Introduction: 1. Our daily lives need an example. 2. We face many trials and temptations. 3. Jesus is our example. Text and context of 1 Peter 2:21-25. I. Strive to keep yourself from sin and its influence (verse 22). A. Jesus was sinless. 1. He was tempted (Mt. 4:1f. Heb. 2:18). 2. In all areas (Heb. 4:15). 3. It never let up (Lk. 4:13). 4. Yet, he was sinless (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26). B. Us. 1. We are not perfect (Rom. 3:23). Yet we must not use this as an excuse. 2. As Christians we must strive (1 Thes. 5:22; Eph. 5:11; 2 Cor. 6:14). 3. While some (Ezek. 20:16; Jn. 3:19). 4. The damning effects (Rev. 21:8). 5. Christians must set mind and heart on staying away from sin (2 Tim. 2:19) and staying with God (Jude 21; 3 Jn. 11). II. Forgive those that mistreat us (verse 23). A. Jesus was reviled (abused-Present participle-they used abusive and vile language over and over-harsh). Yet, he patiently and humbly accepted abuse 1. During his ministry, 2. At his trials (Mt. 6:59-63; 27:12-14). 3. Jesus looked past the intolerable actions of others. B. Us. 1. We will be mistreated. 2. Our responsibility (Rom. 12:21; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12, 13; Mt. 18:21-35; Prov. 24:29). 3. We must learn to be like God and remit or grant freedom from the guilt, repair-start over, reconcile-us back into his favor, and redeem or treat us special again. III. Need to lead a sacrificial life (verse 24). A. Jesus life was short and lived for others. He bore-carry a massive weight (of sin and for mankind) (Jn. 1:29; Heb. 2:9). Remember Col. 2:12-14; Isa. 53:5 (Jn. 10:17, 18). B. We are to live lives of sacrifice. 1. We are to give up (die) to sin (Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5). 2. Give into the Lord (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:3; Rom. 8:5). 3. Give to the Lord and others (Phil. 2:3, 4). IV. Put complete trust in God (verse 23). A. Jesus committed-over and over again, himself to the safekeeping of God. His peace came from the fact that he knew God would vindicate him (Jn. 4:34; 15:10). B. Us. 1. We are commanded to trust in God (Ps. 20:6; Prov. 3:5; 16:3). 2. We see it in Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-12). 3. We practice it in prayer (Mt. 6:9-14). 4. We have victory through and by him (2 Cor. 1:8-10).
Entered on 4/6/2008
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