Be In Awe of GOD & Obey His Commands - Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Lanny Lewis

What do we do concerning false teachers? We are commanded to beware and watchful - Matthew 7:15, warn the family of God - Acts 20:29, expose them - Ephesians 5:11, avoid them - Romans 16:17, and rebuke them - 1 Timothy 5:20.

- Romans 16:17-18 - “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” Colossians 2:8 - See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

- 2 Peter 2:1-3 - “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in (introduce secretly and craftily) destructive heresies, (opinion meant to bring ruin or destruction by discord and contention) even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow (comply with, yield to) their sensuality, (unbridled lust, excess licentiousness, lascivousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence) and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed (desire for more, covetousness) they will exploit you (to use you for gain) with false (molded, formed, not genuine) words. Their condemnation (penal judgment) from long ago is not idle, (inactive, delayed), and their destruction is not asleep.” (delay, linger)

• What is a false teacher? - Pseudo-didaskalos: lying, deceitful, false - teacher) One who purposes to lie, deceive, and speak falsely about God and His Word.

Since we are partakers of the divine nature, we must always, without fail, and not reluctantly, remind each other of how we must live and whom we represent. Genuine Faith is not seen in how genuinely human you are but in how genuinely Christ-like you are. - 2 Peter 1:5-7

- 2 Peter 1:12-15 - “Therefore, I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up (awake thoroughly) by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.”

Jesus Christ is not a myth devised by man’s imagination; He is the Great I am, worthy of all Glory, Majesty, and Power. - Luke 9:28-36

- 2 Peter 1:16-18 - “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.”

God’s word is for Him, by Him, and through Him; given for the edification and sanctification of His people, for life and godliness,”...until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,..” - Hebrews 1:1-3

- 2 Peter 1:19-21 - “And we have (keep) the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well (practice with propriety) to pay attention (be on guard) as to a lamp shining (Matthew 5:17-20) in a dark (dingy, filthy) place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture (God’s Word) comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy (no inspired message) was ever produced (brought to bear) by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along (led to bear, bring forth, produce) by the Holy Spirit.

• Matthew Henry - “He (Apostle Peter) tells us, We do well if we take heed to them; that is, apply our minds to understand the sense, and our hearts to believe the truth, of this sure word, yea, bend ourselves to it, that we may be moulded and fashioned by it. The word is that form of doctrine into which we must be cast, that formulary of knowledge by which we are to regulate our thoughts and sentiments, our words and confessions, our whole life and conversation. If we thus apply ourselves to the word of God, we certainly do well in all respects, what is pleasing to God and profitable to ourselves; and this indeed is but paying that regard which is due to the oracles of God.”

Through the gift of Faith, Christ has imputed to us His Righteousness by which we now can grow in the knowledge of Christ.- 2 Peter 1:1-2 - “Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained (chosen by divine will) a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2. May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge (precise & correct knowledge) of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

By the knowledge of Christ, we are given all we need to live holy and obedient, through His great & precious promises. - 2 Peter 1:3-4 - “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, (born as participant of eternal life) having escaped (been freed) from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

Now that you have been given an eternal nature by the knowledge of Him who has called us, add to your faith with all diligence the virtues of Christ.- 2 Peter 1:5-7 - “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement (furnish) your faith with virtue, (uprightness) and virtue with knowledge, (wisdom of God) 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, (endurence in the faith) and steadfastness with godliness, (reverent devotion) 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

To not walk in the knowledge of Christ is to live as a blind man wandering aimlessly. - 2 Peter 1:8-9 - “For if these qualities are yours (already yours) and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge (precise & correct knowledge) of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By the knowledge of Christ and His gospel, He has called us and made our election sure through His work of salvation, guaranteeing our entrance into His eternal kingdom. - 2 Peter 1:10-11 - “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling (from which you were found) and election, (God’s act of choosing) for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. (become wretched) 11 For in this way there will be richly provided (furnish) for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Men whom God has ordained have been called and commanded to the Care of the Flock of God. - Acts 20:26-28

- 1 Peter 5:1-4 - “So I exhort (plead, beg) the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker (participant) in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd (feed, tend, keep, govern) the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, (see to, care for) not under compulsion, (by constraint, force, unwilling) but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; (ready, cheerful, and whole heartly) 3 not domineering (exercise lordship) over those in your charge, (assigned to one’s oversight and care) but being examples (a type or pattern - 1 Corinthians 11:1) to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Because God cares for you, He will exalt those who walk humbly before Him. - Micah 6:8

