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SERMON SEEDS FOR MARCH 29, 2009

www.sermonseeds.org

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Rev. Jack Peters is the pastor of Ringwood Baptist Church in Ringwood, NJ. You may visit their website at www.ringwoodbaptist.org. To hear recordings of his messages go to Weekly Message.

 

THIS WEEK

We have included the last in the Christian Character Clinic Series, the latest study in the Gospel according to Luke, and a detailed preaching outline on 1 Peter 4:1-6.  Also in this edition of Sermon Seeds you will find some previously shared outlines for Palm Sunday.

 

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1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8a

TRUE LOVE

CHRISTIAN CHARACTER CLINIC #11 (Last in Series)

 

In order to have the best possible relationship in marriage and the best possible relationships with all of those around us, we need to understand true love.  True love is not romantic love. True love is the love of God flowing through us.

In fact true love is the final quality or finishing touch, so to speak, on the Christian character we have been trying to develop based on 2 Peter 1:5-7.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. (NKJV)

The characteristics of true love will include all the Christian virtues that we have previously studied, but as we’ll see in a few moments, there are even more characteristics that are involved in true love.

Richard De Hann once wrote, “The strongest word for love to be found in the New Testament is used in this passage. It is agape love, which springs from within the heart of a person without regard for the worthiness of   the object. It’s loving others like God loved us.” Richard De Hann, Studies in Second Peter, (Wheaton Illinois, Victor Books, 1977), pp. 27-28

Of course God loved us enough to send his sinless Son from Heaven to die for us and to give eternal life to those who trust Him as Savior.

We as Christians, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit need to learn to develop true love.

In order to develop true love we need to understand the characteristics of true love. To learn these characteristics we need to go to the “Love Chapter”, 1 Corinthians 13. Here in verses 4-8a we have a tremendous description of the true love that is to be part of our Christian Character.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails... (NKJV)

Here we discover that:

TRUE LOVE IS SUBMISSIVE – Vs. 4

Because of our human sinful nature, “Look out for #1!” could be a slogan for most people.  We want to take care of ourselves, our own interests, and our own well being.

Where would we be if Jesus had done that? Philippians 2:5-8

If we are going to be like our Savior we need to have a similar “mind” or attitude.  Our Savior was submissive. We should be submissive. 

In fact supernatural submission is one of the qualities associated with being filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18, 21

All of the qualities of love will require submission, but especially those mentioned in Vs. 4

·        Love suffers long

Or, love is patient, or ‘long-tempered’. Here we are not talking about patience with situations, but something even more difficult. It is being patient, longsuffering, or long-tempered with people!

·        Love is kind

When we love someone our thoughts are generally kind towards them.

When we love someone our words are generally kind towards them and about them.

When we love someone our actions are generally kind towards them. Galatians 6:9-10

·        Love does not envy

Love is not jealous or envious.

When a person is jealous they want what someone else has like their job, their reputation, their money, their car, or even their spouse.

John MacArthur pointed out that there is a type of jealousy that is even worse.  Jealous people sometimes don’t want what the other person has. They just don’t want that person to have it either. They wish ill or bad luck for that person.

There is a good kind of jealousy. In fact God is a jealous God and doesn’t want us to have any other Gods in our lives. Exodus 20:5

Exodus 34:14 - For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

It’s a good thing when we are jealous for God so that we allow nothing to take precedent over His rule in our lives.

A love that is submissive to God is not jealous of the success of others. They want what God wants. They remember the principal found in Psalm 75:6-7, For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

·        Love does not parade itself, or, Love does not brag

When we brag we parade our accomplishments before others. We point out our good points, our strengths, our abilities and our successes for others to see.

When we brag we are drawing attention to ourselves and away from others. When we brag we are drawing attention to ourselves and away from God.

John 7:18 - He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

If we’re going to boast or brag let’s boast or brag on our God.

If we are going to parade something, let it be God’s greatness!

·        Love is not puffed up

This means that love is not “arrogant”.

An arrogant person acts and talks like he is better than everyone else.

