Seven Things We Have In Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 1-17-2018

2 Peter 1:1-4

Introduction: 

A.  We have spent a lot of time in the first 4 verses of this vital little book of the Bible, so I want to do a little summation tonight before we move on to the next verses.

B.  If the world only knew!  When we try to win them to Christ, they act as if we are trying to give them a dose of castor oil.  If the world only knew the blessings and joy of being saved!  In our world, the lost have equated salvation with religion and religion is enough to turn anyone away from Christ.  If they would only be saved, then they would know the truth about salvation.

1.  In Christ they will have the forgiveness of sins.

2.  In Christ they will have the gift of the Holy Ghost.

3.  In Christ they will have the peace of God that passeth all understanding.

4.  In Christ they will have a life that satisfies.

5.  In Christ they will have a conscience that Is pure.

6.  In Christ they will have joy unspeakable and full of glory.

C.  You can tell them that Jesus loves and died for them; you can tell them that hell is a fearful reality; you can beg and plead and they continue to walk the same road.  It is the “broad road” and the “wide gate” where the many of Matthew 7:13-14 walk.  It is heart breaking to see so many people that we know reject our wonderful Saviour.

D.  Sometimes, we that are saved forget what we have in Christ and take for granted His great salvation.  In Hebrews, Paul said, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?”  It is truly a “great salvation” and should be cherished by those redeemed from:

1.  A Life Of Despair

2.  A Life Of Defilement

2.  A Life Of Destruction

3.  A Life Of Damnation

E.  We have so much in Christ but, in our verses for this morning, Peter set forth some wonderful truths concerning our COMMON salvation.

1.  We Have A Like Precious Faith – vs. 1a

a.  Faith Brings A Relationship With Christ That Is Precious – “precious faith”

1 Peter 2:4-7   To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God,and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

Galatians 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

b.  Faith Brings A Fellowship With Saints That Is Common – “like precious faith”

Jude 3   Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Titus 1:4  To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

2.  We Have An Unquestionable Standing – vs. 1b

a.  You May Question My Personal Righteousness - Romans 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

b.  You Cannot Question His - 1 Timothy 6:14-16  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;  Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

3.  We Have The Grace To Endure – vs. 2a

a.  Grace That Is Abundant – 1 Corinthians 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

b.  Grace That Is Available - 1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

c.  Grace That Is Multiplied - 2 Peter 1:2  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

d.  Grace That Is Sufficient - 2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

4.  We Have The Peace To Trust – vs. 2b

a.  Peace In The Midst Of The Storm - Mark 4:39  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

b.  Peace In The Midst Of Sorrow - John 11:21-23  Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.  Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

c.  Peace In The Midst Of Confusion - Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

5.  We Have The Power To Overcome – vs. 3

a.  Power To Overcome The World - 1 John 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

b.  Power To Overcome Evil - Romans 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

c.  Power To Overcome Satan - 1 John 2:13  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

6.  We Have The Reality Of A Changed Life – vs. 4a

a.  A New Life Of Faith - Romans 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

b  A New Life Of Holiness - 2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

7.  We Have The Hope Of Eternal Life – vs. 4b

a.  Hell Is Gone – Revelation 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

b.  Heaven Is A Reality - John 14:2-3  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.