We Love Because We Live | 1 Peter 1:22 - 2:3

We Love Because We Live | 1 Peter 1:22 - 2:3

Darien Gabriel

Series: A living Hope in a dying world

Title: We love because we live

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3

Bottom line: We love God & people because we live forever.

1. SERMON OUTLINE

2. NOTES

3. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

4. OUTLINES

5. MAIN REFERENCES USED

SERMON OUTLINE

Introduction

“He Loves Because He Lives” by David Helms

The Vietnam War was mercifully drawing to a close during my middle-school years. And that meant that young men who had been sent over to fight were now returning to the States. Each one needed a fresh start on life. For one man that meant enrolling at Judson College. I never knew the man by name, but I regularly saw him from a distance of a hundred yards.

Judson College is on the Fox River in Illinois; my dad's office in the Athletic Department was a wedge shot from its banks. I could see the river from the gym. During the frigid winter months the man stood alone along the river's frozen edge, tending a covey of ducks. He fed them. He cut through the ice to open up an area of water for them. In short, he met their every need during the cold season. Every day.

I asked my dad why the man cared so much about the ducks. I will never forget the story he told: "He has just returned from the war in Vietnam. The story is that ducks saved his life. His unit had been ambushed. Many of his friends had been killed, and while he hadn't been shot, he lay down to look like he had. He hoped they would go away.

But they didn't. The enemy kept coming. Through the fields they came. They'd put one more shot in every fallen man to ensure that he was dead.

But suddenly a covey of ducks flew overhead, and the attention of the soldiers was diverted. In their excitement they began running after the ducks to shoot at them instead. In the end, they stopped checking the field for men and left. That's how the man down by the river escaped. And now he has a special love for ducks. He loves because he lives." The call of our text conveys something similar. —David Helms, p. 65

“A sincere and earnest love, a life given over to the genuine care of others, is the natural result of being born again. To highlight the command in the text simply notice the phrase, ‘love one another earnestly.’ To see why we love simply note, ‘since you have been born again.’ To put the force of Peter’s thought as clearly as possible: when you get a fresh start on life (see 1:3 and its connection to 1:23), love should happen (1:22-2:3).” -Helms, p. 66

Outline

I. The Logic of Love 1:22-23

• “The mark of the Christian life is love.” -Helms, p. 66

• Sincere, earnest, deep = genuine (not fake)

• Love resulting from being born again is like when someone gets a fresh start on life, love happens.

Peter’s Logic of Love:

• Love one another deeply, from the heart…

• For you have been born again

• Through the living and enduring word of God

Just ask Chris and Amy Karpus. His love is greater than ever because God gave him new life miraculously after cardiac arrest and being brain dead for 40+ minutes. Yet he lives. So he loves.

Full testimony a little later with details:

https://youtu.be/7wHiUm_sAWs?si=En53b5WdW43D0ZNt

• Peter essentially says, we love because we live. We live by the grace and mercy of God so we love. He first loved us so we “love others deeply, from the heart.”

• Peter is preaching to Christians who are a minority within a minority (Christians>Jews>Romans) who are being persecuted for it. They need encouragement and reminders of who they are and why they persevere and how they love.

• Have been purified (v. 22) by obeying the truth. We’re cleansed/purified/forgiven by obeying God’s word. That can be heard in 2 opposing ways:

• If you obey God’s words, he will forgive you. If you obey God’s words SO THAT he will forgive you, that’s not a biblical way to understand salvation.

• If you obey God’s words, he will forgive you. If you obey God’s words BECAUSE he forgave you already (because you believe and trust him), that a biblical understanding of salvation.

• We don’t have a works-salvation. A salvation that we can earn by doing good things.

• We have a salvation that works. A salvation that leads us to want to do good works out of gratitude for our forgiveness.

• Why did God do this? For many reasons. Here are 2 in our text:

• First, “So that you have sincere love for each other.” God’s plan is for the world to see a diversity of Christ-followers love one another deeply despite their differences. “They will know you are Christians by our love.” (V. 22)

• Second, “For you have been born again.” (V. 23)

• What is “born again?”