You’ve met the type, they act like all the world revolves around them, that they are superior, and you are dirt!

William Carey often referred to as the father of modern missions was a brilliant linguist, responsible for translating parts of

TRUE LOVE IS SELECTIVE – Vss. 5-6

Life is full of choices. When we practice true love we will make right choices. We will select behavior patterns that are pleasing to God.

·        Love does not behave rudely or Love does not behave itself unseemly

I think my generation and the generation after me owe the youngest generation, the kids, a big apology.

As generations, we have not taught good manners.  We have tolerated rude behavior in younger people, and have even taught it by our own rude behavior.

When love does not behave itself unseemly it means that a man always acts like a gentleman, and a woman always acts like a lady.

TRUE LOVE - 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-8a – PAGE 8

True love is polite. Let’s you and I model true love to the next generations by the ways we treat each other, and them!

·        Love does not seek its own.

In other words, love is not selfish. Love does not have its own agenda, but is willing to go, whenever possible, with the agenda of others.

In the church at Philippi two women were quarreling. Paul suggested a very simple solution to the problem in Philippians 2:4, Paul says, Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

·        Love is not provoked

There is such a thing as righteous anger.  This is not what Paul is referring to.  He is talking about unrighteous anger.

Love is not irritable. Love does not “fly off the handle”.         

Love does not respond roughly, loudly, or bitterly to offenses against one’s self.                     

Love is not reactionary.

Let us choose not to be provoked!

·        Love thinks no evil

This means that we do not keep a mental list of the wrongs that people have been performed against us.

Have you ever heard someone complain continually about how they were offended by someone else? You want to say to that person, “LET IT GO!”

I wonder if God ever says that to us. There are times when we need to let things go. With God’s help we need to forgive and move on!

Ephesians 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Love chooses not to not hold a grudge. When you fail to forgive, you fail to love.

Whose offense against you do you continually think about? Let it go! Forgive!

·        Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth

Do you secretly enjoy it when someone fails? If you do, that’s sin! That’s selfish! That’s not love.

Do you rejoice when righteousness prevails? Do you rejoice when others do what is right! That’s good! That’s rejoicing in the truth! That’s love!

Do you enjoy watching people murdered on TV or the movies? Do you enjoy steamy, sexual stories on TV or in books? Do you enjoy a dirty joke? That’s sin! That’s rejoicing in iniquity! That’s not love!

Do you enjoy reading Scripture? Do you enjoy Biblical fellowship with other believers? Do you enjoy seeing people come to Christ as Savior? That’s good! That’s rejoicing in the truth! That’s love!

LOVE IS STEADFAST – Vss. 7-8a

We might say that love “hangs in there”, or love is “immovable”.

·        Love bears all things.

The word “bears” means to cover, support or protect.

Love does not overreact to the sins of others or think the worst of others, but to put a cover of understanding and forgiveness over it.

This does not mean that we tolerate sin, but we do not broadcast the sins of others. We keep silent when we can.

Proverbs 11:13 - A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

We love someone we want to do nothing to hurt their good name.

·        Love believes all things

Love is steadfast in believing the very best of people.

Love gives people the benefit of the doubt.

Love is willing to think positively about a person’s motives. Love trusts others!

·        Love hopes all things

It is love that hopes even when things seem hopeless.

It is love that anxiously looks for people to repent and trust Jesus as Savior.

It is love that hopes for the reconciliation of a marriage or the return of a prodigal son or daughter.

It is love that never stops hoping in the promises of God.

It is love that trusts and hopes in God.

·        Love endures all things

Love holds on no matter what happens!

Love is sometimes “tough love” and has to insist on doing what is right for the good of the other individual.

Love endures misunderstandings, the angry responses of others, and the disappointments that come with the failures of those we love.

·        Love never fails.

God’s love for this world never fails.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God’s love for you never fails.

Jeremiah 31:3 - The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

God is faithful in his love.

We are to be faithful in our love!

