Series: It’s Time to Grow Up Step 2: Obey the Word

Sermon Text: 1 Peter 1:13-23

Supplemental Texts: Luke 24:13-35, Psalm 116:1-3, 12-19 

1 Peter 1:13-23

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, 

“All people are like grass,

    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

25     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you. 

Message Reflection Questions 

1. Begin with silent prayer to center your heart.

2. Why is the idea of being “obedient” essential to Christianity and what are some of the difficulties people have with this term and concept?

3. Looking at 1 Peter 1:13-14 how does having an “alert and fully sober” mindset, plus having hope in the grace that will be revealed in Christ, help in being obedient children (v 14)?

4. In 1:13-21 we get a snapshot of the story of Jesus and a summary of what he has done for humanity. Which aspects encourage or challenge your faith and hope?

5. Read 1:15-16 and 1:22. What do love and holiness have to do with each other in the life of a Christian? 

6. Read 1:22-25. How does “obeying the truth” that is “enduring” and “imperishable'' purify a believer? What lies and “evil desires” (v 14) do believers need to be purified of? 

7. How does being purified of lies and evil desires help a believer grow in love and holiness?

8. Are you having difficulty in obeying God in any particular area of your life? How can you listen and obey the enduring, restoring and restorying word of God this week?

9. Close in prayer by giving thanks for the enduring, restoring and restorying word of God and committing to sharing that word with your own mouth. 

Half-Million Mobilization Prayer Series

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