A Study of 1 Peter

Chapter 1: Lesson Two

Living As Obedient Children of God

INTRODUCTION.

A.        In the first lesson of this study, we showed that . . .

1.         When a person becomes a Christian, he becomes a member of the elect. (1:1-2)

2.         When a person becomes a Christian, he is kept by the power of God through faith. (1:3-5)

3.         Christians have reasons to rejoice. (1:6-9)

a.         One reason is that they are kept by the power of God.

b.         Another reason is because of their believe in Jesus Christ. The end of their belief (faith) is going to be the salvation of their souls.

4.         This joyous salvation, a Christian’s reason for rejoicing, was foretold by the prophets. (1:10-12)

B.        In this lesson, we will finish the first chapter of 1 Peter by considering how we, as Christians, are to live.             

I.         HOW TO LIVE AS OBEDIENT CHILDREN OF GOD. (1:13-25)

            A.        In striving to live as an obedient child of God, how should a Christian be living his life?

                        1.         “Gird up the loins of your mind” - “gird your minds for action” (NASV) (v 13) The idea is to prepare one’s mind for the spiritual warfare in which he is engaging.

                                    a.         Girding up one’s loins of their mind can be done by studying the word of God on a daily basis.

                                    b.         Also, assembling with the saints in worship services and bible studies will help one to gird up the loins of their mind.

                        2.         “Be sober” (v 13) Being sober means to be calm and collected in spirit, temperate, and dispassionate. To be dispassionate is to have control over one’s own emotions, not allowing the emotions to cause him to run astray from the scriptures.

                        3.         A Christian should rest his hope upon the grace to be brought at judgment. (v 13)

                        4.         Do not conform to the former lusts. (v 14; Ephesians 4:20-24; Romans 12:2)

                                    a.         The former lusts are referring to the former life style of living for the flesh.

                                    b.         Christians are to avoid conforming to those former lusts that were left behind when they obeyed the gospel.

                        5.         Be holy in all your conduct as Christ is holy. (v 15,16; Ephesians 1:3,4)

                                    a.         A Christian’s conduct must be holy.

                                    b.         Consider the perfect example, Jesus Christ.

                        6.         Those who call on God should conduct their lives in fear or reverence. (v 17)

            B.        In order to live as an obedient child of God, one must accept the fact that he has been redeemed.

                        1.         Christians are not redeemed with corruptible or perishable things such as silver and gold. (vs 18) NOTE: “vain conversation” (KJV) - “aimless conduct” (NKJV) - “futile way of life” (NASV)

                        2.         One who is a Christian is one who has been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. The blood of Christ is compared to the purity of a lamb without blemish and spot. (v 19) Under the old law, the sacrifices had to be without blemish and spot. It only stands to reason that the ultimate sacrifice, offered once for all, would meet the same standards.

                        3.         This redemption comes through Jesus Christ who was foreordained (foreknown) before the foundation of the world. This Jesus Christ was manifested (revealed) and raised from the dead so that Christians might have faith and hope in God. (v 20, 21; Philippians 2:5-11)

            C.        Christians are to be pure.

                        1.         A pure soul will:

                                    a.         Obey the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren. (v 22)

                                    b.         Love others fervently with a pure heart. (v 22)

                        2.         A pure soul is one that is born again of incorruptible seed (the word of God) which abides forever. (v 23-25)

CONCLUSION.

A.        What have we learned? In order to live as obedient children of God, Christians must:

1.         “Gird up the loins of their minds” or prepare their minds for their service to God. (1:13)

2.         “Be sober” or in control of their lives. (1:13)

3.         Not be conformed to their former lusts. (1:14)

4.         Be holy in all their conduct as Christ is holy. (1:15,16)

5.         Conduct their lives in fear or reverence of the Heavenly Father. (1:17)

6.         Accept the fact he has been redeemed. (1:18-21)

7.         Remain pure, being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible seed. (1:22-25)

B.        Let us continue to take the Word of the Lord which endures forever, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and live it in our lives.

C.        Let us also take to the Word of the Lord and teach it to a lost and dying world.

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1 Peter 1:Lesson 2 -- September 14, 2003 -- File # 718

by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK