The Costliness of Salvation
(1 Peter 1:3–5, 13–19)

Scripture promises a living hope and an incorruptible inheritance in Christ, but it also calls for sober minds, holy conduct, and reverent devotion because we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ. Salvation is priceless grace that forms a costly, life-shaping commitment.

A popular mindset in our culture seeks maximum benefits for minimal investment. It shapes career expectations and, more dangerously, spiritual expectations. Many want every blessing of God at the lowest personal cost—grace without growth, promises without perseverance, and hope without holiness. This “too much candy for a nickel” mentality diminishes the cross and misunderstands discipleship.

Years of emphasizing responsibility have led some to believe salvation can be earned. That illusion breeds self-righteousness, heavy guilt, and hopelessness when perfection proves impossible. Others swing to the opposite extreme, insisting that one must simply “trust the Lord” while denying all spiritual responsibility. Both are wrong. Scripture holds grace and obedience together: we are saved by mercy, and that mercy produces grateful obedience (Ephesians 2:4–10; Titus 2:11). Faith that does not work in love is dead (James 2:17–24).

Meanwhile, materialism and sensualism crowd the heart. When possessions or pleasure become the highest priorities, God and others are displaced. This spirit infiltrates the church, tempting believers to blend Christianity with worldly pursuit. Yet a heart filled with “things” cannot be wholly set apart for God (1 Peter 1:14–16; 1 John 2:15–17).

Some expect great blessings for trivial effort. They assume that a few hours of assembly each week, an occasional prayer, or a casual Bible reading entitles them to forgiveness, strength, comfort, peace, and eternal life. But salvation requires more—minds girded for action, sober thinking, obedient living, and holiness grounded in reverence for the Lord (1 Peter 1:13–17).

Peter blesses God for new birth into a living hope through Jesus’ resurrection. Believers are heirs of an incorruptible, undefiled, unfading inheritance, kept in heaven for them. By God’s power, through faith, they are guarded for salvation ready to be revealed (1 Peter 1:3–5). These are not fragile wishes but resurrection-anchored certainties.

The prophets of old longed for the grace that we now experience. They foresaw a time of greater blessings, a covenant mediated by the Messiah. Great men like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel would have traded places with us to partake of the privileges now available in Christ (1 Peter 1:10–12).

Peter describes what redeemed people must do in response to such grace. We prepare our minds—rolling up our sleeves for thoughtful, active obedience. We live soberly, placing our full hope in Christ’s grace. We reject our former ignorance and pursue holiness because our Father is holy. We conduct ourselves in reverent awe, remembering that our redemption was purchased not with silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:13–19). Grace is free, but discipleship is costly; both belong together.

Allow me to note three problems that disturb me deeply.

Problem One: The Dilemma of Salvation’s Costliness
For years, we have emphasized godly obedience but left some believing they could earn salvation. That produces self-righteousness, guilt, and despair. Others, realizing salvation cannot be earned, swing to the opposite extreme—rejecting responsibility altogether. The truth lies in balance: salvation cannot be earned, but genuine faith expresses itself in gratitude, commitment, and obedience. Grace and obedience work hand in hand.

Problem Two: The Rise of Materialism and Sensualism
Many believers today live for physical comfort or pleasure rather than spiritual growth. The materialist lives for things; the sensualist lives for desire. Both displace God. Too many try to combine Christianity with these pursuits, deceiving themselves into thinking both can coexist. Jesus taught that no one can serve two masters.

Problem Three: Expecting “A Lot of Candy for a Nickel”
Too many Christians expect every spiritual blessing with little commitment. While we cannot buy God’s grace, remaining in that grace requires devotion. Can we truly expect forgiveness, continual cleansing, strength, comfort, and eternal life if we give God only convenience? That is “too much candy for a nickel.”

Peter’s message reminds us of the true cost of grace. Our hope rests on resurrection power. Our inheritance is incorruptible. Our lives are guarded by divine strength. Prophets longed for these privileges. But every blessing comes with a call to holiness and reverence. We are to prepare our minds for service, set our hope on Christ, live as obedient children, and remember the precious price paid for our redemption.

Being a Christian is both a priceless privilege and a serious responsibility. God’s grace cannot be earned, but it demands our full devotion. To treat salvation lightly—to expect all of heaven’s blessings for a nickel’s worth of effort—is to misunderstand the cross. God’s candy cost the blood of His Son. Let us therefore live with sober minds, grateful hearts, and holy lives, knowing that salvation’s price was paid in full but its call remains lifelong.

God’s Candy Costs More Than a Nickel Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction – The Illusion of Cheap Religion
Many in today’s world want maximum reward for minimum effort—“too much candy for a nickel.” This attitude has seeped into spiritual life. People desire all of God’s blessings while avoiding the responsibilities of discipleship.

Text: 1 Peter 1:3–5, 13–19

Main Idea: Salvation is God’s free gift through grace, but maintaining that grace demands full devotion, obedience, and holiness.

II. The Problems That Disturb the Church

A. Problem One – The Dilemma of Salvation’s Costliness

1. Misunderstanding obedience has led some to think salvation can be earned.

   • Romans 10:3 – Many seek to establish their own righteousness rather than submit to God’s.