• Born from above. Second birth after our physical birth. Born of the Spirit of the living God.

• It’s the only way to enter the kingdom of God. (Cf. John 3)

• This birth isn’t temporary (perishable seed) like physical birth.

• This birth is eternal (imperishable seed), the second birth.

Are you born again?

• Peter refers to “truth,” “the word that was preached to you,” and “spiritual milk” all referring to God’s word to us. His word that lasts forever.

• “Therefore” - whenever you see the word “therefore” you always ask the question, “What’s the ‘therefore’ there for?”

• “Therefore” is there for us to look back and remember what was just said/written. That context matters a lot.

• That context is summarized in v. 21 where it says, “Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” Also, v. 3 where he tells us we have a “living hope.”

• Since this living hope is eternal and not temporary, we’re to respond to this gracious and merciful gift by living and loving others well. (Like the man and the ducks)

• Therefore, we “Rid ourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” These are not loving.

• In addition, we crave the word of God (truth) “Like newborn babies crave pure” milk.

• “Pure spiritual milk” = word of God.

• Milk is a rich source of several valuable nutrients, including:

• 1. Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.

• 2. Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb and use calcium.

• 3. Protein: Important for muscle growth and repair.

• 4. Vitamin B12: Necessary for nerve function and the production of red blood cells.

• 5. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Aids in energy metabolism.

• 6. Phosphorus: Contributes to bone and teeth health.

• 7. Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

• 8. Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.

• 9. Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.

• 10. Zinc: Necessary for immune system health.

• Milk is a well-rounded source of these nutrients, making it a valuable part of a balanced diet.

• This causes us to grow in maturity even in the midst of trials and tribulations like these Christians were going through.

• Having “tasted” of the Lord’s goodness and truth, we should remember the blessings that flow from growing by grace through faith in the word of God even in the midst of trials.

Conclusion

• We love because we live. Therefore,

1. Go love deeply, from the heart,

2. Get rid of your dirty ways, and

3. Grow in your desire to know, trust and obey the word of God.

Have you been born again?

Have you tasted that the Lord is good?

Do you crave his pure spiritual milk like a newborn baby?

Do you need to repent of your sins?

Then pray right now and ask him to forgive you for your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Pray for him to give you a hunger and thirst for him and his words so that you can obey them out of gratitude for what he’s already done for you.

He’s done the work for salvation. Now we get to do the work of gratitude that flows from our salvation.

Go

Get rid of

Grow

Pray

NOTES

Acorns and gospel conversations about Jesus.

Peter’s aim in 1 Peter 1 so far is holy living in the midst of trials by these Christians.

Holy living flows from being born again by the living and enduring word of God.

Holy living flows to being holy by loving one another deeply, from the heart.

Love like this comes from a pure heart. A heart purified by believing the good news preached to you.

How are we purified?

By obeying the truth.

Does that mean that we obey the law so that we’re purified? We obey the word trying harder and pushing out sin from our lives? No. That’s the work of the flesh or “perishable seed.”

Perishable seed = seed of Adam through the flesh which includes our sin nature (which is why we sin)

Imperishable seed = the word of God, which is living and enduring and eternal. It’s alive!

Like an acorn caries within its dead shell potential life, the seed of the gospel carries with it the potential for life as well. But instead of trying to obey God’s laws in our own strength (flesh), we lay down our lives and trust him by obeying his words because that trust (faith, hope) leads to life abundant and eternal.

This is good news!

Gospel = good news = truth = word that was preached to you

We don’t obey our way into purity unless by obey you mean we obey the command of scripture to trust and follow Jesus. (John 3:16, Matthew 16:24)

The way of the flesh is dead and fleeting.

The way of the word is living and enduring.

Arguments for

1. Because in v. 22 love is the overflow of this obedience to the truth. (1 John 1:9; Gal 5:6; 1 Tim 1:5)

2. “For you have been born again” also results in obedience to the truth. (1:23-25)

3. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

4. “So your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying…” v. 21-22

2:1-3

Piper, Pt. 1 “Spiritual growth is not optional”

“Therefore” - because of what he just wrote (that we’re born again), through the living and enduring word of God (good news), we are a new person!

