Behavior Befitting a Christian

By:  M. Allen

 

FILING INFORMATION:

98016

SUBJECT: conduct, influence, attitude

Preached Originally: March 15, 1998 – Rapid City, SD

 

I.  Introduction.

A.     Our text is found in 1 Peter 2:11-12.  In these two verses the Apostle Peter is trying to get Christians to see the importance of living a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

1.    Proper behavior has always been a major part of the Christian life.  Many have had problems in this area and much time was spent by the NT authors exhorting Christians to do that which was right.

2.    For example:

a.     1 Tim. 4:12 – Paul to young Timothy – we should all follow this admonition.

b.     Heb. 13:5 – have conduct w/o covetousness.

c.      Jas. 13:3 – Behavior/conduct should be demonstrated by works done in meekness and wisdom.

d.     2 Pet. 3:11 – importance of why we should live with good behavior.

3.    These passages should cause each one of us to look at our lives and examine our behavior.

B.    Ask yourself:  “Is my behavior/conduct pleasing to God?”  “How am I conducting my life?”

1.     The issues that faced the Christian when Peter actually wrote this are still relevant today!

2.     How can anyone argue that the Bible is not relevant to people of our generation?

3.     The way we live or conduct our lives demonstrates our desire to serve the Lord.

4.     Truth is spelled out by one’s actions.  Not words.

C.    Think about your life and let’s do whatever is necessary to be pleasing to the Lord!

 

II.  We have Reason to Maintain Good Behavior.

A.    Think of the relationship that Christians are to have before God.  It is a peculiar relationship.  God has done so much for mankind.  Man should want to do all that he possibly can for God.  We should want to live right because:

1.    The blood of Christ has redeemed us.

a.     1 Pet. 1:18-19 – this was done for me – for you – for everyone that lives upon the face of the earth.  Man has no hope without Christ!

b.     Think of the pain, suffering, and the crucifixion Jesus Christ went through.  Died a death reserved for the worst of offenders – yet He was without sin!

2.    1 Pet. 1:22-23 - Because of this we have opportunity to obey the gospel of Christ, and purify our souls.

a.     God has made Christians His children!  (v. 23) What a privilege to be called a Child of God!

B.    Sad that many people do not realize what God has done for us & they are not willing to demonstrate their thankfulness to Him by living right!

1.     Even many Christians do this!  Some serve God – but their motives are not pleasing.

2.     Serve God with a dread…reluctantly…

C.   The point is, we should serve Him because we want to serve Him!  God has elevated Christians into the light.  We have been transformed our of darkness.

1.     Eph. 5:5-10 – w/o Christ where would we be?  Without hope!  Notice especially v. 8 – walk as children of light.  How does one do this?  By keeping his conduct pleasing before the Lord!

2.     1 Pet. 2:9-10 – we are God’s special people.  He has shown mercy on us because we have submitted to Him in obedience to His gospel.

D.   Could anyone at any time or place have better reason to be careful regarding his behavior?  As we said earlier, we can demonstrate our thankfulness to the Lord by our conduct.  How thankful are you?

 

III.  There is required Behavior for Children of God!

A.    This fact is implied clearly in our text.  Read again!

1.    Conduct/behavior either going to be honorable/dishonorable.

2.    Ask:  is my behavior bringing honor to God or bringing Him dishonor?

B.    How can our behavior bring dishonor to God & to ourselves?

1.    By fulfilling fleshly lusts.

a.    Peter warned brethren clearly in v. 11 of text.

b.    1 Jhn. 2:15-17

1.    World passing away & lust of it.  Do these things?  Endanger soul.

2.    So many fail to realize this!

c.     Notice what Peter wrote: these things “war” against the soul. The purpose of war is to destroy!

2.  The battle for correct/honorable behavior will be a constant one.  Satan means to do our souls harm!

a.    One of the biggest things I am trying to learn is just how real Satan is & how he wishes to destroy my soul.

b.    This is why it is so important to live in a manner that is pleasing before God!

3.  We must submit our lives to Him and let the Word of Christ through the Scriptures influence us for good!

C.   We must determine/direct our behavior using the standard of the Bible or what is written in God’s word.

1.    Man does not have the right to determine what is right/wrong on His own.  <Certain leaders in nation seeking to redefine what fornication is>

2.    There is a higher standard by which we must conform our lives to.  God’s standard is unchangeable!  If God says something is wrong, it is wrong!

