Big Idea: We are commanded to be careful how we conduct ourselves in this life, out of reverence and love for our Heavenly Father. We must hold the tension of trusting the Lord’s work in us while also living in the fear of the Lord. 1. The ____________ of our Father.1 Peter 1:17 (ESV) — 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,Proverbs 3: 11-12 (ESV) — 11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.Impartial = without respect of persons.Jerimiah 17:10, Proverbs 21:2 1 Samuel 16:7He has not saved us that we might be happy as we are. Rather, He has saved us so that we might become like Him in holiness.2. The ________ nature of this life.1 Peter 1:17 (ESV) — 17 conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,If we recognize the exilic nature of our lives here, we will better be able to live in view of our rightful King and permanent state in the Kingdom of heaven.Hebrews 11:13 3. The _____________ price of our redemption. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV) — 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.The price paid to redeem us from our sinful way of life is far too precious to ignore. It is far too precious to continue living as if nothing has changed in us. We have been redeemed by the blood of Christ!1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV) — 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in-God.All of our Christian life is to the credit and glory of God. The planning of redemption, the work of redemption on the cross, the resurrection, the ascension, and yes, even the belief we have as children of God are all accomplished by God. Because of this, we put our faith and hope in God.Questions to Consider- Is there an area of your life where you are tempted to live carelessly? In what ways is God specifically calling you to into fearful living?- Do you view yourself as an exile in this world? How can you better live as one who is a citizen of Heaven?- Read Hebrews 12. Meditate upon the truth that God is our Father and Judge. How does that lead you into deeper worship of Him?- How can you refresh yourself in Christ this week?