Therefore, we get rid of all that isn’t good in our attitudes, feelings, thoughts and actions.

Action and effort are required!

New born infants are not just new Christians. We’re all made new forever!

• We are all new people, and

• Crave/Desire (taste) pure spiritual milk (word) like a baby desires/craves physical milk

• Taste (Ps 34:8)

• Anyone can read the word.

• But when you taste the goodness or kindness of God when in the word, that’s evidence that you are born again.

Drinking this milk causes us to grow up spiritually. I.e. sanctification

Peter thinks of salvation as future a lot in this letter. (I.e. hope to be fulfilled)

It’s a process:

1. We are born again (passive; it’s by God)

2. We eat/drink the word (active) tasting his goodness

3. We grow/mature spiritually

4. We arrive (eventually) at full salvation

5. Eating/drinking and growing are not optional—they are evidences that you’re the real deal

6. God keeps his own and evidence is seen in your maturing

Born again: What effect does it have on our lives?

Loving one another

Getting rid of that which hurts other people

Drinking spiritual milk is a strategy for loving and getting rid of evil

Malice (feeling) — desire to hurt people; mean-spirited

Deceit (feeling) — leading people to believe what’s not true about us

Hypocrisy (feeling) — feeling about me; play-acting instead of being who I really am

Envy (feeling) — feelings about you and your successes; we want it but we don’t want you to have it

Slander (action) — frustrations are about us and you. Lack of contentment in God that leads us to say things about you that tear you down and hurt you and are untrue.

Helms’ notes

“We love because of the imperishable nature of God’s word…How exactly is sincere love the natural consequence of the living and abiding word of God?”

The Logic of Love Explored

1. Seeds possess the power to bring new life

1. Seeds possess within themselves the power to bring forth life. For ex.

1. A perishable seed of an oak tree (an acorn), after falling to the ground and dying as a result, possesses the power to bring forth new life.

2. The sapling emerges because all of the necessary life-giving properties were present in the seed from the beginning.

2. So it is with God’s word.

1. Like a seed, the Bible is alive. It contains within itself everything necessary for life.

2. Dr. Lanier at SEBTS.edu used to tell his students every semester how he came to know Christ by just reading the New Testament. The word is alive! The word brings forth life!

3. The word of God contains within itself all the properties necessary for life. And that ought to revolutionize our understanding about the power of God’s word to bring forth life.

2. Seeds come with fullness of purpose

1. Life isn’t the only natural result of God’s word. Love is as well. How is it that the gospel brings forth both life and love?

1. Isaiah 55:10-11 It is God’s purpose that when it goes out it accomplishes all that God purposes it to.

2. And what’s his purpose?

1. That God would be known in all his fullness.

2. God is love.

3. Therefore, God’s word gives us life and love.

4. Therefore, within God’s word, we gain Jesus Christ who is—life and love.

3. Therefore, the logic of love rests in this: God is life, and God is love. Thus, if God sent his Word in to our hearts to give us life, then we have tasted of his fullness nad will make manifest the fruit of his character. It is for this reason Peter says:

1. Love one another earnestly/deeply

1. Since you have been born again

2. Through the living and enduring word of God.

II. The Brevity of Life

III. The Look of Love

Cross references

““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Outline Bible (1 PETER 2)

Peter speaks of renouncing, relationships, respect, and a role model.

I. THE RENOUNCING (2:1-3, 11)

A. What we are to renounce (2:1, 11b): We are to rid ourselves of deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander, and worldliness.

B. What we are to receive (2:2-3): We are to crave pure spiritual milk.

II. THE RELATIONSHIPS (2:4-12)

dedratitres

A. What Christians are (2:5, 9a, 10-11a)

1. We are living stones (2:5a).

2. We are royal priests (2:5b).

3. We are a chosen people (2:9a, 10).

4. We are strangers on earth (2:11a).

B. What Christ is (2:4, 6-8, 9b, 12)

1. He is the living foundation (2:4a).

a. He is a precious foundation for believers (2:4, 7a).

b. He is a stumbling block for unbelievers (2:8).

