Our Spiritual Appetite
2003017
Subject: spiritual growth
Introduction:
A.
1 Pet. 1:22
– those to whom Peter’s letter had been addressed were reminded they had
purified their so8uls through obedience to the truth.
1.
1:23 – born
again…through the enduring word of God.
2.
They had become
God’s children.
B.
Because of being
a part of God’s family – their spiritual appetite was to change –
for the better.
1.
The life of a
Christian should stand in sharp contrast to the person in the world.
2.
This contrast has
to begin somewhere – and he instructs them accordingly in 2:2-3
C.
Christians ARE
expected to grow. A proper
appetite is necessary for good strong growth.
1.
2 Pet. 3:18
2.
Col. 2:6-7
D.
Where are our
priorities? How is our
appetite? Are we hungry for
spiritual growth?
1.
Yes…we’re busy! Yes…there’s not much time to “balance
it all out!”
2.
Yes…we have the
best of intentions. Yes…we’re
going to “get around to it…” (but
then never do)
E.
How can I
increase my appetite for spiritual things?
1.
By decreasing my
appetite for the things I engaged in before becoming a Christian!
2.
This expressed in
2:1
I. They were to lay aside all malice.
A. Malice – “badness in quality”
1. ASV: “wickedness” here.
2. Thayer: malignity; malice;
ill-will; desire to injure.
3. Wickedness;
depravity; evil; trouble
B.
This appetite is
deadly! It only gives the devil an
opportunity to work against us and impede our spiritual progress.
II. They were to lay aside all guile.
A.
Thayer: guile means “craft; deceit; &
guile.”
1.
Literally…to
bait, snare, or to exhibit craftiness.
2.
We’re to put such
attitudes away!
B.
Remember…we’re to
be like Jesus! 2 :21-22; John 1:47
C.
Possession of
this kind of spirit – TOTALLY incompatible to be a Christian – 1
Pet. 3:10
III. They were to lay aside their
appetite for hypocrisies.
A.
Hypocrisy nothing
more than play-acting or pretending.
B.
We are to be real
& genuine.
1.
Gal. 3:26-27
– clothe yourself in Christ.
2.
He should be seen
in us! Mt. 5:14-16. We are a reflection of Him!
D.
Hypocrisy is a
detestable thing.
1.
No one likes one.
2.
Mt. 23:1-3
E.
And yet…we fall
prey to this so easily. Easy to
hold others to a higher standard than self.
1.
We need to get
busy serving God. Living UP to the
standard our selves.
IV. They were to lay aside envy.
A.
This is the
feeling of displeasure over the success or prosperity of others.
1.
People of the
world feast on this!
2.
Contrast this to
Phil. 2:3-4
B.
Confusion and
every evil work follow envy – Js. 3:14-15
C.
Must be laid
aside.
V. They were to lay aside evil speaking.
A.
Ill will
expressed here. Same word
translated “back biting” in 2 Cor. 12:20.
1.
Word also used in
1 Pet. 2:12 in describing the behavior of those not Christians.
2.
See also Eph.
4:30-31. This kind of stuff
grieves the Holy Spirit.
B.
This is something
we cannot tolerate. Can’t put up with it.
1.
Some: “well…that’s just the way I am.” Like
it’s a “badge of honor…”
2.
Must be laid
aside to be pleasing to Christ.
VI. We must adopt a taste for the milk
of the word.
A.
The things we
have discussed to this point are nothing more than “fleshly lusts.” 1 Pet. 2:11
1.
They war against
the soul. We’re in a battle. Fought daily.
B.
2:2 – must
have a taste for better things as Christians!
1.
Shouldn’t we
desire these things more?
C.
Jesus mentions
the importance of desire – Mt. 5:6 Where is our desire?
1.
We’ll become so
much better when we focus on our spiritual needs – Phil. 4:8
2.
It must become
the most important thing in life! GOTTA have it!
3.
Think of OT
attitudes: Psa. 119:97-98;
103-104; Psa. 1:1-6
Conclusion:
A.
Is it time for
examination w/you?
B.
What do you
hunger/thirst after?
C.
I N V I T A T I O
N