TELL THE WORLD
June 17, 2001 PM
Sermon Outline
1 Pet 2:9b
INTRO: The idea that Christians should be hermits or live lives of isolation in monasteries is a very warped and mistaken view! Truly, it is a selfish view. Christians are called out of the world (or worldliness) to live in the world as a constant influence for good. And we cannot serve or influence by building a wall around ourselves. Peter asks - in effect - in the verse we have read, Dont you know why God has made you His covenant people, His priesthood, His holy nation, His own possession? Why, its to tell the world about Him that He has chosen you!
I. OUR PURPOSE SHOW FORTH (Isa 43:21)
A. Literally to proclaim, to publish abroad
1. there is no hint of isolation here
2. rather, theres reinforcement of Mk 16:15 and Mt 28:19
3. that wasnt just a limited commandment for apostles!
B. First century church took this seriously
1. Phil 2:15,16 with 4:15,16
2. 1 Thes 1:6-9
3. Rom 1:8
C. Now, how do we do this showing forth?
1. the four facts of identity may give us some clues
2. chosen covenant idea positively implies obedience
3. priesthood showing forth in worship ... unashamed gathering with Gods people to praise Him
4. holy nations consecration and service
5. peculiar people as Gods possessing, we show forth through joy (in His owning us) and loyalty
D. Or, take this direction for showing forth
1. by our example 2 Pet 3:11 by being the kind of person God wants us to beour exampleis unmistakable
2. by our attitudes Phil 2:5 we should really have no attitudes but Christs!
3. by our teaching 1Pet 3:15 (Rev 12:11)
II. OUR MESSAGE THE EXCELLENCIES OF GOD
A. Praises literally virtues, eminent qualities
1. in Old Testament was constantly reminded of the excellencies of God
2.Deut 15:15; 32:7 and 1 Chron 16:11-13
3. in effect remember what God has done for you
B. Now, what are excellencies we should proclaim?
1. His omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence?
2. His love, grace, mercy, long suffering?
3. certainly, these are eminent qualities of God, but is this really what Peter had in mind?
C. What about who hath called you out of darkness ...?
1. should we give emphasis to this great act of God and His willingness to do it for others?
2. an example 1 Tim 1:12-16
3. this, then, is a message of the gospel what the gospel did for me ... and what it will do for you!
D. Out of ... into (comment)
1. called ... by the gospel 2 Thes 2:14 (no mysterious or outlandish experience to be expected)
2. out of darkness Col 1:12,13a (here is the condition of a person who is lost, hopeless and helpless) darkness is a Biblical term for a state of spiritual hopelessness and destitution
(Ps 107:13,14)
3. into His light this is the status of sonship, of salvation, of knowledge ... the status of comfort, joy and hope the status we need to be sharing!
CLOSE: It is profoundly true that most people in this world get their notion of God in the main from those who claim to be Gods people. Peter, thus, lays it out for us ... tell the world what wonderful things God has done ... and how they can share in those marvelous blessings. Listen: Col 1:9-12.
Cecil A. Hutson
17 June 2001