Date written: February 1st, 1997 (Revised October 26th, 2003)
Scripture ref: 1 Peter 2:9
SUBJECT: Attitudes
TITLE: Attitudes of the Chosen Generation
Type: Topical/Expository
PROPOSITION: To have the attitude of the chosen generation, we must 1) Be proactive 2) Be positive 3) Be Humble.
OBJECTIVES: The hearer should be able to understand and show proactivity, confidence, and humility in a balanced manner.
AIM: I want the listener to be motivated to service in a proactive, confident, but humble way.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: 1 Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light"
2. About the Text:
1) Christians are special to God.
2) They are chosen, royal, holy.
3) They are for God's possession for a purpose.
4) Purpose: Exemplify excellencies of God.
3. Reference to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION:
I. Be Proactive
1. Proactive means acting before you are acted upon.
1) Many let life happen to them.
2) James 4:17 "Therefore to him that . . . ."
2. Bible is full of proactive language
1) Mat.5:16 "Let your light shine!"
2) Mat.7:7-12 Ask, Seek, Knock, Do!
3) Mat.22:37-39 Love God and neighbor.
4) Prayer is most proactive thing we can do! Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
3. Joseph
II. Be Confident--Hebrews 13:6 "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Our confidence is in the Lord to help us, not ourselves!
1. The early church wanted boldness--Acts 4:29 "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word"
2. We have no reason to fear man--Mat.10:28 "Fear not them that are . . . ."
3. God is our helper--Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
4. Phil.4:13 "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengtheneth me!"
III. Be Humble
1. Humility prevents us from being over confident.
2. Passages on humility.
1) Luke 9:48 ". . .for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great."
2) Mat.5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
3) Heb.11:25 "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season"
3. John 13:4ff
CONCLUSION:
1. To have the attitude of the chosen generation we must . . .
1) Be Proactive
2) Be Confident
3) Be Humble
2. Invitation
1) Are you part of the chosen generation today?
2) Have you forgotten that you are a part of this generation?
3) If you are not a Christian this morning . . .
a. Hear the word; Romans 10:17 "Faith comes by hearing . . ."
b. Believe with all your heart; Hebrews 11:6 "For without faith it is impossible . . . ."
c. Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30).
d. Confess Jesus as the Son of God (Matt.16:16).
e. Be Baptized for the remission of your sins (Mark 16:15,16).
