A Fisherman’s Sermon

In seminary, I’ve learned how to prepare a 3-point expository sermon.  That’s a fancy way of saying that I was taught to read though a passage of Scripture and pull out specific points that the writer is trying to make.  Often times, like this passage with Peter, there are three.

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. (1 Peter 1:13 NLT)

Think clearly.  I’ve taught whole Bible-study classes expanding this very concept.  How do we think clearly?  How do we exercise self control?  It’s simple.  We take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).  We do not conform to the pattern of this world, but are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).  In other words, we think before we speak or act.  We don’t assume that a thought in means a thought should come out.  We look at the thought.  Sometimes we analyze the thought.  Then, we purposefully act on the thought.  Sometimes that means the thought is thrown away because it is simply not of God.  Other times, the thought is stored away for another day.  Other times still, we act on the thought.  This is what it means to exercise self-control.

So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16 NLT)

Be Holy.  Holiness has to do with “otherness.”  God is Holy because God is so different from us – so far outside of our ability to even fathom.  “Otherness” happens when we walk with God, too.  That’s because this world is so messed up.  People go hungry to the point of death.  Others murder one another in the name of whatever good excuse the enemy has convinced them to use.  Others still prey on people, hurt people, and even destroy God’s creation all in the name of whatever they think is good.

But when we think clearly, things change.  When we exercise self-control, our God-thoughts turn into action.  People start to see something different in us because we start to see God more clearly and walk with Him.  It gets noticed.  Folks start to pay attention.  God starts to shine through.  It makes us different.  This difference is described as holiness.  We are set-apart.  We are noticeably different.  We are walking together with God.

And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of Him during your time as "foreigners in the land." For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom He paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose Him as your ransom long before the world began, but He has now revealed Him to you in these last days. Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because He raised Christ from the dead and gave Him great glory. You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. (1 Peter 1:17-22 NLT)

Show Love.  Our thoughts, our self-control, and our holiness do not tear people down.  We never end up with a holier-than-thou attitude.  Instead, we become, more and more, a people of love.  Love casts out all fear.  Love covers a multitude of sins.  Love is the greatest command.  And love is our design.  God is love.  When we walk with God, we are love, too.

For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, "People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever." And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. (1 Peter 1:23-25 NLT)

Love is the only part we can take with us.  Our souls will last forever.  We will have new bodies that will not decay.  But sin and death will not be allowed through the gates of heaven.  The healing of the nations will not just be a physical healing.  We will be healed from the hurt, the pain, the struggle that is the result of sin – even our own.  We will be healed from every thought and action that was not done out of love.  Only love will remain.

You want something you can take with you when you leave this life?  Think Clearly.  Be Holy. Show Love.  Not bad for a fisherman.  Peter knew how to preach it.  (He knew how to live it, too.)  How about you?  What will you take with you?