- 1 Peter 5:5-7 - “Likewise, you who are younger, (lacking experience) be subject (arrange oneself under) to the elders. Clothe (clothes that the servant wears) yourselves, all of you, with humility (deep sense of one’s littleness) toward one another, (Philippians 2:3-4) for “God opposes (set in opposition) the proud (arrogant) but gives grace to the humble.” (lowely) 6 Humble yourselves,(lower oneself) therefore, (by means of) under the mighty (strong, powerful) hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,(lift you up, elevate) 7 casting (throw upon) all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

We must be willing to suffer for His glory, knowing He is faithful to do as He promised. - Ephesians 5:15-17

- 1 Peter 5:8-11 - “Be sober-minded; (vigilant, clear-headed) be watchful. Your adversary (enemy) the devil (calminator, accuser, slanderer) prowls around (rove, roam, accompany, follow) like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (swallow greedily) 9 Resist (oppose, withstand) him, firm (steadfast, strong) in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering (affliction) are being experienced (fully undergone, endured) by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered (endure) a little while, (briefly) the God of all grace, who has called (to summon) you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, (complete, prepare, equip, train - Philippians 1:6) confirm, (establish, strengthen, be resolute) strengthen, and establish (foundation - Psalm 40:2) you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

God’s word is given to exhort us and for us to stand firm in it. - Deuteronomy 6:24 - 1 Peter 5:12-14

Psalm 112:1 “Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!”

1. The Call to obedience. To obey Christ is to Love Christ. - Deuteronomy 6:4-9

- John 14:20-21 - 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps (tereo: obey, guard) them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

2. The Command of Obedience. To Love Christ is to obey the Gospel and Live the Gospel. It is the reassurance of our faith. - Luke 10:27

- 1 John 3:19-24 - By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.”

3. The Act of obedience. To Obey the Gospel and to Live the Gospel is to Love the Family. To believe is to Obey. - John 15:10

- 1 John 5:1-5 - “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

4. Those who love Christ gird (make ready for action and secure) their minds by obeying the Truth! - Psalm 143:10

- 1 Peter 1:13-15 - “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

READ: 1 Peter 4:1-6 (Romans 6)

1 Peter 3:18 - “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,...”

“...How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” - Romans 6:2-3

- Romans 6:5 - “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”

- 1 Peter 4:1-2 - “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,(body) arm (equip) yourselves with the same way of thinking, (ennioa: thought, purpose) for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased (release, to cause to stop) from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh (body) no longer (may-ket-ee: never again) for human passions (desire for the forbidden) but for the will of God.”

Being united with Christ demands that we live like Him in holiness.

- Ephesians 4:20-24 - “But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

- 1 Peter 4:3-6 - “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living (perpetrate) in sensuality, (debauchery) passions, (desire for the forbidden) drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, (carousing, noisy and obnoxiousness and riotous) and lawless idolatry. (wiched worship of false gods) 4 With respect to this they are surprised (astonished, shocked, to think strange of) when you do not join (run with, flock together [birds of a feather flock together]) them in the same flood (wide stream [wide is the road]) of debauchery, and they malign (insult, slander, defame, curse) you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.”

Romans 6:11 - “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Having the same mind as Christ and being people like-minded, we must live as He lived.

- 1 Corinthians 2:16

- 1 Peter 3:8-12 - “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, (of one mind, like-minded) sympathy, brotherly love, (love like brothers) a tender heart, (compassionate) and a humble mind. (friendly) 9 Do not repay evil (wickedness) for evil or reviling (insult, slander) for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, (praise) for to this you were called, (summoned) that you may obtain a blessing. (praise) 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep (stop, cease) his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

When Christ is sanctified in our hearts, and we suffer for what is just and good, it allows us the opportunity to proclaim the truth of Christ.

- Romans 8:38-39

- 1 Peter 3:13-16 - “13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous (most eagerly desirous of) for what (mimetes: imitator) is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' (what is just) sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, (disturbed) 15 but in your hearts honor (hagiazo: sanctify, set apart, make holy) Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense (apologia: defend) to anyone who asks you for a reason (logos: word) for the hope (joyful and confident expectation) that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Christ is our Hope; we have nothing to fear.

- Hebrews 13:6

- 1 Peter 3:17-22 - “For it is better (greater) to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, (decision) than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring (bring near) us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed (preach) to the spirits in prison, (guard, watch) 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely (bring safely out of God’s wrath) through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.