Accomplishing Great Things

Introduction:

Do you know someone who was born to accomplish great things? All Christians have the potential to do some great things, but we often fail because we do not believe in ourselves or we listen to the one who discourages us from action.  Let us focus on the thoughts Peter presents concerning our faith and the reasons why we can be successful, if we will just believe. For example, Peter tells us…

I.               1:3-5 – We Have Been Born for Great Things

A.    1:3 - Through God’s abundant mercy we have been born again.

1.     The thought in this verse is that God’s mercy is plentiful.

a.     It is what enables us to live righteously.

B.    1:3 - Through His mercy He has allowed us to be born again.

1.     Jn. 3:3-6 - Concept of a new birth.

a.     Opportunity before us to have a “do-over.”

2.     Being born again provides three things…

a.     1:3 - Living hope – something to look forward to. Rom. 5:4-5; 8:24-25

b.     1:4 - An inheritance

c.     1:5 - Protected by God’s power

3.     Its purpose is to bring forth salvation at the conclusion of this life.

a.     God is on our side! He wants us saved!

II.             1:6-9 - Strong Faith Results from Trials

A.    Due to God’s mercy we are able to continue on, even in the face of trials.

1.     Our faith must be tested so that we can find out how strong we really are.  See James 1:2-4

2.     The result of our faith is to be found in our praise and glory of Jesus.

a.     1 Pet. 2:12 - All we do is to bring honor and glory to the Lord.

B.    The essence of faith is seen in the fact we follow someone we have not seen.

1.     John 20:29 – blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.

2.     John 14:15 - We have deep affection for Him as well.

a.     Our affection is shown by our obedience to God’s will.

b.     Joy – something only the Christian can enjoy.

3.     2 Tim. 4:6-8  As a result of our faith, we obtain eternal life.

a.     This is a reward for our work. See also 1 Peter 4:19

III.           1:10-12 - Salvation Reserved for You

A.    The salvation God provides has His plan from the very beginning.

1.     Prophets were curious as to how this would come about.

a.     Who was it? When would it happen?

B.    The purpose of God’s plan was revealed to us by the prophets.

1.     They served us and not themselves with their work.

a.     This revelation continued through the apostles.

Conclusion

A.    Salvation and eternal life can only be realized by our constant and firm faith in God.

B.    Where is your faith?