May 3, 2026
TEXT: I Peter 1:1-13
Introduction: I Peter 1:13
I. Wherefore (vv. 1-12)
A. Because of the working of the Holy Spirit through His Word proclaimed (v. 12b; Colossians 1:26-28)
B. Because of the preaching of the Gospel (v. 12a; Ephesians 1:12-14)
C. Because of the sufferings of Christ and resurrection to provide us Salvation (v. 11)
D. Because of the Salvation of God through Jesus written about in His Word (v. 10)
E. Because of the culmination and completion of our Salvation in eternity (v. 9)
F. Because of the joy of Salvation we have by faith based on God’s Word (v. 8)
G. Because of the strengthening of faith through trials on this earth (v. 7)
H. Because of the joy we can have going through trials with God’s presence (v. 6)
I. Because of the power of God that keeps us His child until we get to Heaven (v. 5)
J. Because of the eternal inheritance of the child of God reserved for us in Heaven (v. 4)
K. Because of the mercy of God that provides us a living hope by the resurrection (v. 3)
L. Because of the all-knowing God who makes us His elect children through trusting in the shed blood and sacrifice of His Son to cleanse us of our sins (v. 2)
M. Because of the fact that in ourselves we are strangers from God and separated from God but we have been accepted by God through faith in His Son (v. 1)
II. Gird up
A. Renew your mind to face the challenges of life
B. Supporting our mind with the strength of the truth of God’s Word (Ephesians 6:14)
C. Binding truth to our mind by thinking on God’s Word (John 21:18; Psalm 1:1-2)
III. The loins of your mind (Luke 1:51; Ephesians 1:18; 4:18; I John 5:20)
A. The core of our decision making is our heart and mind
B. The center of our living and decision making is our thinking and discerning
IV. Be sober
A. Being clear in our thinking by being filled with God’s Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18)
B. Abstaining from anything that hinders or distorts our thinking to dishonor God
C. Keeping ourselves unimpaired so our mind can think accurately about truth
V. And hope
A. An expectation not yet entirely experienced
B. A confidence not yet fully enjoyed
C. A conviction not yet completely understood
VI. To the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
A. The completion of our Salvation (I Timothy 4:10)
B. The perfection of our walk with God by faith
C. The culmination of the promises of God that we have trusted in (Titus 2:11-13)
Action Points:
* Do I know for sure that I have been saved the Bible way and I have a Bible truth to base my confidence on?
* How can I strengthen my mind more to help me live like the child of God is say I am?
* What do I need to abstain from that hindering my thinking to live God’s way?
* Do I know for sure that I am ready to meet my maker according to His Word?