2. He is the cornerstone (2:6, 7b).

3. He is the chosen one (2:4c).

4. He is the judge (2:12).

5. He is the light (2:9b).

III. THE RESPECT (2:13-20): For the Lord's sake, we are to show respect

(and submission) to the following parties:

A. Civil authorities (2:13-16)

B. Employers (2:18-20)

C. Everyone (2:17)

IV. THE ROLE MODEL (2:21-25)

A. Who he is (2:21-22): He is our sinless Savior, Jesus Christ.

B. What he did (2:23-24a): He died on Calvary's cross.

C. Why he did it (2:24b-25)

1. That his wounds might heal ours (2:24b)

2. That we might turn to the Shepherd (2:25)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process:

1. Retell the story in your own words.

2. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

3. Who am I going to tell about this?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Q. What do I want them to know?

A. We love one another deeply because we live by his mercy and grace.

Q. Why do I want them to know it?

A. It leads us to actually love each other deeply, from the heart.

Q. What do I want them to do about it?

A. Love one another deeply from the heart, rid ourselves of the evil that we’re still wearing, and grow in Christ together.

Q. Why do I want them to do it?

A. Because it’s life-giving and leads to blessing.

Q. How can they begin to do this?

A. Repent. Believe. Love. Live.

OUTLINES

The Visual Word - 1 Peter

“Paradoxes fill 1 Peter. It is a letter written to encourage a slandered and marginalized minority living in the midst of the Roman Empire. They live in the world but are not of the world. They dwell in the cities, but as sojourners. They look, speak, and dress like everyone, but they pass their days on earth as exiles waiting for their inheritance.” (See the Epistle to Diognetus 5)

Peter seeks to encourage believers in Asia Minor in the midst of suffering to stand firm as they consider the blessings of being in Christ, who is the primary example of one who suffered well and now has received glory and honor. If they also continue in their good conduct, become the true household of God, and don’t revert to their old idolatrous practices, they too will receive the crown of life. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10), live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11), and stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11). Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side. (P. Schreiner)

1. Hope as Exiles 1-2

1. Elect Exiles 1:1-2

2. New future 1:3-12

3. New family 1:13-2:10

2. Exile Identity 2-4

1. Submit 2:11-3:7

2. Suffer well 3:8-4:11

3. Stand Firm 4-5

1. Suffer joyfully 4:12-19

2. Resist the devil 5:1-11

3. In Babylon 5:12-14

I. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10)

II. They need to live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11)

III. They need to stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11)

“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P Schreiner

1. Hope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2)

1. Elect exiles (1:1-2)

2. New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)

3. New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God’s people. (1:13-2:10)

2. Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)

1. Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)

2. Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)

3. Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)

1. Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)

2. Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)

4. In Babylon (5:12-24)

Elect Exiles (1:1-2)

“Peter presents the paradox in the first two verses. The God, those in Asia Minor are chosen, but to the world, they are exiles and sojourners. This becomes the theme of the letter (1:17; 2:11; 5:13). It also ties their story to Abraham, who was chosen but also a sojourner on the earth (Gen. 15:13), and Israel, who were God’s wandering people. These elect exiles are dispersed across Asia Minor and living in societies not friendly to the new Christian faith. They are elect exiles according to God’s foreknowledge, but His sanctifying works, and chosen for obedience. This is God’s wonderful plan for their lives.”

Hope as Exiles (1-2)

“After labeling them as elect exiles, Peter’s first section bolsters their hope by praising God for their new future, new family and new calling. Those scattered have been born again and promised a new land. But this new hope cannot be taken away from them because it resides in heaven. Though they suffer now, they a re being guarded for this future (1:3-12). Not only do they have a new future but a new family and calling (1:3-2:10). They are the new exodus people, the new covenant people, and the new temple people. In all of these they have not only a new identity but a new vocation.”

