New Life In The Same Old Place
“Hope Fully Set”
1 Peter 1:13-21

The first word here, therefore, is a word that points us back.

God has caused them to be born again, through Christ. He had prepared a future inheritance for them in Christ.

I. A Cleared-Away and Clear Mind (1:13a)

You and I, are called to clear away whatever might mentally entangle us and to stay clear in regard to our focus on Christ.

II. In the Cross-hairs of Our Hope (1:13)

The preparing of our minds in light of God’s incomparable salvation should lead us first to hope.

The grace that God has already shown you is only an appetizer before the banquet.

Peter wants them to set their hope fully on the grace to be brought to us?

Peter is calling his readers and us to look forward to the certainty of God’s purposes and promises.

III. Hope and Holiness Go Together (1:14-16)

I think what we see here is that there is a connection between hope and holiness.

Holiness is not about being conformed to the world or lending in; it’s about being set apart, distinct from this broken and corrupt world.

When your hope is set fully on the grace that will be brought to us when Jesus is revealed, then your heart will be fully given to walking in His grace right now.

IV. Hope Through His Blood (1:17-21)

But even though holiness involves choices, hope and holiness are not simply the result of Christian willpower.

They were bought back, bought  out of slavery. Specifically, they were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from their forefathers.

Hope and holiness are not ultimately the result of our effort, because it is through him, through Christ, that we are believers in God.

Conclusion

As one who had suffered and would suffer for Jesus Christ, Peter knew the struggles his readers were experiencing.

Biblical hope begins with the ransom of Christ and finds its fullness in the revelation, the return of Christ.

Next Week
“New Love in the Same Old Place”
I Peter 1:22-25

New Life In The Same Old Place
“Your Take On Time”
1 Peter 1:3-12

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”
Albert Einstein

We are “elect exiles”, we have been chosen by God so that we might belong to Him through Jesus, we no longer belong to the world; because of that we are spiritual strangers, appointed aliens, hand-picked pilgrims, refugees, exiles.

1. Hope in Light of the Future (1:3-5)
   God’s choice of them was made real when they experienced a new birth.

   Jesus beat death. He didn’t cheat death; He beat it. He did die, but death could not hold Him. Jesus is alive.

   I think we worry about the future so often because we live in such an uncertain world that is changing all the time.

2. Joy in Light of the Present (1:6-9)
   He first acknowledges and encourages them in the fact that their future reward is in fact bringing them joy in the present.

   Their future might be all about their identity as a chosen child of the King, but their present is consumed by the difficulty of being a foreigner in a hostile land.

   When we struggle, we must always encourage one another to see our present circumstances as more than just painful; we need to see them as purposeful.

   When our perspective on our present is shaped by genuine faith, it is marked by an unquenchable, unabashed love for Jesus.

   Right now is your perspective shaped by the love and joy that can only come from new life?

3. Humility in Light of the Past (1:10-12)
   While all of us are shaped by what we’ve done and where we’ve been and what we’ve seen, for some of us, there are things in our past that cast a long shadow over our present.

   If you are truly a Christian is the moment you heard and believed the gospel, the most defining moment of your life.

   The past should fill us with a sense of humility in light of the privilege we have as heirs of such a salvation.

   Don’t let your family, or your circumstances, or your station in life, define you. Rather, let that new birth into God’s family shape your perspective on the past.

Time and Trust
If you’re trying to live out new life in this same old place, what’s your take on time?

If you were to tell someone else the story of your life, would it be absolutely clear that the hero of the story was Jesus Christ?

Faith allows you to see that your life is not merely a collection of decisions ultimately made pointless by chance and death.

You are saved from the penalty of sin, being saved from the power of sin, and one day, saved from the very presence of sin.

Next Week
“Hope Fully Set”
I Peter 1:13-21

New Life In The Same Old Place
“Being An Exile Without Even Leaving Your House”
1 Peter 1:1-2

1. The Writer – Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ
   I think the emphasis here is not on Peter’s history, but rather, Peter’s authority.
   And in faith, we believe that they are in fact the very words of God.
2. The Readers
   Well there are two words in that phrase that we need to nail down. They are the words “exiles” and “dispersion“.
   As those verses make clear, the recipients of 1 Peter were not predominantly Jewish. They were predominantly not Jewish.
3. The Chosen
   You see there that Peter refers to them as “elect exiles”, or we could say “chosen exiles”.
   Verse 2 actually contains three phrases that all connect back to and qualify this very word, “elect”.
   1. Those Foreknown
      It is a clear and indisputable fact from Scripture that God knows everything and everyone that was, is, and will be.
   2. Those Sanctified
      Those who were once conformed, are now being transformed by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit within them.
   3. Those Cleansed
      Through the power of the Spirit, the Spirit that sets us apart, we are called to obey Jesus and not the wisdom of this world.
      But even when we fail to obey, even when we stumble, we rest in the fact that we have been chosen for sprinkling with his blood, the blood of Jesus Christ.
      And so if you are Christian, you have been called, you have been chosen by God, to follow Jesus through the forgiveness of the cross.
4. Life as an Alien
   “Do you understand that, if you are a follower of Christ, you are an elect exile?
   How are we to live a new life in the same old place?
   First, elect exiles are called to live like home at the local level.
   You are no longer defined by your birth in this or that town or country. You are now defined by your birth from above.
   We must grow in and live out the customs of our kingdom, yes, at the local level.
   Second, elect exiles will constantly feel the “rub” of spiritual culture shock.
   Christian, the tension with this world will always be there because we are elect exiles.
   For those who are resident aliens in a new land, those who have not forgotten their home, there will be a friction that exists in this other place.
   Third, elect exiles must never forget why they are different.
   The reason we are different has less to do with where, and more to do with who.
   But our differences should come as a consequence of the goal of living for Jesus Christ, our true King.
   May we grow in that recognition of and experience of God’s favor as those who have been chosen by Him.