TRUE LOVE IS SUBMISSIVE

TRUE LOVE IS SELECTIVE

TRUE LOVE IS STEADFAST

And remember, true love is impossible without the control of the Holy Spirit in your life. “The fruit of the Spirit is love…” Die to self! Submit to Christ. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit.

 

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Luke 3:21 - 4:13    

QUALIFIED!

IN STEP WITH THE MASTER – LESSON #8 – Lessons in Luke

 

What qualifies you to do the job that you are doing right now, or did before you retired?

Why is being qualified to do a job important?

Why was it important that the Lord Jesus Christ was qualified for the job God called Him to do?

 

The Lord Jesus was about to embark on his ministry as the Messiah. In our text Luke shows us some of the things that qualified Him for the task.

 

HIS ASSOCIATION FOR MINISTRY – 3:21

·        Logically speaking and confirmed by John the Baptist, Jesus had no need for Baptism.                                     Why? Matthew 3:13-15

·        Through baptism Jesus associated with those He came to redeem. He is showing that, although sinless, He was taking responsibility for the sins of His people. Why is this remarkable? Romans 5:6-9

·        Assuming that Jesus was baptized by immersion how was Jesus’ baptism a picture of His future work? Romans 6:3-4, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

 

HIS ANOINTING AND AFFIRMATION FOR MINISTRY - Vss. 3:21-22

·        Vs. 21 - In the Gospels there are many recorded instances of Jesus praying.  Remembering that Jesus was the perfect man, what does Jesus’ prayer life teach us? 

·        Why do most of us take the privileges and duties of prayer lightly? John 15:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Peter 4:7

·        Vs. 22 - The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus in the form of a dove. The dove seems to symbolize gentleness and an unassuming manner. Although Jesus’ ministry was forceful and fiery at times, overall He was “meek and lowly in heart”.

·        As the perfect man, why was it important that Jesus be anointed with the Holy Spirit?

·        If Jesus ministry was performed under the Holy Spirit’s power and direction, it behooves us to seek the control of the Holy Spirit upon our lives and ministries. Luke 11:13, Ephesians 5:18, Jude 1:20

·        Jesus has just taken the first step in what would be a three year ministry of obedience ending at the Cross. Why was the Father’s affirmation important to Jesus at this time? 

·        Why is it important for us to receive affirmation from God’s Holy Spirit, His Word, and other Christians?

 

HIS AUTHENTICITY FOR MINISTRY – 3:23-38

·        Vs. 23 – Luke talks about Jesus beginning his ministry at around age 30 and starts a genealogy beginning with Joseph, but making it clear that Joseph was not Jesus’ real Father.

·        This is one of two genealogies of Jesus. The other one is found in Matthew.

·        There are several differences found in the genealogies.  Matthew, primarily written for the Jews, goes back to Abraham. Luke, having a larger target area (Gentiles), goes back to Adam.

·        Matthew starts with Abraham and ends with Joseph in his genealogy, and Luke starts with Joseph and ends with Adam.  There are more names listed in Luke’s list (77).

·        The names in the two genealogies do not match up with each other, leading to various explanations as to why. The simplest and probably most logical explanation is that Matthew’s genealogy is traced through Joseph and that Luke’s is traced through Mary.  Joseph gives the legal lineage of the Lord Jesus.  Mary gives the physical lineage of the Lord Jesus.

·        In order for Jesus to authentically be the Messiah, He needed to be able to trace his roots back to three men on this list.

1.     David’s son was to reign forever. 2 Samuel 7:12-17, Luke 1:31-33

2.     The whole world was to be blessed through a descendant of Abraham. Genesis 12:1-3, John 3:16

3.     A descendant of Eve (and hence, Adam) would have victory over the Serpent (Satan). Genesis 3:15

·        Vs. 38 – Jesus, the Son of God from all eternity, has his roots traced back to Adam, who was the son of God by virtue of his creation.

 

HIS ACCREDITATION FOR MINISTRY- 4:1-12

·        Vss. 1-2 - The primary ministry of the Lord Jesus was to be a sinless sacrifice for sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21

·        Immediately after His baptism Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into 40 days of temptation by the devil.

