Sermon Notes
BIBLE STUDY
This
section contains a verse-by-verse, expository outline of First Peter. It
is an important book for the times in which we live. Keep
these monthly notes for later reference and in-depth study.
THE
RENEWAL OF A NEW BIRTH (From
1 Peter 2:1-10; 5th
in the series)
The results
of the new birth are purification of the soul and the infusing of the
love of God. The new birth also brings about a new desire to learn
about God (v1-3) and a new purpose to show forth the praises of God
(v4-10). The reasons for this renewal are fourfold:
- Tasting
(experiencing) that the Lord is Good (v4, 7a)
- Becoming
part of a spiritual house and a holy priesthood, etc (v5, 9-10)
- Obtaining
a clearer understanding of spiritual truth (not confounded, v6)
- Having
been called into his marvelous light (v9b)
Just as the
blood of Christ purifies and the Spirit of God infuses love, the new
birth creates a completely new way of thinking: old things are passed
away, and all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Everything is
re-evaluated (Philippians 3:7-12). The new believer not only does not
place any value on the things of the world. The new believer’s
thoughts are of the things of God. Furthermore, it is thinking about
the things of God that bring peace and satisfaction to the new
Christian. The old lifestyle with its sins and unbelief is unpleasant
and disturbing. Those thoughts bring conviction and shame. Good
thoughts about God and the Christian life renew the mind and result
in peace (Philippians 4:8-9).
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