Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-25
To This You Were Called
Intro.
1. The Father calls sinners to salvation in Christ, Acts 2:39.
2. The Son invites us to come to Him, Matt. 11:28 (sinners to repent, Matt. 9:13).
3. The Spirit says “come” and take the water of life, Rev. 22:17.
4. God calls us by the gospel, 2 Ths. 2:14.
5. Christians have answered God’s call, Rom. 8:28-30.
6. Consider things to which God calls us, what it means for our lives, and why we must respond in faith to His call.
I. WE WERE CALLED TO SALVATION, 2 Ths. 2:13-14.
A. Out of Darkness into Marvelous Light, 1 Pet. 2:9-10.
1. The saved are the people of God; Obtained mercy.
2. God calls us in grace (the means of the call), Gal. 1:6.
3. What that means:
a. Remission of sins, Acts 2:38-39.
b. Eyes opened and lives converted, Acts 26:18 (commentary on Acts 2:38).
4. Sons of light and day–walk soberly in the light, 1 Ths. 5:5-11.
II. WE WERE CALLED INTO GOD’S KINGDOM AND GLORY, 1 Ths. 2:10-12.
A. Peace of God, Col. 3:15.
-Living under His rule and submitting to Him (Col. 3:17).
B. Peace with Men, 1 Cor. 7:15; Rom. 12:18.
-Enemies are at peace in the kingdom, Isa. 11:6-9; Eph. 2:19-22.
III. WE WERE CALLED INTO THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SON, 1 Cor. 1:9.
A. Called Saints, 1 Cor. 1:2 (call us with a holy calling, 2 Tim. 1:9).
1. Holy living –because He is holy, 1 Pet. 1:15-16.
2. Sexual purity (not fornication), 1 Ths. 4:3-7 (7).
B. Called to Belong to Christ, Rom. 1:6-7.
1. Have fellowship with Christ when we keep His commands, Jno. 14:21, 23-24.
2. Walk with Christ; Worthy of our calling, Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27.
IV. WE WERE CALLED TO PATIENTLY SUFFER FOR CHRIST, 1 Pet. 2:18-25.
A. To Bless Others Instead of Curse them, 1 Pet. 3:9-12 (2:23).
1. Refrain from evil responses when treated evil, Matt. 5:10-12.
2. Called to set the example of Christ to the world, 1 Pet. 3:13-17.
3. In order to inherit an eternal blessing, 1 Pet. 3:9.
Conclusion
1. Know the hope of His calling; Redemption in Christ, Eph. 1:18; 2:12-13; 4:4.
2. Make your calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1:10-11.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: June 5, 2014