Preparing for the Lord's Day
EXILES IN A FOREIGN LAND
1 Peter Sermon Series
How are we to find freedom from the power of sin in our lives? There are some who believe that they can overcome the power of sin through moral self-improvement, an act of the will to align one’s behavior with what is ethical. Others believe that they will overcome sin if they break old habits and adapt themselves to new virtuous habits: replace swearing with blessing, stop drinking alcohol and begin drinking vitamin water, stop watching provocative movies and begin watching spiritual or Christian movies. However, the Bible teaches us that it takes much more than an act of the will or a change of habit to overcome the power of sin. What we will find in our verse for this week is that to overcome the power of sin we must die to sin. There cannot be a gradual break or a replacing of habits. Instead, there must be a complete reversal in one’s way of life through a break with sin and all of its ways. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon 1 Peter 4:1-6, Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 2:20; 5:16-24 and Westminster Shorter Catechism #21 and #22.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise "O Worship the King," the Acclamation of Praise "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," and the Hymn of Response "Blessed Assurance." Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
If you’re going to be out of town this Sunday, let me encourage you to listen to the sermon online (usually posted by Monday afternoon) or you can download the REPC podcast, which will be delivered to your mobile device.
Sermon Outline
Text: 1 Peter 4:1
Title: In the Flesh
TO OVERCOME THE POWER OF SIN...
1. Every Christian must know Christ suffered in the flesh. (v. 1a)
2. Every Christian must trust that Christ suffered in the flesh. (v. 1b)
3. Every Christian must personally suffer in the flesh. (v. 1c)