Looking Up

August 7, 2005  A.D.

Looking Up

The Apostle Peter led of the Holy Spirit has written many profound truths so far as we have learned in this first epistle and we have so far been well blessed. In this lesson, Pastor Landis is teaching the saints to focus their minds on the goal of the Christian life and not on the persuits of the world. Listen and learn the technique and benefits of “Looking Up” in a hostile world.

Old Testament Scripture Reading: Psalms 23:1 – 6  (KJV)
Psa 23:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psa 23:2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psa 23:3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psa 23:4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psa 23:5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Psa 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
New Testament Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:15 – 25  (NASB)
1 Pet 2:15  For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
1 Pet 2:16  Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.
1 Pet 2:17  Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
1 Pet 2:18  Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.
1 Pet 2:19  For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.
1 Pet 2:20  For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
1 Pet 2:21  For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,
1 Pet 2:22  WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;
1 Pet 2:23  and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
1 Pet 2:24  and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
1 Pet 2:25  For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
Transforming Power Statements:

#1) The actions of a true Christian are to be those which model the teachings and example of Christ Jesus, which teachings are contrary to the behaviors that the world practices, being led about by fleshly impulse, rather than godly principle.

#2) God finds pleasure in us when we endure suffering in the likeness of Jesus, for His sake as we represent Him in our corporate fellowship, in our communities and in the work place, because we are learning to live our lives “looking up” rather than “looking around”.

#3) “Looking Up” was the means by which Jesus was able to endure all that was required to accomplish perfect salvation for all who live “looking up” placing their trust in Him and no one else.
 
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