Next Week
“Your Take on Time”
I Peter 1:3-12

Videos shown here were used during the sermon.

Today as America we celebrate our 234th birthday.

Our founding fathers believed freedom was infinitely more desirable than slavery and bondage. Freedom was worth fighting for. Many Christians do not know this freedom because they are still leading a life of defeat rather than a life of abundance.

Freedom From Satan

Jesus Christ purchased our freedom with his death at the cross. You and I have the key to set free those who are in the bondage of sin.

Freedom From Sin

We have all missed the mark and are in need of the saving grace of God. We are no longer slaves. The power of sin is broken. We are no longer under sin’s control.

Freedom From Scars

Sin leaves scars. But salvation makes us a new person.

Freedom To Be Saintly

We can now shake off those bad habits and live up to our dreams and potentials. We are free to become all that the Lord wants us to be. Some of you made that declaration at conversion and some haven’t. I call you to sign the Christian’s declaration.

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have bound my life. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and set me free from Satan and sin. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

The Christian’s Declaration Of Independence

I am free from failure for “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.” Philippians 4:13

I am free from want for “my God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

I am free from fear for “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I am free from doubt for “God hath given to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

I am free from weakness, “for the Lord is the strength of my life.” Psalm 27:1 and “the people know their God shall be strong and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32

I am free from the power of Satan “for greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

I am free from defeat “for God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

I am free from ignorance, “for Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God.” 1 Corinthians 1:30

I am free from sin “for the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth me from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

I am free from worry “for I am to cast my cares upon Him.” 1 Peter 5:7

I am free from bondage “for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

I am free from condemnation, “for there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“Kinsmen Redeemer”
Ruth Chapter 4

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)

Introduction

“The Velcro Effect” (God’s Faithfulness)
“It Just Happened” (God’s Provision)
“Amazing Love” (God’s Love)

Naomi had thoughts and feelings the days of redemption were beyond her.

I.  Old Testament Kinsman Redeemer

Ruth 4:1-6

Today we see from the book of Ruth a story of God’s Redemption.

II.  Christ Our Kinsman Redeemer

Ruth 4:6-8

In the Old Testament writings we have types and word pictures of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Redeemer must be blood related … Christ became the incarnation that He might be the blood relative to redeem lost humanity.
John 1:14

Redeemer must be able … Christ was able.
1 Peter 1:18-19

Redeemer must be willing … Christ was willing.
Hebrews 9:12

Christ purchased our freedom through His blood as the payment to redeem us.
Ephesians 2:11-13
Ephesians 2:19
Titus 2:14
Galatians 3:13
Ephesians 1:7

III.  The Benefits of Redemption

A. Redemption restores life.

Ruth 4:6-8

When death seemed inevitable redemption restored life.

Psalm 23:3-4
Psalm 51:12
Revelation 5:9

B. Redemption gives witness.

Ruth 4:9-10

We are witnesses not only of each other, but the redeeming work of God.

Psalm 107:2
Acts 1:8

C. Redemption gives new life.

Ruth 4:13-15,16,22

The lives of the redeemed share in the new life offered.

The story of redemption continues each time a person confesses and believes in Jesus Christ.

In Him we find the fulfillment of God’s faithfulness, care, and love.

In Him salvation is fulfilled for a sinful and lost mankind.

In Him we find that Ruth’s story is our story as we have a redeemer who is faithful and true.

Matthew 1:5-6
Matthew 1:16
Luke 2:36-38
Ephesians 1:7

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“Amazing Love”
Ruth Chapter 3

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (NIV)

Introduction

What is love?

Today we have before us a picture of love. It is a picture of God’s love, God is the source and sum of true love.

To get a clearer understanding of love let us not glean among the tares of the world for our definition, but from the wheat itself of God’s love.

I.  Love Provides Security

Ruth 3:1-3

God is a great provider. If we will only look around us we can see His loving provisions.