According to the New Testament of the Bible, what is the difference between faith and hope?

“In the New Testament of the Bible, faith and hope are distinct but interconnected concepts. Faith is often described as a firm belief or trust in something, particularly in God or His promises. It involves having confidence in what is unseen or yet to be fulfilled. Hope, on the other hand, is the optimistic expectation or anticipation of something good. It involves looking forward to future blessings, both in this life and the next. 

While faith is focused on belief and trust, hope is centered around expectation and anticipation. Faith provides the foundation for a relationship with God and is essential for salvation, while hope sustains believers through trials and challenges, keeping their focus on the promises of God. Both faith and hope are important aspects of the Christian life, working together to inspire and strengthen believers in their journey of following Christ.” -ChatGPT 

SUMMARY SO FAR

1 Peter, “Live Such Good Lives”

Let’s live such good lives in this world today that, though they think we’re wrong, they’ll see how we live and follow Jesus anyway because…

• They’ll see who we are and that’s we’re different. A new identity: As chosen exiles scattered around the world until Jesus returns+ (1:13-2:10)

• Chosen

• Exiles/Holy people in the wilderness

• New people

• New covenant with God

• New temple/a people

• Kingdom of priests

• What else?

• They’ll see us living for what matters even though it costs us. Suffering as a witness to Jesus multiplying and magnifying his kingdom (2:11-4:11)

• They’ll see us willingly suffer because of our living hope in the future. Suffering in light of an unshakable hope in the future. (4:12-5:9)

From Schreiner:

“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ.”

“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”

“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”

Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our

1. “Unshakable hope in Christ,

2. Of the grace poured out on his people, and

3. Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”

Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance”

“They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”

“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:

• the authority of Rome

• Unbelieving and cruel masters

• Unbelieving husbands

From Helms:

“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”

3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life’s difficulties.

God’s plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”

Peter’s inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”

Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.

So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live  as God’s chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)

Questions answered by Peter:

1. How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ’s glory?

2. How are we to live in the wilderness world?

Peter’s answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it’s various forms.

THE BIBLE PROJECT

I. Greeting (1:1-2)

II. Song of praise (1:3-12)

III. A New Family Identity (1:13-2:10)

IV. Suffering as a Witness to Jesus (2:11-4:11)

V. Suffering & Future Hope (4:12-5:9)

We have a new family identity that propels us to bear witness to a living hope that leads us to live such good lives that we willingly suffer for his glory in light of our glorious future.

We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live such a good life that it demands a gospel explanation.

We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live like no one else because we will live like no one else in the future

We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live a life that includes suffering but that leads to glory—for God and us.

HELMS

Life is hard even for Christians.

3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life’s difficulties.

God’s plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”

So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live  as God’s chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)

Peter’s inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”

Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.

“Peter begins his letter with these 2 seemingly incompatible truths:

1. Our status in Christ AND

2. Our sufferings on earth.”

Questions answered by Peter:

1. How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ’s glory?

2. How are we to live in the wilderness world?

Peter’s answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it’s various forms.

Be holy (1:15)

live out (1:17)

Way of life (1:18)

Live such good lives (2:12)

Behavior (3:1)

Your lives (3:2)

Behavior (3:16)

“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”

Turning point 2:11-12

Peter continues to encourage through examples and exhortation.

He appeals specifically to elders before the community.

“God has

1. Established our salvation,

2. Given us our identity,

3. Conformed our present-day calling,

4. Secured our future inheritance by means of an inverted irony—namely, the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Therefore, just as the exaltation of Jesus followed a season of humiliation, so too our share in his eternal glory will appear after we have learned to follow in his true and gracious ways.”

Subtitle? How to live as God’s fireproof children in this dumpster fire world.

“We are the elect exiles of the dispersion.”

As God’s chosen, I am encouraged and reminded of his great love for me. And I need this as I live in this broken world.

Elect = chosen, those whom God loves

Israel was sent into exile by God because of their presumptuous sin.

