Nov. 27, 2005

 

Intro: Ch.2:11-12- having given us aspects of the believer’s

identity, Peter turns to how we impact society.

 

I. For the NT believer, there is a marked contrast

between spiritual privileges and present status on

earth. 2:11

1) Vs.9-19 =privileges or franchise rights as a Christian

 

2) “sojourners” – permanent resident alien

 “pilgrims”- foreigner temporarily in the land

 

II. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ requires a

disciplined life. -2:11 “abstain”

1) Peter contracts the Pauline instructions of Romans.

* Peter addresses the volitional aspect of victory over sin.

Romans 6:1-4- identification with Christ

6:6, 11- dead to sin          6:11- alive to God

6::16 volitional          8:1-4-filling of the Spirit

 

2) Such a disciplined life protects us from the destructive

power of lust- “war against the soul”

Sin           1) Asceticism- Lk.18:11-13 –pride of life

Nature      2) Lasciviousness- Lk.15:11-14-lust of flesh

*Both patterns of lust destroy the capacity of our soul.

 

III. Among the goals of the believer’s life is to

impact unbelievers thru their seeing our honorable

conduct. 2:12- “conduct” -1:15, 17, 18, 3:1, 16

1)”honorable” =kalan- same words as “good” works

2) Godly or authentic living works as a major defense

against those who hate/persecute us as believers.

See Matt. 5:38-45

 “may glorify God…visitation” – they do not intent to

glorify God, but our honorable action does reveal the

triumph of right over wrong.``