Earnestly Desiring the Word 1 Peter 2:1-3 Jeremy Bell The gospel lays claim to our spiritual wardrobe. What we once did and said are no longer fitting for us as God’s children. And we’re called to put that stuff off, to put it away, to get rid of it out of our lives. And we’re called by the grace of God to put other things on — things that fit us as God’s children. I. Put off the old clothing of selfishness (verse 1) II. Put on the new clothing of the Word (verse 2) III. Remember the sweetness of your salvation (verse 3) Practical Suggestions: *Rehearse the gospel regularly. *Fight with faith for change. *Ask God to help you develop a deeper taste for the Word. *Get on a good Bible reading plan. *Come eager to discuss the Word at Care Group. Questions for Discussion/Application: *Consider taking time to read 1 Peter 2:1-3 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? *Re-read verse 1. Ask someone to re-read the entire recap under point #1 above. How does this point land on you? What are some of the consequences believer’s might expect to experience if the fail to seek to put away these various sins? How can a failure to put to death these sins, in God’s power and in His strength, do damage to marriages, families, local churches? *In that list, which of those sins most stands out to you as perhaps a particular temptation for you personally that you feel your own need in a specific way to be on guard against? *Look at the list of verse 1 again. What are the godly virtues that are the opposite of the ones listed, that we do well to cultivate as believers (i.e. love is the opposite of malice)? How can we grow in cultivating those virtues? *Please re-read the recap under point #2. How does this point land on you? How do you want to grow personally in truly delighting in the pure milk of God’s Word? What would growth look like for you personally? What obstacles do you currently face in seeking to grow in this way and how do you feel your need for prayer in this area? *Please re-read the recap under point #3 above. How have you personally tasted and seen that the Lord is good? *Consider taking time to pray, thanking God for his goodness and asking God to fill us with His Spirit and help us to change and grow.