1 Peter (3)

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Pray

In one of his books, writer Robert Fulgham paper bag tells the story of when his daughter was a little girl and gave him a paper bag to take with him to work. When he asked what was in the bag, she answered, "Just some stuff. Take it with you." When he sat down for lunch at his desk the next day, he pulled out the paper bag and poured out its contents: two ribbons, three stones, a plastic dinosaur, a pencil stub, a tiny seashell, used lipstick, two chocolate Kisses, and thirteen pennies. He chuckled, finished his lunch, and swept everything off into the wastebasket…

When he arrived at home that evening, his daughter asked him where the bag was. "I left it at the office," he replied. "Why?"… "Well," she said, "those are my things in the sack, Daddy. The things I really like. I thought you might like to play with them, but now I want them back." When she saw him hesitate, tears welled up in her eyes. "You didn't lose the bag, did you Daddy?" He said he didn't and that he would bring it home tomorrow. After she went to bed, he raced back to the office. Fulgham writes:

Molly had given me her treasures … all that a seven-year-old held dear. Love in a paper sack. And I missed it. Not just missed it. I had thrown it away. Nothing in there I needed. It wasn't the first or last time I felt like my "Daddy Permit" was about to run out. I went back to my office, dumped all the wastebaskets out onto my desk. The janitor came in and asked, "Did you lose something?" "Yeah. My mind! It's probably in there."

When Fulgham found the bag, he uncrumpled it, and filled it again with his daughter's items: two ribbons, three stones, a plastic dinosaur, a pencil stub, a tiny seashell, used lipstick, two chocolate Kisses, and thirteen pennies. He took the bag home, sat down with Molly, and had her, tell him the story of every treasure in the bag. Then he writes: To my surprise, Molly gave me the bag once again several days later. Same… ratty bag. Same, stuff inside. I felt forgiven. Over several months, the bag went with me from time to time. It was never clear to me why I did or did not get it on a certain day. I began to think of it as the "Daddy Prize," and I tried to be good the night before so I could be given it on the next morning.

In time, Molly turned her attention to other things, she lost interest in the game, she grew up. But Me … I was left holding the bag. She gave it to me one morning and never asked for it back. It sits in my office still, left over from when a child said, "Here. This is the best I've got. Take it. It's yours." I missed it the first time, but it's my bag now.

We hear this story this morning, and if you’re like me… As a parent… you get a little choked up. It tugs on the strings of your heart a little.

But the truth is this, for this daughter… this was the best she had… and she gave to freely to her father, who not only failed to appreciate what she had given to him… he actually threw it away… and here’s the point, for us this morning. Certainly, as parents, we can be in a rush, and we, if we’re not careful can miss out on some of these special moments…

But here’s the greater, underlying truth for all of us as Christians this morning… That each of us have been given the best gift of all. We’ve been given the love of the Father, through his son Jesus. Who gives us a new life this morning… here’s the question “what are we doing with this gift?”

What are we doing with what God has given us this morning. What are we doing with our life?

If you have your bibles, turn with me to 1 peter 3. As we examine this idea the life that God has given us. And we consider that God is committed to building us into his image.

Genesis 1:27 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

And here’s the question: are we allowing him to refine us further and further into his image this morning?

Maybe you’re here this morning and there is a sin or a struggle Perhaps you’re here this morning and your heart is hardened, or your attitude towards God or someone else needs refinement this morning. Friend, Wherever you are this morning, God is in the business of restoration… His desire is for you to grow further and further into his image this morning. And to use your life for his glory.

As we see being made into the image of Christ, requires an adjustment to 3 things… Our1. Attitude 2. Actions. 3. Aim (or goal)

Point 1. being made into the image of Christ, requires an adjustment to our attitude.

Look with me at 1 peter 4:1 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.

Just to let you know where we’re heading, in the coming verses, Peter is writing to a group of first century Christians, who are undergoing persecution and difficulty. And in the coming verses he will call them to holiness. He call them to live for Christ. To love and serve others.

But before we get to this idea of correcting outward actions… there has to be this reflection on the inward self. And so, from the onset, we’re told: 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.

If we stop for a brief moment, first we notice that peter is calling these Christian to arm themselves with the same attitude THE WORD Arm yourself – in the Greek means to literally “arm oneself with weapons” or “to put on as armor” (so it’s this idea of preparing for battle. / There’s Effort.

And we’re told to arm ourselves with same attitude. Or Some of your translations may same purpose. And by definition, this word deals with the way of thinking.

So we are to arm ourselves… with the same thinking of Christ. Who the bible tells us suffered.

For we’re told in 1 Peter 2 :4-5: 4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Here’s the point. Is that each of us, in our own lives, is engrafted into the body of Christ… we are being built this morning… and there is the old self… and the new self, there’s a shift in thinking… 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

And in the midst of this building that is taking place… that there is a before and after. There is this concept of us before Christ, and us after Christ. Us living for ourselves, and doing as we see fit, and us living for Christ and doing his will. There’s this transition that takes place.

