Sermon 120698
2Pe. 1:1-15 Things Remembered That Stir You Up 12/6/98
ABCC
I. Introduction 648
Here we find the apostle Peter as an old man honestly facing the fact of his imminent death. The Christian does not face old age with dread, fear & anxiety; but with hope & anticipation of the life of glory to come with Christ…. He is writing to Christians that are under extreme persecution. They are suffering for their faith in Jesus – loss of jobs, reputation, homes, friends, families, even their lives…These believers need to be encouraged & strengthened in midst of trials & temptation. There are specific things the Holy Spirit (through Peter) has to say…
II. Two Essentials of the Christian Life
A. What God has done for you (v. 1-4)
Every believer was saved by the same method. We were given faith to believe in Jesus and we were called by the gospel. Salvation is a demonstration of God’s power (Rom. 1:16; 1Co. 1:18,30; Eph. 2:8-9). Every believer has also been given everything necessary for life & godliness! Peter reminds us that we must not stop at simply being in the faith & having this knowledge, there is more that you must do. You must not resign yourself in your suffering & persecution at home, job, school, neighborhood…& slip into despair & depression – there is more you must do!
B. What you must do (v. 5-7)
A sinner is never called to diligence until he is saved – until God has done the above in you & for you (Jn 3:3). Every believer should grow in grace & in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, even in suffering & trouble (3:18; Phil 2:12-13). We must earnestly strive for a living faith based on knowledge/understanding (v. 5; Jas. 2:17). We must earnestly strive to exercise inward disciplines based on understanding (v. 6a,b). We must earnestly strive for a godly outward disposition (6c,7) – right relationship with God & people (Mt. 22:37-39). These are the things we
Things Remembered That Stir You Up, pg. 2
must remember to do even when we are suffering & going through tremendous trials. And before we start making excuses Peter say that God has given us everything necessary to live this life just as he has described it – faith, grace, mercy, Holy Spirit, word of God, new heart, new mind, God’s precious & magnificent promises…!
III. The Benefits of Remembering These Things & Obedience (v. 8, 10-11)
A. A fruitful life (v. 8)
B. Assurance of salvation (v. 10-11) – How often have you had doubts & concerns about your salvation; you prayed & asked God for assurance & soon find yourself in a difficult trial – marital, children, financial, health, employment, neighbor, student…That very trial may have been designed by God to give assurance as you willingly obey these things. The very trial you’re going through right now may be for this very purpose!
IV. The Danger of Laziness & Worldliness in Trials (v. 9)
This is a person that lives for the “right now”, for today (blind or short-sighted); they are not concerned about the future when they will stand before Jesus & give an account for their life. So in their trials, this person is only concern about getting relief & by any means; they are not concerned about these virtues – moral excellence…This person has even forgotten about the meaning of their baptism… This is a useless & unfruitful life, though professing to be saved!
V. God Uses Reminders/Repetition To Stir Us Up (v. 12-15; 3:1-2)
This is my purpose today – to stir you up by way of reminders; reminding you of the love of God & Jesus Christ; of Him leaving heaven…; of His suffering for you, death & resurrection; of the faith God gave you; conviction of the Holy Spirit; mighty power of God that saved you out of your sins…of you need to be diligent & faithful in your trials…If you are not a Christian, I’m reminding you of this glorious gospel – where your sin can be forgiven; you can know this mighty power…