Christian Life Center Sermons
Web Site: Christian Life Center
Total Sermons: 68
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A Ministry Model
Because of the ministry of Jesus Christ we now have access to God and can approach His Throne without fear. We will consider the ministry of Jesus Christ and the ministry of Noah as a model for the ministry of every believer. We live in a world that is much like the world of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39) and from the example of Jesus Christ and Noah we find what we are called to be, “preachers of righteousness” (II Peter 2:5).
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Called to Be
Our text begins with a “finally” that is Peter’s way of saying that it is time to sum things up. Peter wrote this letter to prepare believers for the “fiery trials” of persecution (I Peter 4:12) but his approach is both optimistic and positive. While his last segment laid down the principles of submission, he now opens the subject of “suffering when we do good” (v. 17) and how we, as believers, are to respond to it. In the atmosphere of a loving fellowship with believers and in the world outside we are to respond to injustice and suffering as Jesus Christ did.
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For the Lord's Sake
The “likewise” in verses 1 and 7 point back to I Peter 2:13 where the focus is on the “mutual submission” to every authority of man “for the Lord’s sake”. The purpose of the submission for the wife is for the general necessity of divine order and as an evangelistic appeal for the unbelieving husband. This divinely intended manner of life for the wife inspires the “incorruptible inner beauty” that is precious both in God’s sight and the husband’s. Peter concludes with instructions to the husband to “give honor” to his wife and to submit to Jesus Christ in such a way that the wife will willingly follow him any where!
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The Guardian
Peter concludes his teaching on submission to authority with a straightforward address concerning the Servant Jesus. This passage is very likely an adaptation of an early Christian hymn about Christ. It suits Peter’s theme beautifully as, in close dependence upon Isaiah 53, it describes how Jesus, the Suffering Servant of the Lord, submitted to suffering in this world because of His obedience to His heavenly Father. Being obedient to His Father did not deliver Him from suffering, but led Him straight to it! Through His suffering we have found forgiveness, restoration, peace and healing.
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Underwriters
Peter goes on to emphasize the need for “patient endurance” when we suffer wrongfully because that patient endurance is “pleasing to God” (v. 20), it follows the example of Jesus Christ (v. 21), and it displays the outworking of our redemption. Peter sums up his appeal by calling the believer to become an “underwriter” of Jesus Christ and to conduct ourselves in such a way that we draw people into relationship with Him. Jesus is the watchful Shepherd and our Overseer (employer/director) of our souls.
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Voluntary Ordination
The central thought here is that of a Christian who does not seek his own interests but rather assumes a “voluntary ordination” of himself to God and to others. A true believer submits himself to authority because he is, first of all, submitted to Christ and then he uses his freedom as a tool to proclaim God’s praise (v. 9), an example to others that glorifies God (v. 11) and a means of silencing foolish critics (v. 15).
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The Believer's Duty
Christians are only in the world, not of it, for our true destiny in the renewed and redeemed earth in which the righteous will dwell. Therefore, we are not to derive our values from what is transitory but to embrace those values which are eternal. So Peter warns us of the “passions” (sinful desires) that “war against the soul” and divert us from living God’s way. Instead, Christians are to live a noble lifestyle in this hostile world drawing unbelievers to take notice of the “good works” and “glorifying God” and ultimately come to repentance.
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The Example of Christ
Philippians 2:5-11 Bible, Paul gives us a pattern of service to glorify God. Christ, the Creator, took on flesh in the likeness of His creation. This act makes it possible for us “wretched” sinners to be redeemed by the blood of Christ, but He also lays out the example of how to serve in such a way as to bring glory to God!
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God's Special People
. As we “come to Jesus” – touching the Living Stone – we live and touch others and so the “spiritual house” is built. We serve in His courts as “a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God”. Believers whose lives are built upon the “chief cornerstone” fulfill a role of ministry to both God and to the world. This role is described in our text today – we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” and the “people of God”.
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David West - Beating the Odds
Nehemiah 11:1-2 Now the leaders of the people dwelt at Jerusalem; the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine-tenths were to dwell in other cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
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