But here’s the key… it takes work… It’s a process…

I came across a story this week that states this: it says, The job of painting the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is never-ending. I heard once that they paint it end-to-end, but by the time they get to the end—however many years that may take—it is time to start over. In reality though, sections and portions of the bridge are prioritized according to need.

Regardless of strategy, the bridge is never not being painted. It is one of the primary maintenance jobs. Why? Why is the seemingly mundane and monotonous act of painting, in fact, a task of utmost importance to sustaining the structure? Because the air coming in from the Pacific Ocean is incredibly high in salt content and will wreak havoc on the structure if it is not properly sealed with paint. Exposed segments can lead to corrosion, which can lead to structural failure, which can lead to disaster.

A team of thirty-four people make it their life’s purpose to paint the Golden Gate its trademark “international orange” color. They climb ladders hundreds of feet in the air, hang from harnesses and baskets suspended over the vast waters, and risk their lives to put paint to steel. Year after year. Every bolt, every rivet, every beam, every crevice, every cable gets covered. The safety of the bridge depends upon it.

Here’s the key, I don’t think most of us would jump at the opportunity to paint this bridge. I mean the truth is, this is real work, day after day, year after year… there’s a lot of time and effort that goes into this work. But did you know that 39 million vehicles cross the Golden Gate Bridge each year. But the integrity of the bridge requires upkeep. … there’s effort that goes into maintaining the core of structure.

Friend, would we allow the Lord to take a look at us this morning…to search our hearts… to look at our attitudes, and to refine us…

2. Being made into the image of Christ, requires an adjustment to our Actions

1 Peter 4: 2- 7 continues: 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

We go back to verse 3 for a moment and there’s this before and after at stake. That on one side at one point…. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatryso that’s the old version.

And now the new version in verse 2 is that 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Then it goes on to say in verse 4 that this shift is notice by other people, for 4 They are surprised (or they should be) that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.

But here’s the key. Peter is writing to these Christians, because although they have been redeemed. If they’re not careful, they may resort back to the old version of themselves.

Verse 7 tells us 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.(it’s funny this concept, of being alert and of sober mind is stressed several times through the book of 1 peter)

1 Cor 10:12-13 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Here’s the point this morning church. when we think about this idea, that we are being made into the image of Christ… That God is building us and refining us… we have to run towards Christ, and run away from sin. Charlie. Nascar.

You may be redeemed this morning. but there’s a part of us that must take accountability for our actions. We must build well. (we’re called to be holy as he is holy…)

I came across an article this week that explains: While doing relief work in Haiti following the devastating earthquake there on January 12, 2010, Palmer Chichen observed firsthand the tragedy of building a house with a lot of sand and not enough steel:

There was a problem in Haiti. Houses were built with too much sand and not enough steel. Sand is cheap, so because of poverty, when many Haitians built their cement-block homes, they used more sand than they should have in their mortar mix. And because steel is expensive, they didn't use enough steel in the columns and ring beams. So, when the ground quaked, homes crumbled; there was too much sand and not enough steel. It was a tragedy of poverty.

Here’s the point… sin is the cheep fix. Sin is widely available, and many people try to build their houses this way… but eventually it will catch up with you.

Jesus put it this way in Matthew 7:24-27 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Friends. What are we building our lives on this morning? Are we building on the firm foundation, or are we building on the sand? Are we obeying the word of God, or are we not putting the bible into practice in our lives?

Proverbs 28:9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.

God’s given us the blueprint…. And Jeremiah 29:11 makes it clear that he has a plan for our lives… but are we listening to him today? Are we obeying him? Does our life, line up with his word? Do others notice a change in us?

Friend, you may be able to weather the storm for a season… but eventually, if you’re life is not built on the solid foundation… the bible says your life will fall with a great crash.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us: Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Last Point 3. Being made into the image of Christ, requires an adjustment to AIM

1 Peter 4:8-11 continues 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

As we wrap up this morning, we won’t spend a ton of time on this last point, but I want us to notice a few things. First of all, when we talk about aim… we understand that a building isn’t just a built to sit there and look nice… (although, everyone looks great this morning, so we do that well anyways…) but really… the purpose of a building is to provide shelter, and protection, it’s a place of spending time with others… and specifically as God’s church… as his building… is specific.

Verse 9 tells us to 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling

Verse 10 tells us 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Verse 11 tellsus that even with our words or deeds. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

And verse 8, (if we can go back to that for a brief moment) tells us: 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Friend, here’s the point this morning…. Is that we take care of others needs, we serve others. And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, we do it all to the glory of God…

But here’s the key friends, this isn’t possible on our own. It starts with God. And really, it starts with love. For 8 Above all, (we are to) love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

I’m going to call the worship team back up at this time…

And as they come up, I want to just close with the words of Colossians 3:14-17 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Friend, putting love on this morning… we all got ready… but there’s an element of putting love on, so that through this love of Christ… we can love others, we can serve others, we can care for the needs of one another… How are we doing with that?

3 Groups.

1. You haven’t exactly been doing a great job at loving others.

2. Your heart is calloused, hardened… maybe sin has gotten in the way.

3. Pride, breakthrough this morning in your heart.

Pray

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