Title: The Glory of New Birth

Text: 1Pet. 1:3-12

Tracing: Preached November 22, 1992 PM at SDCC.

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A. INTRO

1 Peter is a letter to Christians about to enter an era of persecution.

But instead of being heavy and somber, it is largely positive -- instructing

them on how to live in the circumstances they would face.

Peter begins by setting forth the glories of the New Birth as the

foundation for all the rest of his message. Read with me 1Pe 1:1-12.

Did you realize that the prophets and even the angels yearned for a glimpse

of what the New Covenant would really be like? So tantalizing were the glimpses

that they could hardly stand the suspense of waiting for it to be revealed. And

yet that very same covenant is often taken for granted by Christians when it

should be received with very great JOY!

So that we will NOT be guilty of taking for granted such a great salvation,

let's examine some of its glories tonight!

B. BODY

1. New Birth 1Pe. 1:3 1Pe. 1:23

Have you ever wished for a fresh start? To be able to take back the

mistakes of the past and live over again? We have that in Christ! A Clean

slate -- we are washed clean, totally forgiven! Rom. 6:4

Such life calls for a different lifestyle -- not only do we have a

chance to avoid the mistakes of the past, we have a new nature! v.23, Jo.

3:5-7.

2. Living Hope 1Pe. 1:3

Hope is a necessity for human life. Consider report this week on

centenarians: one of the most common shared characteristics was optimism and

hope! Consider POWs and hostages: Those who fare the best never lost HOPE!

Hope is what gets us through the Christian Life -- Heb. 6:18-19

That hope springs from the Resurrection! There the worst blow Satan was

ever able to strike was overcome and reversed! There God's ways were

vindicated! There the acceptability of Christ's sacrifice was proclaimed!

That was the beginning of defeat for Satan, and the beginning of Eternity for

the Believer!

3. Eternal Inheritance 1Pe. 1:4

We have been given a new birth -- as His children. And as such we have

an inheritance -- one that will never be lost, stolen, or devalued. Nothing

at all can touch it. The only way we may fail to receive it is if we neglect

to claim it by refusing to live as children of God. Live with your eyes on

that!

4. Powerful Protection 1Pe. 1:5

Are you ever worried about your faithfulness, the security of your

salvation? Don't be! Through Faith you are shielded by God's power!

I don't believe in "Eternal Security". Christians can (and a few have)

abandon their salvation -- otherwise you find scripture in the contradictory

position of warning against something that cannot happen! However, you will

not "drift away" or "fall away" by some weakness or inattention! If you ever

abandon the faith, you will do so with eyes straight ahead, nose in the air

and with full awareness of what you are doing!

C. CONCLUSION

In these things rejoice -- despite persecutions.

Non-Christian claim them for your own!

D. COMMENTS

Prepared by Scott L. Purcell

Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church

1501 Stokelan Drive

Malden, MO 63863

(314) 276-2343

Reproduce, modify, and use freely

for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom!

If these outlines are of some benefit to you,

a note, postcard, or phone-call would be most welcome!

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