·        The successful resistance of Satan gives Jesus accreditation as our Savior. How?

·        Jesus is the perfect God/Man. As God, Jesus could not sin.

·        As man, Jesus could be tempted, although Jesus did not have a sin nature. 

·        God created Adam without a sin nature (Genesis 1:31).  Adam and Eve could be tempted by Satan. They chose to disobey God.

·        Jesus was tempted and his temptation was as real as Adam and Eve’s. He chose to obey God.                Hebrews 4:15-16

·        When Eve was tempted, she was tempted to distrust God and disobey. Genesis 3:1-7

·        How is every temptation we face a temptation to distrust God? Give some examples.

·        How were the conditions of the temptation of Jesus different from the temptation of Adam and Eve?

·        Vs. 3 – Satan did not doubt Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. He was challenging Him to use his divine powers to satisfy His hunger. Why would Jesus have been wrong to do this?

·        Vs. 4 – Each time Jesus resisted Satan He quoted Scripture from Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 8:3

·        Jesus’ answer shows that living by the Word of God is more important than having physical food. Why do people, even Christians, get their priorities mixed up? Matthew 4:4, 6:24-34

·        In what ways will be we battle the “lust of the flesh” on a regular basis?

·        Vs. 5 – Matthew and Luke differ in their order of temptation. It appears that Matthew was giving the order the way it happened. Luke chose to list the temptation in Jerusalem as last for whatever reason.

·        Vss. 6-7 – Was Satan’s offer a legitimate offer (Ephesians 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4)? What was the “catch”?

·        Basically Satan was offering “a kingdom without the cross”.

·        Vs. 8 – Jesus’ answer is a quote of Deuteronomy 6:13. How do we like take easy road and partake in that which is enjoyable at the expense of dedication to God?

·        Why do we often dislike the pain of discipleship? Luke 9:23-24, 14:26-27

·        Vss. 9-11 – Satan set Jesus “on the pinnacle of the temple”, probably a point on the roof about 450’ high which overlooked the Kidron Valley.

·        Satan is now the one quoting Scripture. Read Psalm 91:11-12.

·        Vs. 12 – Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:16. What was the problem with Satan’s quotation of Scripture?

·        How do we as Christians tempt God?

·        Vs. 13 – What important lesson about temptation is found here?

·        Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God when he showed Himself accredited for ministry. How will these two principles help us resist temptation?

·        How does unbelief in the Word of God make it hard for us to resist temptation?

 

 

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Matthew 21:1-11

THE MESSIAH ARRIVES

 

Here is a brief outline, summing up the events of Palm Sunday, as presented by Matthew:

 

THE PLAN OF JESUS Vss. 1-3

THE PROPHECY TO BE FULFILLED Vss. 4-5

THE PARTICIPATION OF THE DISCIPLES Vss. 6-1

They Obeyed Vs. 6

They Gave Vss. 7-8

They Praised Vss. 9-11

 

 

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Matthew 21:12-16

ROYAL ACTIONS

 

Jesus arrived as Israel's King.  Although in reality Jesus was rejected at this time, He still acted in a royal way.

 

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE KING - Vss. 12-13

The temple was cleansed of those who used religion as a means of crooked gain.

 

THE REIGN OF THE KING - Vs. 14

This king's authority over disease is shown.

 

THE REJOICING IN THE KING - Vss. 15-16

The children sang his praise in fulfillment of Scripture. Psalm 8:2

 

THE REJECTION OF THE KING - Vss. 15-16

The religious leaders saw Jesus' actions and heard the words of the children, and were upset.  They had rejected Jesus as their king.

 

 

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Mark 11:3

NEEDED!

 

…the Lord hath need of him…

 

God is self sufficient and has need of nothing.  However, just like Jesus needed the colt to fulfill the prophecies about Palm Sunday, God has chosen to need us.

