1. A MESSAGE FOR TODAY’S CHURCH FROM PETER THE APOSTLE I & II PETER The Meaning of Grace Part 2 2

2. Grace = Security 1.Comes from God 2.Grows stronger 3.Lasts forever

3. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, - Galatians 5:19-20

4. envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. - Galatians 5:21

5. Grace = Sobriety We’re not drunk with sin anymore

6. Sobriety manifests itself in holiness

7. Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. - I Peter 1:13

8. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” - I Peter 1:14-16

9. Holy = Separate

11. Sobriety manifests itself in fear

12. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good. - Psalm 14:1

13. If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, - I Peter 1:17-18

14. but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. - I Peter 1:19-21

15. Sobriety manifests itself in love

16. Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. - I Peter 1:22-23

17. For, “All flesh is like grass, And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls off, But the word of the Lord endures forever.” - I Peter 1:24-25

18. Sobriety manifests itself in growth

19. Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. - I Peter 2:1-3

20. And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. - I Peter 2:4-5

21. Pleasing sacrifices to God include: 1.A holy style of living filled with service 2.A joyful heart full of praises

22. For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” - I Peter 2:6

23. This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. - I Peter 2:7-8

24. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. - I Peter 2:9-10

25. Our new roles include: The Chosen Race Royal Priests Holy Nation

26. God’s Grace Works: Before – The Cross During – The Holy Spirit After – Security – Sobriety – Holy Living – Respect for God – Christian Love – New Roles