Living Above Lust for the Glory of God - 1 Peter 2:11-12
Living above Lust
For the Glory of God
(1 Peter 2:11-12)
Relationship Preceeds Repsonsibility - Kuruvilla
Liberty and Legalism - J.I. Packer
The Sea Lion’s Heart - John Eldridge
Summary of Holiness - J.I. Packer
The World - J.I. Packer
Exiles on Mission - Paul S. Williams
For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.
INTRODUCTION: A Biblical Theology of Moral Purity
The Battle for Your Soul
Believers should actively make decisions in step with their identity.
Cultural Values: Our family values do not fit a “me first” culture. (2:11a).
Wrangling Desire: The real battle is the deep desires of your human nature (2:11b).
High Stakes: The very essence of who you are hangs in the balance (2:11c).
“Abstain” - άπέχω - to have or fully hold back, to have full control of
Lifestyle Evangelism
Our conduct impacts others in eternity.
Attention: Your “walk” talks louder than your “talk” talks! (2:12a).
Audience: The world is watching (2:12b).
Accountability: Eventually, everything comes into the light (2:12c).
“Keep” - έχω - to have or hold fast, have the resources ready for use
The way we live our lives and manage our deepest desires
has an impact on our very core identity
and has an influence on others and eternity.
“It’s simple, but it is hard.”
It's not hard because it's complex; it's because it's simple.
Marriage [and spiritual growth] are hard,
but it comes down to practicing a few simple things.
Simple doesn't mean easy. Often it's actually difficult.
Patrick Lencioni
Home Church Questions
Identity First:
Peter calls believers “sojourners and exiles” again in this passage. How does remembering your identity in Christ as distinct from the world change the way you view temptation and purity?The Real Battle:
Verse 11 says fleshly desires “wage war against the soul.” What are some ways you’ve seen corrupt desire shift from a momentary temptation into something that affects your spiritual vitality? It is a choice betwen life and death!“Abstain” as a Volitional Act of Self-Control:
The word “abstain” implies holding back fully—have real and full control. It is taking seriously that we are volitional beings. What does biblical self-control look like in real life (not just avoiding sin, but actively fighting)?Culture vs. Christ:
Where do you feel the strongest pressure from today’s “me first” culture? How does that pressure show up in what you consume, desire, or justify?Purity and a Winsome Witness:
Peter connects our conduct to evangelism. Why do you think the credibility of the gospel is often judged by the purity and character of Christians? Talk about why that should not matter, but it still does.When Accused Wrongly:
Verse 12 says unbelievers often harshly judge Christians as evildoers or at least believe we have a “Strange Religion”. How should Christians respond when we’re misunderstood or accused—especially in moral areas?Practical Next Step:
What is one daily habit (or weekly practice) that would help you “keep your conduct honorable” and strengthen your spiritual readiness this week?
UPG FOCUS: The Northern Zaza or Türkiye (Turkey)
The Northern Zaza are a Kurdish people group living in eastern Turkey who follow a unique form of Islam shaped by mysticism and older traditions. They have faced long-standing marginalization and currently have no known believers, though some gospel resources exist in their language. Pray that God would open hearts, reveal Christ to them, and send faithful workers to share the hope of the gospel.
Finances
Weekly Budget 34,615
Giving For 01/25 28,180
Giving For 02/01 378,325
YTD Budget 1,073,077
Giving 1,363,275
OVER/(UNDER) 290,198
Souper Sunday
Fellowship, we’re collecting food items for Bethlehem House TODAY! Needed items: hearty soups, canned chili, spaghetti sauce, Tuna Helper, canned meats, and Knorr brand pastas. A few cans or flats of these items would be greatly appreciated. If you aren’t able to bring your items today, you can drop them off directly at
Bethlehem House (1115 Parkway St.). Thank you for helping meet this need!
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Fellowship equipping - register at fellowshipconway.org/equipping
• Faithful and Fruitful is a five-week course designed to help you live with greater purpose, clarity, and faithfulness by stewarding the key areas God has entrusted to you. Starts today!
• Biblical Indispensable Relationships: Ever feel like navigating the relationships in your life is more like steering through a maze—where one friend or co-worker can push every button you have, and others leave you wishing for something deeper and more meaningful? You’re not alone. Join Michael Mercer for a transformative four-week journey into Biblical Indispensable
Relationships. This course starts next week, February 15th!
Fellowship Women’s Conference - Choosing Faith over Fear
Join us February 21 from 9:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. for a meaningful day as women from our church share powerful stories of choosing faith over fear. You’ll be encouraged, equipped with practical resources for life’s storms, and reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Cost: $25 (includes lunch). Register at fellowshipconway.org/women. For childcare, please text Shanna at 501-336-0332. Registration & childcare deadline is February 15.
Fellowship Youth & College Silent Auction | march 8 | 4 pm - 6pm
Join us for a fun evening supporting our mission trips to Arlington, TX, and the Czech Republic! Bid on baked goods, service certificates, gift baskets, overnight stays, and more. Light refreshments provided. Childcare available for ages 6 and under by request (contact Shanna 501-336-0332).
Fellowship Men’s Muster
Men’s Muster is April 17-19, 2026. Senior Teaching Pastor, Chris Moore, will be our speaker, and the weekend promises to be great for growing spiritually and connecting deeply with other men. Cost is $135 or $85 for a college/High School student. If money is an issue, please check the “contact me” button. We will reach out to see what you are able to pay. Register at fellowshipconway.org/men
Fellowship Men’s Ministry Game Night
Men, this night is for you. Bring your favorite game and snacks, kick back, and get ready for some friendly competition. Men’s Game Night is Friday, February 27, from 6-9 p.m. at the church. If you want a little taste of what Men’s Muster is like, here’s your chance.
Ash Wednesday | February 18 | 7 am - 7 pm
We are opening a space in the second-floor Fireside Room for prayer and confession Wednesday, February 18, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to prepare our hearts for celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. This is a drop-in, self-directed prayer, confession, and reflection time. We have prompts to help you if you desire. Feel free to sit before the Lord as long as you want. Access the stairwell that leads up to the entrance on the back lot that faces the basketball goal and Grace Methodist Church.