The New Birth and the Call To Love Others 1 Peter 1:22-25 Christopher Patton Sermon Theme: Because we have been supernaturally born again from above, we must endeavor to earnestly love one another. I. Remember, and never forget, your life in Christ is truly a miracle! II. Remember that loving others is not an optional-extra for the Christian; it is essential. Questions for Discussion/Application: *Consider taking time to read 1 Peter 1:22-25 out loud. What initial insights or observations of the text do you have? *Overall how have this passage and this sermon encouraged and ministered you or perhaps convicted you? *Take a few moments to consider what we heard in the sermon regarding regeneration and the new birth. What is so glorious about this miracle God has done in our lives? What effect should considering this miracle have on us in our daily lives? *Chris said: “One of the things it is very easy for us as Christians inadvertently overlook and miss, is the glory and the wonder of what God in Christ has done for us in regenerating our hearts, causing us to be born again. A sad consequence: We can be vulnerable, at times, to minimizing, the power and the grace which is ours now, today in Christ, which enables us to live more godly lives and to love God and others far above what we tend to think is possible.” Do you see this dynamic at work at all in your own life? If so, how do you feel encouraged and challenged by this text and this sermon to grow? *Review the scriptures under the second application point “Remember that loving others is not an optional-extra for the Christian; it is essential.” How does considering again the biblical call to love others encourage and/or convict you? *In what ways can selfishness hinder us from showing biblical Christ-like love to one another? What expressions of selfishness do you see in your own life that by God’s grace, with God’s help you would like to seek to put to death? Note: Consider reviewing the questions in the Recap regarding various ways selfishness tends to be expressed. *Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help us to live in the good of the miracle of the new birth that has taken place in our lives. Pray also that God would help us, in the power of the Spirit, to be faithful to show Christ-like love to others.