The Progress of a Healthy Christian Part 2
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Last week, we began looking at the subject of “The Progress of a Healthy Christian” - We only had enough time to get through verse 1 here in 1 Peter chapter 2.
There are three things that must be evident in the life of a healthy Christian and number 1 was found in verse 1 and it was that “We Must Depart Daily” - We have things as Christians, that we must depart from if we are going to grow!
We are to lay aside all malice, all guile, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speakings.
Tonight, we are going to press forward and look at the next thing we must do if we are to be a healthy, growing Christian.
2-We Must Dine Daily
2-We Must Dine Daily
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Peter tells his readers the reason that should lay aside these things from verse 1 is because they’ve been born again by the living word of God. Then he proceeds to exhort them to desire and hunger for what is godly. Peter gives a word about the Christian’s desire. Peter gives a vivid illustration concerning their passion as Christians.
New Christians need to change their appetites from what is not food at all to what is true food for the soul … the Word of God.
God’s Word is crucial if we are to mature and remain dedicated and consecrated to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to be like a brand-new baby right after it is born, that desires or yearns for milk to quench its desperate hunger.
The word “desire” means “to long for, crave, or to pursue with a passion or love.” This word is an imperative verb which means we are commanded to crave the Scriptures. The apostle Paul used the word seven times, and in each instance it expresses an intense, insatiable desire or passion. Its meaning encompasses several things:
* The strong desire a husband or wife has for a spouse
* The strong physical craving that accompanies extreme hunger
* The longings one has for a deceased loved one
* The intense desire a Christian parent has for a spiritually wayward child to repent and return to obedience
* The desires believers have for the salvation of an unbelieving family member or close friend.
Those definitions each illustrate the kind of strong, consuming desire Peter wanted his readers to have for Scripture.
No definition is stronger, however, than the desire a baby has for milk. Craving or longing should be our attitude when it comes to learning the Scriptures, now that we have experienced the kindness of the Lord or His graciousness.
We should yearn to get to know Him and grow in our love for Him.
Desire the sincere milk of the Word!
Kenneth Wuest wrote, “Sin in the life destroys the appetite for the Word. The Christian who tries to find satisfaction in the husks of the world, has no appetite left for the things of god. His heart is filled with the former and has no room for the latter. A healthy infant is a hungry infant. A spiritually healthy Christian is a hungry Christian.”
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
You might be thinking right now, “Pastor, I’m not a newborn babe though. I’ve been a Chrsitian for years and I’ve read through the Bible before, I don’t have to read it everyday.”
You’re showing your spiritual ignorance and spiritual arrogance with thinking like that.
The fact is, we ALL need to read the Bible for daily edification, instruction, inspiration, and direction!
Warren W. Wiersbe wrote, “It is sad when Christian’s have no appetite for God’s word, but must be ‘fed’ religious entertainment instead.”
As Christian’s we are to have a passion for God’s word. We are to desire the word of God. Peter reveals the Christian’s desire.
We Must Dine Daily if we are going to be a healthy Christian!
3-We Must Dedicate Daily
3-We Must Dedicate Daily
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Conclusion
Conclusion