Take Care How We Behave

by Garry Floyd

Scripture Reading: I Peter 2:12–25

 

Central Theme

As believers in Christ, we are called to humble ourselves, examine ourselves, and behave ourselves so that our conduct glorifies God and does not become a stumbling block to others.

Introduction

• The world watches how Christians live.
• Our conduct either draws people toward Christ or pushes them away from Him.
• Peter reminds believers to live honorably among unbelievers, even in difficult circumstances.
• Christianity is not merely what we profess with our mouths, but what we display through our behavior.

Key Thought:
Before God can use us publicly, we must submit ourselves privately.

1. Humble Yourself

Key Scriptures

• Matthew 18:1–4 — “Who is the greatest?”
• Matthew 18:5–6 — Protecting the “little ones.”
• Luke 17:1 — Temptations will come
• Luke 17:1 — “Woe to the one through whom they come.”
• Luke 22:22 — Judas’ betrayal
• I Corinthians 8:9–12 — “But take care...”

Main Points

1. Greatness in God’s Kingdom Requires Humility

• Matthew 18:1–4 The disciples sought status; Jesus pointed to childlike humility.
• Spiritual maturity is not measured by prominence but by surrender.

1. Our Behavior Affects Others

• Matthew 18:5–6 Jesus warned against causing “little ones” to stumble.
• Luke 17:1 Temptation exists in the world, but we are accountable for how we influence others.

1. Judas Is a Warning Example

• Luke 22:22 God’s sovereign plan did not excuse Judas’s sinful choices.
• Judas’ downfall was fueled by:
  • Greed
  • Selfish ambition
  • Hypocrisy
  • Emotional isolation
• Sin tolerated internally eventually manifests externally.

1. Christian Liberty Must Be Governed by Love

• I Corinthians 8:9–12 “Take care” how you use your freedom.
• Wounding another believer’s conscience is ultimately a sin against Christ Himself.

Application Questions

• Is my behavior helping others toward Christ or away from Him?
• Have pride or selfish ambition quietly entered my heart?
• Am I careless with the spiritual influence God has given me?

Transition Question: If humility guards our outward behavior, then what guards our inward condition?

1. Examine Yourself

Key Scriptures

• II Corinthians 13:5 — “Examine yourselves.”
• Lamentations 3:40–42 — “Test and examine our ways.”
• Galatians 6:3–4 — Testing one’s own actions
• Galatians 6:7–8 — Reaping and sowing

Main Points

1. Self-Examination Is a Spiritual Discipline

• 2 Corinthians 13:5 The Christian life requires honest reflection.
• Lamentations 3:40–42 God calls us to evaluate our faith, motives, and actions.

1. Pride Distorts Self-Perception

• Galatians 6:3–4: We often compare ourselves to others rather than to God’s standard.
• Galatians 6:7–8 Spiritual arrogance blinds us to personal weakness.

1. What We Sow Determines What We Reap

• Sin has consequences.
• Spiritual investment produces spiritual fruit.
• Fleshly living eventually produces corruption.

1. Examination Leads to Restoration - Lamentations 3:40–42

• Lamentations calls people to examine themselves so they can return to God.
• Conviction is not condemnation; it is an invitation back to fellowship.

Application Questions

• What spiritual habits am I sowing into daily?
• Am I more focused on others’ faults than my own growth?
• Is there anything in my life that needs repentance and restoration?

Transition Question: After humbling ourselves and examining ourselves, what should transformed living actually look like?

III. Behave Yourself

Key Scriptures

• I Timothy 4:12 — “Set the believers an example.”
• Titus 2:7–8 — “Model of good works.”
• I Peter 2:6–9 — Believers vs. unbelievers
• Romans 10:8–11 — “Be not ashamed.”

Main Points

1. Believers Are Called to Be Examples

• I Timothy 4:12 Christianity is visible.
• Our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity should reflect Christ.

1. Godly Conduct Silences Opposition

• Titus 2:7–8 Titus teaches that sound behavior puts opponents to shame.
• Integrity is one of the strongest testimonies a believer possesses.

1. Christians Are Distinct People

• I Peter 2:6–9 Peter describes believers as:
  • A chosen generation
  • A royal priesthood
  • A holy nation
• We are called out of darkness to display God’s marvelous light.

1. Never Be Ashamed of the Gospel – Romans 10:8–11

• The Word must be in both our hearts and mouths.
• Bold faith requires consistent behavior.
• A compromised lifestyle weakens gospel witness.

Application Questions

• Would others see Christ through my daily conduct?
• Does my speech strengthen or weaken my testimony?
• Am I boldly living for Christ without shame?

Conclusion

Three Calls for Every Believer

1. Humble Yourself — Guard against pride and becoming a stumbling block.
2. Examine Yourself — Honestly, evaluate your spiritual condition.
3. Behave Yourself — Live as a visible example of Christ.

Closing Challenge

The Christian life is not perfected overnight, but believers must continually take care in their behavior. The world may never read the Bible, but they will read the lives of those who claim to follow Christ.

Closing Scripture

I Peter 2:12
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable…”