3.    Jer. 10:23-24

D.   How can our behavior bring honor to God and to ourselves?

1.    By doing good works.  See v. 12 of text.

2.    In order to inherit the kingdom of God we must keep the commandments of God.

a.    Mt. 19:16-22 – notice especially v. 18.  We are expected to do these things. God has expected these things of man from the beginning.

b.    In doing these things we can be pleasing to God.  Is this all?

3.    Must abhor that which is evil.  See 1 Thess. 5:22; Rom. 12:9

a.     Anything that is unpleasing to God we must stay away from.

b.     If one abhors/abstains from evil he will not have any room for compromise and will live honorably before God.

4.    While abstaining from evil Notice Paul’s admonition in Rom. 12:9.  Cling (hold onto) what is good.  Don’t let go!

a.    We need to be willing not only to help ourselves in doing this but also helps others to cling to what is good.

b.    Honorable behavior is heeding what Paul wrote in Rom. 12:21.

 

IV.  Our Behavior is noticed by those Around us!

A.    Notice text: Christian’s conduct was going to be noticed by the Gentiles.

1.    Gentiles could be influenced for good by their actions.  The day of visitation meant that days of trial/persecution would be thrust upon them. (The Christians.)

a.    If they remained faithful through these things the Gentiles would see their faith and give God the glory.

2.    Perhaps it would influence them to obey God.

B.    Our conduct, behavior is observed by ALL that are around us!

1.    Don’t think of yourself as unimportant!  Don’t believe devil’s idea that what you say/do doesn’t matter.  NOT TRUE!

2.    Mt. 5:14-16 – we are the light of the world!  We are lights in the middle of darkness.

a.    Illustrate:  lights out on the plains.

b.    Jimmy Terry illustration.  Hide light – everyone still going to know b/c basket is going to burn up.

3.    Acts 4:13 – Peter/John standing up for the Lord.

a.        Noticed their boldness/dedication/desire.  Do people today see these things in us?

b.        Realized they were the way they were b/c of Jesus.  What about us?

4.    Col. 4:5-6 – important how we conduct ourselves.  Must at all times be an example for the Lord.

5.    1 Thess. 4:12 – walk properly to those who are on the outside.

C.   Do you realize that what you do/say is noticed by others?  We each are important.  It does matter what we do!

 

V.  Our Behavior may cause others to react negatively toward us!

A.    Again focus upon the term day of visitation in our text.

1.    Some gentiles would falsely accuse Christians, deliver them up to be persecuted, and if Christians came through those persecutions patiently & lawfully the Gentiles accusations would be proven false.

2.    When people react negatively to our good behavior/conduct let us use it as an opportunity to glorify God!

3.    We must not let persecution/trials discourage us from obeying/serving God.

a.    Mt. 5:11-12 – rejoice in suffering.

b.    1 Pet. 3:14-17 – Suffer for righteousness we are blessed.

c.     The suffering in this life is worth it!  Our reward is heaven.  Rev. 2:10

B.    What did enemies of the FC Christians accuse them of?

1.     Acts 17:6-7 – against the government.  Was this true?  Did it stop them?  How did they continue to act?

2.     Acts 19:23-29 – said Christians desecrated sacred things.  Did it stop them?  How did they continue to act?

3.     Acts 19:23-29 – said Christianity contributed to the loss of jobs. Was this true?  Did it stop them?  How did they continue to act?

4.     Acts 17:6 – said Christians were the cause of world problems.  Was it true?  Did it stop them?  How did they continue to act?

C.   In all cases they acted in a way that brought glory to God & thus many believed.

1.    Acts 17:34- men believed at Athens.

2.    Acts 19:20 – word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed!

D.   Don’t you believe that the same could/can be true today?  Certainly

1.    What if more Christians stood firm in their behavior and by that led more to Christ?

2.    What if I stood more firmly in my behavior to Christ?  Would more people respond?

 

VI. Conclusion.

A.     We have discussed behavior that is befitting a Christian.  How us your behavior?

1.     Is it what it needs to be?  Could it be better?  Are you affecting others negatively by the way you live?

2.     Think about your life and make sure that you are pleasing to God.

B.    Anyone here not a Christian?  If not, obey NOW.

1.    Christ died for you.  Take advantage of the gift that has been offered for you – upon your obedience.

2.    Don’t delay another moment!

C.    Already a Christian?  Be conscious of you behavior.  Make sure you are living right before the Lord.

D.    I N V I T A T I O N