 

GOD NEEDS US TO FORGIVE US

 

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

GOD NEEDS US TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US

 

Matthew 28:20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

 

Romans 8:15 - For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 

Hebrews 4:15-16 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

GOD NEEDS US TO BE FAITHFUL TO HIM

 

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 - Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

 

GOD NEEDS US FOREVER

 

Revelation 22:1-5 - And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. [2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: [4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. [5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

 

 

 

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Luke 19:28-44

HERE COMES THE LORD!

 (Palm Sunday)

 

THE LORD'S DIRECTIONS - Vss. 30-31

 

THE LORD'S DESIRE - Vss. 32-34

He had a need.

 

THE LORD'S DESIGNATION - Vss. 35-38

He's the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

 

THE LORD'S DECLARATION - Vss. 39-40

The rocks would cry out if His disciples didn't.

 

THE LORD'S DISTRESS - Vss. 41-44

 

 

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1 PETER 4:1-6

EVERYTHING LOOKS DIFFERENT NOW!

 

When a person realizes that he or she is a sinner.

When a person realizes that he or she can not possibly pay or atone for their sin.

 

When a person realizes that Jesus died on the cross to pay for sin, when a person turns from trusting self to trusting Christ for eternal life, a tremendous change takes place.

 

"EVERYTHING LOOKS DIFFERENT NOW."

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

In the verses we get a Christian perspective of how things are since coming to Christ. The bottom line is, "EVERYTHING LOOKS DIFFERENT NOW!"

 

WE HAVE A NEW PRINCIPLE FOR LIVING - Vs. 1

In this verse Peter is building on 1 Peter 3:18: For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

 

Jesus only had to die once for our sins! He suffered for them and it was done! Payment was made in full for those who trust Him!

 

It was the just, the righteous one, Jesus dying for the unjust, the unrighteous one, Jack Peters.

He was put to death in the flesh. He really died!

But He was quickened or made alive by the Spirit. He rose again! 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

 

 

Now in 1 Peter 4:1 we see that because Christ suffered for us in the flesh we are to have a new attitude, or a new principle of living. Out of appreciation for what Jesus has done for us we should arm ourselves as if going to battle with the same mind, or attitude Jesus had to sin.

 

All through His life Jesus was dead to sin.

Jesus always said "no" to sin. Jesus was tempted, but He never sinned! Hebrews 4:15

 

Jesus was dead to sin but alive unto God. He always did what God wanted.

 

The day came that Jesus literally died for sin. He died for your sins and mine!

 

Turn please to Romans 6.

 

Vs. 10 - When Jesus died he died for sin once!

             Then Jesus rose and lives in Heaven unto God!

 

Vs. 11 - Here Paul tells us to reckon on a new principle for living.

"Likewise" or "Just like Jesus" count on the fact that you are dead to sin, or sin's influence and alive unto God.

 

When did you die? You died with Jesus on the cross, because He died in your place. When did you rise to a new life? When Jesus raised from the dead. Baptism is a testimony of this.

 

Vs. 4 - When Christ died, I died.

When Christ was buried I was buried.

When Christ rose to new life, I rose to newness of life.

 

So, in verse 11, we reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God!

 

Vs. 12 - With this new principle at work in our lives, we are not to let sin reign in our lives.

 

Vs. 13 - We are not to yield to sin, but to God.

 

Vs. 14 - A great promise.

 

I believe that 1 Peter 4:1 is talking about the same principle found in Romans 6. 

We've suffered in the flesh. We died with Christ and have ceased from sin. That does not mean we are sinless, but that sin does not have control over us the way it once did.

 

WE HAVE A NEW PURPOSE FOR LIVING - Vs. 2

 

The person without Christ lives to satisfy his own selfish desires, whatever they may be.

Those of us who come to Christ and are living by the principle of dying to self and living unto God should go a step further.

 

We are to no longer spend our time pursuing our own selfish desires, but doing the will of God.

 

When we do the will of God we are doing what is "good and acceptable and perfect" according to Romans 12:2.

 

There is no better way to say thank you to God than by striving to do his will.

Christian, what is your purpose for living?

Is it to do the will of God?

 

WE HAVE A NEW PRACTICE FOR LIVING - Vs. 3

 

Did you ever spend enough time doing something? I'm sure that you have.

