Introduction: 1. Hard to stay clean in the midst of filth. 2. 1 Peter 1:13-21. Insights on how to accomplish. I. Think correctly (verse 13). Gird up-gather up and remove improper thoughts, feelings, and activities of the mind. A. Remove those things that hinder your thought process (Prov. 23:7; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5). Remove thoughts of worry (Mt. 6:31), fear (Jn. 14:27), judging (Ja. 2:3, 4); bitterness (Eph. 4:31, 32), envy (1 Pet. 2:1). Note Abraham’s eyes were on heaven. Lot’s eyes were on the world (Gen. 12, 13) B. By: 1. Being sober minded-self control, sound in your thinking 1. 1 Thes. 5:6, 8; Acts 26:25. 2. Being persistent (1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 4:6-8). II. Live right (verses 14-17). Child of obedience takes the nature or inherits the nature of the parents. A. Separated from a life of habitual sin (1 Pet. 4:2, 3; Eph. 4:17, 8) and the world’s defilement (Rom. 12:1, 2; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1). We are to obey God’s will (Rom. 1:5; 1 Jn. 5:3). B. Rather-We are challenged to conform to the nature of God. We are to become holy (Ps. 22:2-3). So we are (Mt. 5:48; Eph. 5:1; Rom. 12:1, 2; Col. 3:1, 2). C. Motivation-The impending judgment. All will be judged by the Lord (Acts 10:40-42); according to the truth (Rom. 2:2); without favorites (Rom. 2:11), and all secrets (Rom. 2:16), morality (Heb. 13:4), words, and deeds (2 Cor. 5:10) will be judged. III. Focus your mind (verses 18-21). Look what has been done for you. A. Man is separated from the Lord (Isa. 59:1, 2; Eph. 2:3), enslaved (Jn. 8:34; 1 Jn. 3:4, 8) and are therefore lost (Eph. 2:12). B. But God is rich (Eph. 2:4, 5). Having all things at his disposal he sent his son to ransom us (Mt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:3-6). C. Redeemed-not by things of this world. But, Christ’s blood (Col. 1:14; 1 Cor. 7:23). Jesus is the lamb of God (Jn. 1:29). This is all according to God’s plan (1 Pet. 1:20). We stand forgiven (Eph. 1:7), rich (Eph. 1:3) and prepared (Titus 2:14). Conclusion: How to remain clean? -Think, Live, Focus.
Entered on 3/9/2008
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