Exiles of a different sort? Peter doesn’t mean it wrt Israel’s ancient sin—or their own—for they were living faithful and fruitful lives at this time. Peter means this is simply “the normative state of any follower of Jesus, so long as he or she remains in this world.”

CS Lewis quote, p. 26

Schreiner

OUTLINE OF 1 PETER

1 Opening (1:1-2)

2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)

3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)

4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)

5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)

1 Opening (1:1-2)

2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)

2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)

2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)

3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)

3.1 The Christian Life as a Battle and Witness (2:11-12)

3.2 Testifying to the Gospel in the Social Order (2:13-3:12)

3.3 Responding in a Godly Way to Suffering (3:13-4:11)

4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)

4.1 Suffer Joyfully in Accord with God's Will (4:12-19)

4.2 Exhortations to Elders and the Community (5:1-11)

5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)

SECTION OUTLINE

2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)

2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)

2.1.1 A Promised Inheritance (1:3-5)

2.1.2 Result: Joy in Suffering (1:6-9)

2.1.3 The Privilege of Revelation (1:10-12)

2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-21)

2.2.1 Setting One's Hope on the Inheritance (1:13-16)

2.2.2 A Call to Fear (1:17-21)

2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)

2.3.1 A Call to Love (1:22-25)

2.3.2 Longing for the Pure Milk (2:1-3)

2.3.3 The Living Stone and Living Stones (2:4-10)

Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our

1. “Unshakable hope in Christ,

2. Of the grace poured out on his people, and

3. Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”

1 Peter “sets forth what it means to be Christians in a hostile world, in a world where Christians were persecuted for their faith…”

Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance”

“They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”

“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:

• the authority of Rome

• Unbelieving and cruel masters

• Unbelieving husbands

They suffered both in:

1. Every day life

2. From imperial authority”

IDENTITY

“People of God” “The Lord’s new temple” “priests”

“They are exhorted not to live in fear of human beings but in fear of the Lord, and such fear, paradoxically, would give them confidence and hope.”

“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”

“Obedient children”

“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”

“God’s chose race” “royal priesthood” “holy nation”

PURPOSE

“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ. They demonstrate their hope in this future by standing firm despite injustice and persecution by living holy, blameless lives submitting to their authorities with patient endurance. This shows their belief that this is temporary and that they are citizens of another kingdom and see Jesus as their Lord and king.

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul

“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner

“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney

“Look at the Book” by John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/we-cannot-love-without-hope

“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner

“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app

ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

AnswerThePublic.com

Wikipedia.com

Love Between Treachery | Matthew 26: 1-16

Love Between Treachery | Matthew 26: 1-16

Ken Dorrity

Love Between Treachery 

Matthew 26:1-16

Matthew’s Gospel has been called “a Passion story with a long introduction.”

Passover Exodus 12

4th passion prediction (16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19)

Caiaphas and religious leaders plotting.

Unnamed woman (John says Mary) act of love (almost a year's worth of wages) directly to Jesus.

Her act will be told to many (3 of the 4 Gospels have her story).

Judas sold out Jesus for four months of wages.

Embrace Christ's Attitude, No Matter What | Philippians 2:5-11 (Part 8)

Embrace Christ’s Attitude | Philippians 2

Pastor Darien Gabriel

This sermon is about thinking like Christ, having the mind of our Savior.  Pastor Darien continues our study of Philippians.  This week we study chapter 2, and the mindset God calls us to have, the same mindset of Christ as He humbled Himself to become a man, adding humanity to His deity, further humbling Himself to take on the form of a servant, serving the people he was with, serving to the point of sacrificing His life, even dying on the cross.  Ultimately, God raised Him from the dead.  Paul tells us to have the same mindset.

As you can imagine, there are significant implications for this kind of lifestyle.  The person who serves like Christ is honoring others more than himself/herself.  He/she is sacrificing to make sure that the people they meet are cared for and loved.  Most significantly, this takes place in the proclamation of the gospel, but it also manifests in simple acts of kindness like washing dishes, picking up trash, feeding the hungry, and forgiving your betrayers.  