 

·        There were days when you spent enough time working.

·        There were days when you spent enough time listening to someone complain.

·        There were days when you spent enough time waiting.

·        There were days when you spent enough time cleaning.

 

Here God is telling us here that you have spent enough time walking in the will of the Gentiles.  We have spent enough time doing things that did not please God.  We've already spent enough time in:

 

Ø Lasciviousness - "excesses" or "open outrages against decency"

They are everywhere from Pornographic Magazines, to movies, to internet sites.  Not all internet is good my friend.

 

Ø Lusts - "compelling evil desire"

 

Ø excess of wine - drunkenness

 

Ø revellings - "wild feasting", "carousings" even orgies

 

Ø banquetings - drinking bouts

 

Ø and abominable or unlawful  idolatries:

Much of the behavior mentioned above would have been connected to idol worship.

Now you might say, "Well, Pastor, I've never done anything as bad as these things here.”

 

Let me remind you that anything we do which is displeasing to God should be removed from our lives. These are some of the worst things, but we are called to a life of total purity and holiness.

 

WE HAVE A NEW PATIENCE FOR LIVING - Vss. 4-6

 

Vs. 4 - Do you want to know a sure-fire way to lose friends?

Act like a Christian.

That will guarantee that some who used to be your friend will not longer be your friend.

 

They want to run to excess of riot, or unrestricted living.

 

When you live the way you should live as a Christian, some will leave you. Some will stop being your friend. But others will embrace you. They will become your friend!

 

Those who leave you will think it strange that you do not do the same excessive and perverted things that they want to do.

 

And to make matters worse, they will speak evil of you.

 

Vs. 5 - Be patient because one day these people need to stand before God. They will answer to the judge of the living and the dead.

 

Vs. 6 - Peter is referring to Christians who were now dead.

It is possible that they had been judged by man in the flesh. They had been persecuted and martyred.

 

Although they were dead physically, they continued to live on in the spirit. Their bodies had been destroyed, but their spirits were in the presence of God. To be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord.

 

And as Christians, one day our Spirits will be joined to a new resurrection body! 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

 

So we can be patient, even when non-Christians do not understand us.  We have the hope of eternal life.

 

EVERYTHING LOOKS DIFFERENT NOW!

 

WE HAVE A NEW PRINCIPLE FOR LIVING - Vs. 1

WE HAVE A NEW PURPOSE FOR LIVING - Vs. 2

WE HAVE A NEW PRACTICE FOR LIVING - Vs. 3

WE HAVE A NEW PATIENCE FOR LIVING - Vss. 4-6

 

 

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ABOUT SERMON SEEDS:

 

Sermon Seeds is a weekly e-mailing of free brief sermon outlines from Pastor Jack Peters. These outlines are meant to help other pastors and Bible Teachers in their own preparations.

 

In most cases these outlines are only "seeds". They are not sermons ready for you to preach. Feel free to improve on these outlines anyway the Lord leads you.

 

TO SUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-subscribe@welovegod.org    

 

TO UNSUBSCRIBE - Send a blank e-mail to: sermonseeds-unsubscribe@welovegod.org

 

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB SITE!

www.sermonseeds.org is the location for the Sermon Seeds Archives. You will find most of the outlines from these e-mail editions, plus links to other helpful web pages. Be sure to sign the guest book, and tell me a little about yourself.

 

JACK’S EMAIL ADDRESS – jpeters@alltel.net

 

TALK TO JACK THROUGH INSTANT MESSAGING

I welcome live correspondence with those on the Sermon Seeds list. To put me on your "buddy list" here is the information you need.

 

AOL AIM – JackPeters1947

MSN (Microsoft) - johnwpeters@hotmail.com

 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE – www.sermonseeds.org 

 

This ministry has grown over the years because people like you have told others about Sermon Seeds.  Always feel free to forward the weekly Sermon Seeds email to those who you think might be interested in these outlines. Also, please share our website address with others as well. Thank you for your support.

-- To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: sermonseeds-unsubscribe@associate.com