship with God!d. What more do we need?C. We can’t develop a “lone wolf” mentality as a Christian.1. This isn’t about a “friendship ratio” (60% sinners to 40% Christians, etc.) – it’s about this question – who am I spending all of my time with?2. Who are we trying to impress? Do we want sinners to accept GOD or US?3. There is a REASON that “forsaking the assembly” is such a dangerous sin – when we forsake that accountability, sooner or later we will become like the sinners we hang around.4. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.III. The Christian has a sacred fellowshipA. Defined by God - 1 John 1:5-91. This is a SPIRITUAL tie.2. Challenging for most to consider and appreciate this kind of relationship.3. It requires looking beyond the flesh, into a deeper meaning to life.B. Maintained by Man1. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5 in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, (5) to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.2. Paul wasn’t just telling them to remove this sinful person – this was an act of maintenance toward the purity of their fellowship!3. Seems as if Paul’s harsh words worked – 2 Corinthians 7C. Seen by the world1. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (35) By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."2. Love is not just the positive EMOTION, but also includes the strength of KNOWLEDGE, COURAGE to correct, etc. – Let’s not limit something God has given us!3. There should BE no limit to our love for each other, on an emotional AND practical basis. I. The Nature of our BurdensA. We all have burdens1. Consider the “heavy loads” within your life. Job, Finances, 2. These aren’t just minor annoyances; this is TROUBLE - something that we might not be able to handle ourselves.3. Consider v.1 – a brother who is caught up in a fault has a clear burden!4. This isn’t a literal, physical burden (though this concept goes into that as well), but a SPIRITUAL burden!5. Jesus had many burdens, and in his last hours of life, the cross was possibly the most burdensome. All 3 Synoptic Gospels mention Simon the Cyrenian bearing Jesus’ cross. (Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26)6. The greatest burden WE can possibly bear is our sin, and we are marked and condemned for it.a. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;B. God promises a decrease of our burdens1. Isaiah 2:1-4 – God promised the NT dispensation for thousands of years, going back to the garden (Genesis 3:15 …he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.)2. Jeremiah 31:33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:a. This was promised to be a time where God would be in the right place with HIS people.3. Matthew 11:28-30 This promise was re-stated and fulfilled by God’s Son.a. Not just automatic, but upon obedience!4. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.a. If you are His, God says, “you are mine, and I am yours! I will provide!”5. What is His method of that help?C. Brethren CAN help with our burdens!1. God’s help can come from different avenues, but it’s clear from our reference text that God expects Christians to HELP each other.2. Matthew 8:16-17 – There should be NO doubt that Jesus helped others in every way imaginable. What a clear example for us!II. How to Bear BurdensA. “How can I help?”1. This should be our first question in our OWN minds when an opportunity to help someone springs up in our lives. 2. The 1st century Church certainly had this kind of mindseta. Acts 2:45 and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.3. Many times we wait until someone TELLS us what to do, instead of LOOKING for things to do and simply doing them! (Mowing lawn of an old person, etc.)4. Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.a. INDIVIDUAL context with COLLECTIVE applicationB. “How can the church help?”1. Many jump past the individual and directly to the question of “what will the CHURCH do?”2. This has been the fuel for many problems within congregations over the last 50-60 years.3. Remember what we are considering: BURDENS.4. 1 Timothy 5:16 If any believing man or believing woman has widows, let that one relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.5. A precedence is set here, which should be a plain example – the local church has PRIORITIES – standards set by God that determine its nature and its actions.6. Many will say, “Since the church is composed of individuals (TRUE), the church can do anything Jesus did. (FALSE)”7. This viewpoint doesn’t follow Jesus at all, but creates an excuse outside the realm of scripture.a. John 5:19,30 Jesus, speaking of AUTHORITY, appealed to what His Father prescribed! We must do the same.8. The church CAN engage in benevolence (Acts 2:44; 11:29; Romans 15:25,26; 2 Corinthians 9:1, etc.)a. However, all of these fall under the definition of NEEDY SAINTS – not sinners, not people of the world. The church is NOT to bear the burden of OUTSIDERS – remember that we are separate!III. Manifestation of helpA. One who is in need will GET help – but from who?1. We do live in a sinful world, but we see sinners do nice things every day. (Super rich engage in philanthropy, etc.)2. Cornelius in Acts 10:2 was “a devout man, and one that feared God, together with all his household, who often gave alms to the people, and making petition to God always.”3. Man has an inherent quality that will sometimes draw him to do good things. (Moral Compass – guilt, etc.)4. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise us when our worldly friends show extremely kind gestures.5. This is certainly a “benefit” of sorts, but the problem can come when WE as Christians don’t show the same kind of love.B. Lack of help can push brethren away1. There is a tendency, when we rightly intend to avoid error, to swing the pendulum all the way to the other end.2. As individuals, there is always the possibility that we forsake helping someone. However, just because we uphold scriptural authority doesn’t help someone among us who is TRULY in need – physically OR spiritually!3. When we fail to help our brother or sister, there is the possibility, and often likelihood, that the brother or sister will get that help from worldly people.a. This isn’t wrong in and of itself – but the temptation in that Christian’s mind takes root, saying to them “well, I’ve received more help from these people than I EVER received from people at church!”b. This is not a JUST conclusion – there is NO excuse for that mindset once it takes hold.c. However, we have to understand our RESPONSIBILITY for each other!C. Allow God to work THROUGH us as well as WITHIN us!1. This is how we fulfill the “law of Christ”, defined in James 2:82. Clear example: James 2:15,16 a. Are we guilty of this mindset?3. Galatians 5:22-26