Sermons
Like Newborn Babes
Like Newborn Babes
1 Pet. 1:22-2:3
Introduction:
1. The value of the word of God cannot be overstated.
2. It is our source of life.
3. While flesh is like grass that withers, the word of God is enduring, continuing to provide us with life (1 Pet. 1:22-25).
4. Founded upon the enduring, life-giving benefit of the word, Peter admonishes us to “put aside,” “to long for” and “to grow.” So, there is a transformative effect associated with taking in the word of God.
5. What are these things that are to be put away? Why does Peter imply our immaturity and call on us to grow?
Discussion:
I. Things to be put aside (2:1).
A. Since God has reached out and accomplished our regeneration (new birth)
through His kindness (chrēstós) we should live accordingly.
1. It is His kindness that leads to repentance (Rom. 2:4).
2. It is His kindness that creates the transformation (Titus 3:4).
B. The word translated “put aside” (apotíthemi) in NASB is a word that often refers to
the taking off and laying aside of clothes (cf. Acts 7:58).
1. It is used of the lay aside of the deeds of darkness (Rom. 13:12).
2. Laying aside the old self (Eph. 4:22) and falsehood (Eph. 4:25).
3. Putting aside anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive speech (Col. 3:8).
4. Lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles (Heb. 12:1).
5. Putting aside filthiness and wickedness (James 1:21).
C. Peter says, “Put aside . . .”
1. Malice (2549, kakia) evil, ill-will. Synonymns: hatefulness, maliciousness,
meanness, spitefulness. This person is out to get you. If there is a bad
construction they can put on a situation that’s the way they will interpret it.
Frequently joined with grumbling, bitterness and envy (1 Cor. 5:8; Eph. 4:31;
Col. 3:8; Titus 3:3; James 1:21).
2. Deceit (1388, dólos) comes from the idea of baiting, making things attractive,
but trapping. Things are not the way they seem. To act with ulterior motives.
Insincerity. Cf. Matt. 26:4—“stealth.”
3. Hypocrisy (5272, hupokríseōs), meaning to pretend. False prophets
pretended to give the message of God. Here is one who pretends to be your
friend to take advantage of you. Genuineness is demanded.
4. Envy (5355, phthónos). Envy, jealousy, pain feltand malignity conceived at
the sight of excellence or happiness. This is the grandmother who observes
another thrilled with a new grandbaby and says, “Hump! You’d think that was
the only grandbaby in the world!”
5. Slander (2636, katalalía)—to speak evil of, synonymous with blasphemy,
backbiting, cutting the other down rather than speaking well of them.
D. Note that it is not paganism, gross immorality and idolatry that are specific
here, but the relationship vices that destroy Christian unity. Of course, the
things enumerated here are not the only sins to be put off. Paul gives such lists
in Rom. 1:28ff; Gal. 5:16ff; Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:5ff.
II. Desire the pure milk of the word like a newborn baby (2:2).
A. We are familiar with how newborn babies desire their milk. We know the intensity
of their crying and demanding to be fed. It is imperative that they be fed.
B. They actively seek to be fed. It is not a passive receiving. Parents don’t beg
newborns to be fed.
C. 1 Cor. 3:1-2 and Heb. 5:13 identify milk as basic to new Christians. In these
contexts, these Christians should be beyond milk, but here in 1 Peter there is no
negative tone. Milk is appropriate.
D. “Pure” milk is necessary. It is not to be adulterated or corrupted (cf. Eph. 4:14-
15).
III. “That you may grow” (2:2b).
A. Growth is natural and normal. Birth is only the beginning of the process.
B. Baptism is good, but it is unhealthy if growth does not occur. Christianity is not a
static circumstance. Sometimes people are baptized and expect that that is
“goal accomplished.”
C. Baptism marks the beginning of the life that is designed to culminate in full
maturity (Rom. 5:4; 13:11; 1 Cor. 1:28; Eph. 4:11ff).
D. To have tasted the kindness of God (cf. Psa. 34:8) and then neglect it results in
weakness and ultimately death. We hear much today about eating disorders of
various kinds. Tasting the kindness of God and refusing nourishment is an
eating disorder of the worst variety (Heb. 6:4-6).
Conclusion:
1. Are you like a newborn baby in your desire for the word?
2. Have you put aside the destructive vices necessary?
3. Are you growing as a healthy Christian should?
