1. In these verses Peter was teaching Christians how to live, including positive and negative instructions. 2. Notice how "holiness" is emphasized in vs.15-16. 3. To motivate us to live properly we are reminded of the price that was paid for our redemption. a. According to vs.18, we were not redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold. b. Rather, vs.19 teaches that "the precious blood of Christ" makes redemption possible. 4. In our lesson we are studying passages that show why "the blood of Christ is precious." 5. Before we do so, let us first point out that . . . Discussion: I. GOD HAS ALWAYS CONSIDERED BLOOD TO BE SPECIAL
A. God was highly displeased when Cain shed Abel's blood (Genesis 4:10-12). B. God commanded man to abstain from eating blood (Genesis 9:4). C. God commanded capital punishment for those who shed blood (Genesis 9:5-6). D. The patriarchs presented blood offerings to God as they worshiped, including: 1. Abel (Genesis 4:4) 2. Noah (Genesis 8:20-21) 3. Abraham (Genesis 22:13). E. God commanded the Israelites to put blood around and over the doors of their homes so He would "pass over" them (Exodus 12:7, 12-13). F. Although the Israelites presented animal sacrifices to God on a regular basis, a special offering was made on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-30). G. While God has always considered blood to be special in a general sense, . . . II. THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
A. Jesus shed His blood when He was crucified (John 19:33-34). B. Jesus shed His blood "for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:27-28). 1. "Remission" requires the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). 2. However, animal blood cannot remove sin (Hebrews 10:4). 3. Jesus offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 10:12). C. Jesus' blood provides continual cleansing for His followers (1 John 1:7, 9). D. Jesus purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28). Conclusion:
1. The Scriptures clearly show why "the blood of Christ is precious." 2. It is by the Lord's blood that we are redeemed and receive the remission of sins. 3. Peter continued in 1 Peter 1:22-23 by showing when our souls are purified by the Lord's blood. 4. Have you received this special blessing?
