1 Peter 1:3-15 (NLT): “3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. A Call to Holy Living: 13 So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways 

of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.” (Bible Gateway)

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NLT): “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 

5 Things Peter Exhorted Believers Concerning Their Salvation:

Prepare Your Minds for Action

Exercise Self-Control

Live As An Obedient Child

Don’t Slip Back To Old Ways

Be Holy In Everything You Do

Have You Ever Heard the Phrase: “Actions Speak Louder Than _______.” (Words). It’s true, your actions speak more than you know. People get confused when what we say doesn’t line up with what we do. Your Actions Will Eventually Express Your Priorities. Motivations Create Movement; Conscience Is the Compass for Most People. Ambitions Are What Generally Create Actions. They Are Why David Prayed and Penned: “Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me…” Psalms 51:10-12 (KJV). His Actions Lowered His Altitude. 

Do You Know Someone Who Named Their Kid —–> Judas? There Are Plenty of People Named “Jesus” But Not So Many Named “Judas.” Why? 

       Because Attitudes Determine Actions and Actions Determine Altitude. It Is the Ripple Effect

Matthew 26:8-13 (NLT): “The disciples were indignant when they saw this. ‘What a waste!’ they said. 9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.’ But Jesus, aware of this, replied, ‘Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.’” 

While “Jesus” Was Getting Anointed, “Judas” Was Getting Angry. Matthew 26:16 (NLT): “From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.” Judas wasn’t forced into betrayal—he initiated it!!! You have to make up your mind: Do you want to be like Jesus or like Judas?

We Must Guard Ourselves Because Sin and Pride Are Aggressive and Progressive. The Ripple Effect of Sin and Pride: Pride Causes Irritability, Dissatisfaction, Pain and Anger; Pride Leads to Jealousy and Secrecy; Pride Ends In Sin and Separation.

               Following Jesus Is The Only Answer To Getting Rid of Sin and Never Becoming a Judas

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