In Christ God has provided each of us with His secure love. A love that we do not have to earn. A love that will keep us eternally secure.

Put on the love of Jesus Christ, for there you will find the greatest provision of security.

Ephesians 3:20
Colossians 3:12-14

II.  Love Submits and Obeys

Ruth 3:4-7

Submit and obey, these are words that conjure up horrible thoughts among many today.

What we fail to understand is that in the field of loving security it is not a burden to submit and obey.

Ruth knows that a place of blessing is found in submission.

John 14:15
III.  Love Gives and Receives

Ruth 3:8-17

When love is received it continues to give.

Ruth was willing to give her life that she might receive life.

Love always gives and love always receives and in turn it will always give again.

Acts 20:35
John 12:25

Conclusion

If there is one quality of the Christian life that ought to out weigh and out shine all the others it is our love.

God loves you and when you know that you find His provisions. When you know God loves you, you can submit to Him in obedience. And when you receive God’s love you can give God’s love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-2,4-8a

June 27th
“Kinsmen Redeemer”
Ruth Chapter 4

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“It Just Happened”
Ruth Chapter 2

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Introduction

As Christians is this what we believe life comes down to? An order of fate by an uncaring higher power who is struggling to gain control of the universe?

Proverbs 16:9

I.  God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Go On

Coincidence: Is a small miracle where God prefers to remain anonymous.

The challenge for us is to see that God is behind the scenes working for our best.

“The point is not that following Christ will exempt one from trouble or pain. What it does provide is the assurance of God’s … presence in the midst of the stormy tempests of life.”

2 Timothy 1:12
Romans 8:28
Genesis 28:15-16

II.  God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Care

Cynicism breeds carelessness. The cynics 2nd favorite line is, “I don’t care!” The first is “I don’t believe that!”

God’s providential care had been showered upon Boaz and now he was willing to allow God to use him to show care for another.

I believe Ruth loved God with a whole heart and that allowed her to return and care further for Naomi.

The very truth that He providentially cares for us should lead us deeper into a life of caring for one another.

III.  God’s Providential Care Allows Us To Humble Ourselves

Ruth knew that she would not be well received in this new land on account of her heritage but she was willing to risk a chance with God.

Keep in mind and heart that Ruth is modeling for us what we should be.

She is here in the scripture not for some nice story to tell, but her life is for our admonition.

James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6-7

Conclusion

He is working in…today’s events to provide for you. Don’t miss it!

“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have given me comfort…” Ruth 2:13 (NIV)

Next Week
“Amazing Love”
Ruth Chapter 3

Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness
“The Velcro Effect”
Ruth Chapter 1

Introduction

The Velcro Effect describes the relationship between God’s faithfulness to us and our need for Him.

I.  God’s Faithfulness

The days of the judges are known as the Dark Ages in Hebrew history.

Two phrases characterize the days of the judges.

• Did not drive out.
• In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

Whatever you do isn’t fine… because your sin affects all of us.

II.  Times of Famine

Israel was experiencing a famine of food, caused by faithlessness to the covenant relationship with God.

But God would prove Himself faithful to sustain and provide.

III.  Times of Deliverance

Why is it that we often trust in ourselves to handle life’s trails, rather than rely upon God?

The wonderful thing about God’s faithfulness is that He is faithful even when we are not!

IV.  The Choices Made

Orpah chose to return to her people and her gods.

Ruth had a resolve about her.

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16 (NIV)

What a great declaration of faith and faithfulness.

Will we resolve that no matter what, we are going with God?

Conclusion

God’s Word declaring His faithfulness to you.

Deuteronomy 7:9
1 Corinthians 1:9
1 Corinthians 10:13
2 Thessalonians 3:3
1 John 1:9

Be faithful this week and cling to the God of your salvation…

Next Week
“It Just Happened”
Ruth Chapter 2

Romans 13:11-12 “This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.”

The truth is that we are all terminal.

Jesus not only came to give me eternal life in heaven, but He also came to give me abundant life here and now.

Ecclesiastes 8:8, John 10:10

1. Live with a sense of urgency.

Maybe the most dangerous word in the English language is the word someday.

Someday, I will __________.

Just as we must let God’s grace and mercy cover the past, we must let God’s care and providence cover our future.

Matthew 6:27-30, Psalm 118:24

2. Live with a sense of eternity.

As much as it is a mistake to take today for granted, it is an even bigger mistake to take eternity for granted.

You must personally receive the gift of salvation made possible by Jesus’ death on the cross.

Hebrews 9:27, II Corinthians 4:18

3. Live with a sense of priority.

When I live with a kind of a bi-focal vision, one eye on eternity and one eye on the gift of today, then I can really begin to prioritize my life and actions.

Take off… your frantic pace of life.

Put on… more time for relationships.

Living like you were dying is…
More about today, less about tomorrow
More about people, less about possessions
More about God’s priorities, less about my plans
More about the eternal, less about the temporal

Psalm 46:10