At Grace Christian Fellowship in Ladson, South Carolina we seek to live this out by being the best neighbors ever.  We don’t want to merely talk about serving, we want to live it.  This is why the concept of having the “mind of Christ” is so important.

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV)

Series bottom line:

God pours out his grace and peace in and through us as we show and tell the good news no matter what. 

Today’s Bottom line: 

Embrace Christ’s attitude of selfless servitude (to God & people) & let it propel you to celebrate & imitate Christ, no matter what.

Why do we do that?

How do we do that?

Intro

Possible illustrations - Bill Bright

Who is he and what did he do that makes this so amazing?

The late Dr. Bill Bright was Founder and President/Chairman Emeritus of Campus Crusade for Christ, an organization which began as a campus ministry in 1951 and now has more than 27,000 full-time staff and up to 500,000 trained volunteer staff in 196 countries in areas representing 99.6 percent of the world's population. In the past 50 years, Campus Crusade for Christ has seen approximately 6 billion exposures to the gospel worldwide. The film, "JESUS," which Bright conceived and funded through Campus Crusade for Christ, is the most widely translated and viewed film of any type ever produced. Since its use began in 1980, the film has been translated into 839 languages and viewed or listened to by over 5.7 billion people in 228 countries. Dr. Bright was also the author of more than fifty books. 

What is a slave/servant - 

“In Old Testament times, one might enter slavery either voluntarily (e.g., to escape poverty or to pay off a debt) or involuntarily (e.g., by birth, by being captured in battle, or by judicial sentence). Protection for all in servitude in ancient Israel was provided by the Mosaic Law, including specific provisions for release from slavery. (Pierced ear with awl)

In New Testament times, a doulos is often best described as a “bondservant”—that is, someone in the Roman Empire officially bound under contract to serve his master for seven years (except for those in Caesar’s household in Rome who were contracted for fourteen years). When the contract expired, the person was freed, given his wage that had been saved by the master, and officially declared a freedman.” 

-ESV preface

Larger context - zooming out to whole letter:

Paul presents Christ to believers as: (by HL Willmington, Outline Bible)

1. Our life-purpose.

2. Our life-pattern.

3. Our life-prize.

4. Our life-power.

Keep this in mind as we work through this letter. Now today we’ll continue looking at Christ as our pattern or example to imitate.

Our simple outline this week starts this way:

I. The Attitude of Christ. (2:5) - Have this! Embrace this!

II. The Hymn of Christ. (2:6-11)

What I’m still learning about following Jesus Christ is that it doesn’t matter how stoked I am about what he’s leading me to if I don’t discipline myself to follow him habitually and consistently. We must train to remain abiding in Christ (stay connected) or we will fail over and over. 

We need teach on the attitude or mindset of Christ. That needs to be firmly in mind.

We need to train ourselves to remain focused on that important truth.

• Paul puts our thoughts on notice in v. 5 when he says, “In your relationships with one another, have this same mindset (attitude) as Christ Jesus.”

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HUGE application here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Paul gives us the example to pattern our lives after here.

• Paul also shows us the results.

Being like Mike won’t happen for anyone unless they are willing to discipline themselves towards whatever it is they are seeking to master.

Being like Christ won’t happen either unless you are willing to discipline yourself for godliness.

In 1 Timothy 4:8b-9 Paul writes, “rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

But being like Christ won’t happen if we live by feelings instead of a disciplined faith. And a faith rooted in selfless, humble servitude of God and people. To love God and love people means that we serve them seeing their interests as important enough to warrant some of our precious time and energy.

Trust me. This is much easier to preach than to live. I fail at this daily. This may be my biggest struggle.

