Rob Benson | Series: Life Words |Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1–1:12
ListenObedience
Introduction
We’ve explored: Weakness, Perseverance, Godliness as words that teach us what it
looks like to Follow Jesus day in and day out. Today we are going to look at the
word: Obedience, to Obey, or to be Obedient to. This word, like the rest, is
demanding!
Obedience Defined: 155 OT & NT; Listening to, submissively, expectantly, being
persuaded by; to set in array or order under. Idea: After hearing, willfully act or
arrange your life according to what you have heard. In other words do what you
were told.
Illustration: Rob’s Story
I don’t know about you, but there is something in side of me that just doesn’t like to
get told, or ordered to do anything, even if it is good for me. It’s the rebel in me, the I
got this and I don’t need your help! It’s that part of me that says, I’m going to do what
I want, even if it kills me.
• Danger - No Swimming Allowed, Patapsco State Park Sign; Sign, Fence, now
destruction of the dam, why because of the attitude in us that I’m going to do
what I want, even if it kills me. Being obedient means listening, submitting to, and
acting according to another’s order, command or wisdom.
This week we’re going to continue to explore what Peter has to say about Following
Christ, remember the guy who Followed Christ so exactingly that he to died on a
cross, “…he to became Obedient to death, even death on a cross,” just like his
Savior. Now that’s what Obedience looks like!
Question: Are you up to the challenge, ready to submit, to you decide to bend your
will toward your Saviors or Not?
BTW - Following Jesus is simple in knowing how to, it’s in the practice that we
rebel!
Bible
Summary: 1 Peter 1:1-12
Peter writes to encourage the Followers of Christ in Asia Minor around 64AD that
under going great suffering and persecution at the hands of the Roman Emperor,
Nero.
Opening Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Therefore…
Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-16
Peter gives Christ Followers these instructions on what it looks like to do life
Following Jesus:
• Prepare - Gird Up, Get Ready for…
• Minds - Set your minds in a state of readiness to learn, a way of thinking that is
different
• Self-Controlled - Fully Sober Minded, Self-Restrained, Personally Responsible…
• Conform - (GK:Syschematizo) Shape Behavior
• Called - Summoned, Invited
• Holy - Dedicated, Descriptor for God’s People
• You Do - Behavior, Act Accordingly
• To Be - Exist
• Redeemed - Released by paying a ransom
Read: 1 Peter 1:22-23
• Purified - Moral Purity
• Obeying the truth (GK: Aletheias) - Creates
• Love - Philadelphia - Love of brothers
• Sincere - without hypocrisy, genuine
• Heart - Inner-self
• Love (GK-Agapao) - Seeking the Highest Good for…
Read: 1 Peter 2:1-3 (Example of What “Being Holy” looks like)
• Malice - Wicked/Ill Will toward others;
• Deceit - Deliberate Dishonesty;
• Hypocrisy - Pretending to be Holy and Loving;
• Envy - Resentful and Discontent;
• Slander - Backbiting, Verbal Beat Down.
• Grow Up - Cause to Increase, Enjoy greater respect.
• Salvation - Deliverance
Challenge
Question: Are you ready to take responsibility for your dis-obedience?
Question: What areas of your life, are you not surrendering to God?
Question: Where do you find yourself in outright rebellion against God’s will for
you?