Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1.9-16

Introduction:

The outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls. In order to be saved…we must prepare minds for action, be sober in spirit, and fix our hope completely on God’s grace. We must not be conformed to our former lusts. Peter says to be holy…yourselves…in all your behavior. There are many things we learn from this verse – but one lesson stands out clearly: our distinctiveness as Christians. Do persons know that you love God & serve Him? Can they tell? Do they feel & sense that you are concerned about the spiritual? What do they see in you?

1. I. We are compared to salt & light. Simple…but profoundly powerful.
   1. Mt. 5:13 – we are the salt of the earth.
      1. What can you do w/diluted salt? It is dangerous.
      2. God would work thru Jesus’ disciples to save the world – or Jesus’ disciples would become so diluted by the world that they would be dangerous & destructive.
   2. How many Christians have become dangerous & destructive because their profession of Christianity does not match up w/their actions?
   3. 5:14 – we are the light of the world.
   4. II. In the past, many have confused distinctiveness with being different for the sake of being different.
      1. This is not the case with true Christianity.
         1. We’re not out trying to be odd or different, just to draw attention to self.
         2. 5:16 – we glorify God. We draw attention to Him & His marvelous grace, forgiveness, and love.
2. 1 Pet. 2:9-12 – it is our job to magnify God!
   1. Christianity is to be who we are – not a simple profession.
3. III. Making this practical.
4. Key to distinctiveness resides inside a changed heart!
5. Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1-2.
6. Many lose their distinctiveness because of spiritual heart disease.
7. We need to focus on the need for submission to God.
   1. Praying for tender hearts.
   2. Mt. 5:14-16 – we must not be afraid to exhibit godly behavior under all circumstances at all times!
   3. 2 Tim. 1:7-12

a)    Focus on 1:8. Could you follow this imperative? Don’t answer too quickly.

1. Decisively give self to Jesus. 1:12 – we can live with assurance just like Paul.
2. 2 Cor. 6:17-18

Conclusion:

1. One of the largest challenges for today’s church is that more and more people know nothing of the distinctiveness of God’s people. We must reverse this trend.
   1. This teaching starts in the home.
2. Let’s fully commit to God. All of us. Everyday.
3. How strong is your commitment? Will you make one to God today?

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Tags: Influence, Matthew

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