II. The Hymn of Christ

    A. The selfless humility of Christ. (6-8)

    B. The appropriate celebration of Christ. (9-11)

II. The Hymn of Christ - one of 4 Christological passages in the NT. (John 1, Colossians 1, Hebrews 1)

    A. The selfless humility of Christ. (6-8)

1. See Christ’s humiliation in his humble renunciation. (6)

   1. Jesus is divine. Fully God. Fully divine.

   2. Jesus is equal to his Father. 

   3. Jesus is creator—not created.

   4. Morphe doesn’t refer to external appearance or shape but essential attributes and inner nature.

   5. Jesus didn’t consider being God grounds for getting but for giving.

   6. Jesus lived open-handedly.

2. See Christ’s humiliation in his humble incarnation. (7)

   1. Jesus laid aside his pre-existent glory.

   2. AW Tozer said, “He veiled his deity but he did not void his deity.”

   3. He added humanity without surrendering his deity.

   4. This is huge in our theology. Not getting this is why some turn to false religions and cults. 

   5. Jesus didn’t empty himself of his deity.

   6. Jesus surrendered his rights as king and creator.

   7. African Chief story (below)

   8. ”By assuming they form/nature of a slave” The slave in the Greco-Roman world was deprived of most basic rights. Jesus gave up his sovereign rights and became a slave. The sovereign creator made himself nothing. He identified with the lowest of society. 

   9. Christ “did not come to be served but to serve” Mark 10:45

   10. John 13:3-5 shows us what that looks like. He performed a job so humbling that only slaves would do. He washed their feet (with the water that he created from nothing). Breath-taking!

   11. He didn’t just look human—he took the nature of humanity. Fully human—fully divine.

3. See Christ’s humiliation in his crucifixion. (8)

   1. Jesus was humble his whole life

   1. Born in a feeding trough of a tiny village.

   2. Lived 30 years in relative obscurity.

   3. Earthly ministry he was known for loving unlovable people and humbly serving the least, last and lost.

   4. At his death, he’s nailed to a cross between two criminals.

   1. Jesus humbled himself voluntarily. 

   2. This is the way of the kingdom. (Mandalorian “This is the way”)

   3. As if it couldn’t get any more humbling, Paul tells us he’s executed in a way so horrible, it was only an extreme exception to crucify a Roman citizen.

   4. This was shocking in his day. Like we would pull back from a painting of a scene from the holocaust...

   5. Jesus willingly received 

      1. physical agony

      2. abandonment

      3. shame

      4. wrath of God for the sins of his enemies

   6. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 looms in the background of this hymn.

   7. CS Lewis illustration reminds us of the African Chief story (below)

    B. The appropriate celebration of Christ. (9-11)

1. His exalted position. (9)

   1. “Therefore” or “For this reason”

   2. The name = the Lord (Yahweh) or the Lord Jesus

      1. Yahweh is Lord in the OT

      2. Jesus is Lord in the NT

   3. Exalted means that he reigns over all. 

2. Everyone’s adoration and confession (10-11)

   1. “Everyone” - not just his followers will bow

   2. Some with great joy while others with great anguish.

   3. To confess Jesus as Lord in the first century meant that Caesar was not Lord. It was treason to say it. 

   4. Jesus is Lord was maybe the earliest of early church confessions. 

   5. Many died for believing and saying this aloud.

   6. Jesus is exalted by his Father only to turn it back to his Father. 

   7. 1 Corinthians 15:28 “When everything is subject to Christ, then the Son himself will also be subject to the One who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.”

Conclusion

Embrace Christ’s attitude no matter what. Here are some suggested ways:

1. Memorize this passage.

2. Believe this passage.

3. Follow the lifestyle in this passage.

4. Tell the world about the message of this passage.

Bottom line: Embrace Christ’s attitude of selfless servitude (to God & people) & let it propel you to celebrate & imitate Christ, no matter what.

Let’s pray

References/Bibliography:

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“the Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in The Book of Acts” by Tony Merida (CCE)

“Exalting Jesus in The Book of Philippians” by Tony Merida & Chan (CCE)

Let’s Study Philippians by Sinclair Ferguson

Outline Bible, D Willmington

DA Carson Basics for Believers commentary

FF Bruce NIBC Commentary on Philippians

To Live is Christ To Die is Gain by Matt Chandler

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

J Vernon McGee Commentary