Usually we think of methods of intake as falling into four categories – hearing the Word taught by our pastors and teachers (Jeremiah 3:15), reading the Bible ourselves (Deuteronomy 17:19), studying the Scriptures intently (Proverbs 2:1-5), and memorizing key passages (Psalm 119:11). All of these methods are needed for a balanced intake of the Word… [But] we must do more than hear, read, study, or memorize Scripture. We must [also] meditate on it (Joshua 1:8).
Jerry Bridges

Glory Of New Birth

Glory Of New Birth Title: The Glory of New Birth Text: 1Pet. 1:3-12

Tracing: Preached November 22, 1992 PM at SDCC.

  1. INTRO

    1 Peter is a letter to Christians about to enter an era of persecution. But instead of being heavy and somber, it is largely positive — instructing them on how to live in the circumstances they would face.

    Peter begins by setting forth the glories of the New Birth as the foundation for all the rest of his message. Read with me 1Pe 1:1-12.

    Did you realize that the prophets and even the angels yearned for a glimpse of what the New Covenant would really be like? So tantalizing were the glimpses that they could hardly stand the suspense of waiting for it to be revealed. And yet that very same covenant is often taken for granted by Christians when it should be received with very great JOY!

    So that we will NOT be guilty of taking for granted such a great salvation, let’s examine some of its glories tonight!

  2. BODY
    1. New Birth 1Pe. 1:3 1Pe. 1:23

      Have you ever wished for a fresh start? To be able to take back the mistakes of the past and live over again? We have that in Christ! A Clean slate — we are washed clean, totally forgiven! Rom. 6:4

      Such life calls for a different lifestyle — not only do we have a chance to avoid the mistakes of the past, we have a new nature! v.23, Jo. 3:5-7.

    2. Living Hope 1Pe. 1:3

      Hope is a necessity for human life. Consider report this week on centenarians: one of the most common shared characteristics was optimism and hope! Consider POWs and hostages: Those who fare the best never lost HOPE!

      Hope is what gets us through the Christian Life — Heb. 6:18-19 That hope springs from the Resurrection! There the worst blow Satan was ever able to strike was overcome and reversed! There God’s ways were vindicated! There the acceptability of Christ’s sacrifice was proclaimed! That was the beginning of defeat for Satan, and the beginning of Eternity for the Believer!

    3. Eternal Inheritance 1Pe. 1:4

      We have been given a new birth — as His children. And as such we have an inheritance — one that will never be lost, stolen, or devalued. Nothing at all can touch it. The only way we may fail to receive it is if we neglect to claim it by refusing to live as children of God. Live with your eyes on that!

    4. Powerful Protection 1Pe. 1:5

      Are you ever worried about your faithfulness, the security of your salvation? Don’t be! Through Faith you are shielded by God’s power!

      I don’t believe in “Eternal Security”. Christians can (and a few have) abandon their salvation — otherwise you find scripture in the contradictory position of warning against something that cannot happen! However, you will not “drift away” or “fall away” by some weakness or inattention! If you ever abandon the faith, you will do so with eyes straight ahead, nose in the air and with full awareness of what you are doing!

  3. CONCLUSION

    In these things rejoice — despite persecutions. Non-Christian claim them for your own!

  4. COMMENTS

Prepared by Scott L. Purcell Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church 1501 Stokelan Drive Malden, MO 63863 (314) 276-2343 Reproduce, modify, and use freely for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom! If these outlines are of some benefit to you, a note, postcard, or phone-call would be most welcome!

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