Sermons

This outline continues a series preached in 2002. If I were going to preach this one again, I would probably simplify the outline. Too many outline levels gets confusing. In any case, it’s usually best not to enumerate out loud any deeper than the top level points of an outline, other than maybe the occasional quick list.

Introduction

The old adage says “When in Rome, do as the Romans.” Scripture teaches differently: When in Rome, be winsome strangers. From our study of 1 Peter 1, we know that believers are displaced strangers (1 Pet. 1:1), beloved strangers (1 Pet. 1:2), and born again strangers (1 Pet. 1:3). We find in our text that we must also be winsome strangers.

This outline continues a series preached in 2002. For my own edification (and hopefully yours), I’ve restudied the passage and made some improvements to the outline.

Introduction

Worship has been a controversial topic in recent years. In some ways, the degree of controversy is a good thing: much of it arises from people genuinely striving to do what they believe to be God’s desire—that is, to properly honor God’s name and, at the same time, properly involve and engage God’s people in that activity.

Clearly, much of the controversy has also arisen from philosophies of ministry or outreach that, among other errors, improperly relate the interests and desires of the lost or immature to the worship life of the local church.

Peter’s teaching in this portion of 1 Peter is an excellent corrective. It helps us frame the question of acceptable worship correctly, understand the bigger picture, and ask the right questions to evaluate our present-day options.