God's Blessings to His Children - 02-24-08

Intro: Salvation is a gift from God. God chose us because of His love. Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins. God has given us so many blessings.

Proposition: We must remember God has given us Eternal life.

I.                  The hope of eternal life (1–12)

·         Through Jesus Christ Jew and Gentle belong to God.

·         In verse 2, all three members of the trinity are mentioned.

·         The Father choose us before we chose Him (Eph 1:4)

·         The Son died for us while we were sinners. (Rom 5:6-10)

·         The Holy Spirit brings us salvation; and sets us apart, for God’s service. (2 Thes. 2:13)

·         Christians have a reservation in Heaven. (vs. 4)

·         God will help us remain true to our faith. (vs. 5)

·         Vs. 7 - Why were Christians persecuted? (4 Reasons)

1.      Christians refused to worship the emperor as a god.

2.      Christians refused to worship in pagan temples.

3.      Christians did not support the Roman morals; Self, Power, and Conquest!

4.      Christians exposed and rejected the horrible immorality

ILUS: As Gold is heated, impurities float to the top, and can be skimmed off. Steel is strengthened by heating in fire. Trials strengthen our Faith and make us useful to God.

·         The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to comfort his followers.

·         The Holy Spirit is our teacher.

II.            a call to holy living  (13-25)

·         V 13 teaches us to be prepared for action; live with self control; and set you hope on Christ’ return.

·         God is Holy (14-16)

·         God sets the standards for morality! Not Hollywood! Not the Music Industry.

·         He is a God of mercy and justice.

·         God cares for each of His followers.

·         How can we Holy? Follow Gods’ high standards.

·         We as Christians should show mercy.

·         We should sacrifice for others.

·         After a person is saved sometimes they are pulled back to their old ways.

·         Peter tells us to be like our Heavenly Father, Holy in everything we do.

·         Holiness means totally dedicated to God.

·         Christians should be different.

·         We should not be like everyone else.

·         What make us different? God’s qualities in our lives.

·         Vs. 17 Respect God as a all powerful God

·         God is the judge of the Earth.

·         We dare not ignore him.

·         Be grateful children, who love and show respect to their Heavenly Father.

·         What can we learn from verse 18-19?

1.      In Roman society, A slave could only be “redeemed” when someone paid money to buy him freedom.

2.      God redeemed us from sin with the Blood of Christ!

3.      Rom 6:6-7; 1 Cor. 6:20; Col 2:13-14; Hebrews 9:12

4.      We could not escape from sin on our own.

5.      Jesus Christ set us free!