PRAISE GOD ... A NEW START
January 21, 2001 PM
Sermon Outline
(1 Pet 1:3)
INTRO: Although the two letters of Peter are not very long, every verse seems filled to overflowing with great truths. Only a little thought will produce volumes of ideas and thought direction from each verse. In verse 3 of chapter 1 we might paraphrase Praise God ... a new start in life. Certainly the subject of the new birth was important to Peter, and it is mentioned again later. Before we talk about that new start, though, there are two things to mention.
I. FIRSTLY, PRAISE TO GOD WHO MAKES IT ALL POSSIBLE
A. His word of praise includes important word Father
1. typical Jewish prayer - Blessed are Thou, O God
2. for them, God seemed somewhat aloof
3. but Peter notes the Fatherhood of God
B. The abundant mercy of the Father
1. Peter knew that God dealt mercifully
2. he knew that neither he, nor we, would want from God what we deserve (comment on Peters denial of Christ)
3. Eph 2:4,5 who is rich in mercy (2 Cor 1:3)
II. SECONDLY, CERTAINTY OF NEW BIRTH DECLARED BY JESUS RESURRECTION
A. New Testament writers are emphatic about Jesus resurrection
1. is one great miracle mentioned throughout
2. and it is cited as the certification of all that is taught and believed
3. 1 Cor 15:17 here is how important it was/is!
B. Some say they can be Christians without resurrection
1. but such is just not the case
2. without Jesus resurrection Christianity is worthless (powerless)
3. but believing/knowing the resurrection is a fact make all of Christianity vital and relevant ... it is the basis for the lively hope of anticipation
III. WHAT THIS NEW START MEANS, THEN?
A. It certainly means that God cares
1. in these latter years Peter was sure of this
2. 1 Pet 5:7b for he careth for you
B. It means a new start - a fresh page
1. how we should desire such a fresh beginning!
2. to be able to write upon a fresh page of life
3. 2 Cor 5:17 and Rom 6:4 new creature and newness of life
C. It means a new kind of life new qualities
1. a life considering Gods word and Jesus pattern
2. Eph 5:1,2a qualities of selflessness, concern, love
3. Heb 13:20,21 to do his will
D. It means a new family
1. note again the term Father with Rom 8:15
2. Eph 2:19c of the household of God
3. a new father, new brothers, new sisters!
E. It means a new hope
1. unto a lively hope our text says
2. one writer points out this is not like I hope I get a good grade on the test ... it is rather the hope of certain anticipation I know its coming but in Gods own time
3. Heb 6:18,19 hope in God not in perishing, worldly things which really have no lasting power
F. It means a new home
1. This world is not my home, Im just a passing through
2. note 1 Pet 2:11 strangers and pilgrims
3. Jno 14:1-3 with Phil 3:20,21
CLOSE: Everyone should want a new start in life. Well, its possible; its available. Jesus talked about it in Jno 3:5. And the new start can be yours this very night!
Cecil A. Hutson
21 January 2001