1 Peter 2

Therefore – since we are born again, it is time to grow…

Lay aside – it means to strip off like removing our clothes

All – get rid of all things in our lives that are not pleasing to the Lord/make a definite break

WHAT ARE WE TO PUT AWAY?

1. Malice and guile (deception) – this is hurting someone…causing distress…put down

2. Hypocrisy  – means to be an actor

-they play the part of a Christian, but act totally different at times

3. Envies – jealous of what others have

4. Evil Speaking – attacking the character & reputation of people…to speak against

                        HOW DO WE LAY ASIDE THE WORKS OF THE FLESH?

*Taste and experience the Lord – this is spending time with Jesus

       When we taste the Lord daily, two things occur?

                  1. Who the Lord is

                  2. You will have victory over the flesh

1. WHEN WE TASTE THE LORD WE FIND OUT WHO THE LORD IS

a. The Lord is Gracious v3 – the Lord does not give us what we deserve. He takes action on our behalf and gives us His blessings, favor and goodness

b. The Lord is the Living Stone – v4

-it means He is full of life

-Jesus is alive today

-Jesus is life Himself – John 14:6

-it means He is our foundation

c. The Lord is Chosen – v4 – means a chosen out one

-Jesus has only chosen Jesus to be the Savior of the world

d. The Lord is precious – v4 – it means to be honored, highly valued and exalted

-Philippians 2:5-11 – Jesus is exalted above all other gods

2. WHEN WE TASTE THE LORD WE WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND HAVE VICTORY OVER THE FLESH – v2

a. God create humans in His image – one but three – body, soul & spirit

b. the flesh still lives within us even after we are saved

-the flesh is against the things of the Lord

-the flesh speaks

-the flesh dominates the unbeliever

c. most issues are flesh issues and demonic issues

d. the flesh is dominated when we walk in the Spirit – Gal 5:16 & Eph 5:18

1 Peter 2:2

newborn babes – this speaks of all born again believers

-babies have a desire for food

pure milk of the Word – this just speaks of spiritual nourishment

Desire – means to crave and long for greatly

-this is reading the Word, memorizing it and practicing the Word of God

1. Desiring the Word helps us to grow and mature spiritually

2. Desiring the Word is feeding your spirit

-whatever we feed grows

           ***as we feed our spirit the influence of the flesh decreases

           ***this must be done every day

-each believer is responsible and has a choice to walk in the Spirit or in the flesh

V4 – Coming to hIm – to be saved or to walk in the Spirit