   • Ephesians 2:8–9 – We are saved by grace, not by works of merit.

2. This produces several spiritual errors:

   • Self-righteousness: depending on personal goodness rather than grace.

   • Guilt: trying to achieve perfection and failing repeatedly.

   • Hopelessness: fearing God because of constant failure.

3. True salvation balances grace and obedience.

   • Titus 2:11–12 – Grace teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly.

   • James 2:17–24 – Faith without obedient action is dead.

    

B. The Danger of Misplaced Emphasis

1. Some react by denying any responsibility at all—“Just trust God.”

2. The result is spiritual negligence and moral complacency.

3. Philippians 2:12–13 – We must “work out” our salvation while trusting God who works within us.

4. Salvation involves cooperation: God’s grace provides the gift; our obedience demonstrates faith.

III. Problem Two – The Rise of Materialism and Sensualism

A. The Materialist Mindset

1. Prioritizes possessions, wealth, and comfort above all.

2. Matthew 6:19–21 – Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

3. 1 Timothy 6:9–10 – The love of money leads many away from faith.

4. Christians must see things as temporary and souls as eternal.

B. The Sensualist Mindset

1. Lives to satisfy appetites and desires.

2. 1 John 2:15–17 – The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life oppose the will of God.

3. Romans 8:5–8 – Those who live according to the flesh cannot please God.

4. Many attempt to blend Christianity with worldly living—an impossible mix.

IV. Problem Three – Expecting Great Blessings for Trivial Effort

A. The False Expectation

1. Believing we can have: forgiveness, continual cleansing, strength, prayer, comfort, and eternal life—while offering only token devotion.

2. Minimal assembly attendance, occasional prayer, or convenience-based study cannot sustain faith.

3. Revelation 3:15–16 – The lukewarm will be rejected.

B. The True Expectation

1. God’s grace requires our whole heart.

2. Romans 12:1–2 – Present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy to God.

3. Luke 9:23 – “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

V. Lessons from 1 Peter 1

A. Our Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3–5)

1. We are born again to a living hope through Christ’s resurrection.

2. Our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, unfading, and reserved in heaven.

3. God’s power guards the faithful through faith.

B. Our Spiritual Privileges (1 Peter 1:10–12)

1. The prophets longed to see what we now enjoy in Christ.

2. Great servants like Isaiah and Daniel would have traded places with us.

3. We live in the age of fulfilled promise—the kingdom of Christ.

C. The Price of Grace (1 Peter 1:13–19)

1. Prepare Your Mind for Action: “Gird up the loins of your mind” — be ready for service. Lazy thinking leads to careless living.

2. Be Sober-Minded: Take salvation seriously.

   • Ephesians 5:15–17 – Walk wisely, redeeming the time.

3. Set Your Hope Fully on Grace: Depend completely on Christ’s power, not personal strength.

   • Colossians 3:1–2 – Set your mind on things above.

4. Live as Obedient Children: Obedience becomes our identity. Reject the ignorance of former life.

   • Romans 6:17–18 – Obedience from the heart leads to righteousness.

5. Be Holy as God is Holy: Our conduct must reflect His purity.

   • Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16 – “Be ye holy, for I am holy.”

6. Remember the Price Paid: Redeemed not with gold or silver, but with Christ’s precious blood.

   • 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – You are bought with a price; glorify God in your body.

    

VI. The Response of Gratitude and Commitment

1. God’s grace is unearned, yet it calls for complete surrender.

2. Romans 6:3–4 – We are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to new life.

3. Hebrews 10:23–25 – Faithful assembly, encouragement, and endurance define committed believers.

4. A faith that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.

5. God’s candy costs more than a nickel—because salvation cost the blood of His Son.

Call to Action
Salvation is the most precious privilege God has given mankind. It cannot be earned, yet it demands our entire devotion. Let us prepare our minds, live soberly, obey sincerely, and walk in holiness. God’s grace is abundant, but it is never cheap. Commit your life to serve Him fully—because His candy cost the blood of His Son.

Key Takeaways
• Grace saves, but obedience shows faith (Ephesians 2:8–10; James 2:17–24).
• Materialism and sensualism destroy spiritual focus (1 John 2:15–17).
• Salvation calls for prepared minds and sober hearts (1 Peter 1:13–19).
• We are heirs of incorruptible inheritance (1 Peter 1:3–5).
• Prophets longed for what we possess in Christ (1 Peter 1:10–12).
• Holiness reflects our Father’s nature (1 Peter 1:16).
• Redemption cost Christ’s blood—therefore discipleship must cost us devotion (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Scripture Reference List
1 Peter 1:3–19 — Hope, inheritance, holiness, redemption.
Ephesians 2:4–10 — Salvation by grace, created for good works.
Titus 2:11–12 — Grace teaches righteousness and godliness.
James 2:17–24 — Faith perfected through obedience.
Matthew 6:19–21 — The danger of misplaced treasure.
1 Timothy 6:9–10 — The snare of materialism.
1 John 2:15–17 — The lust of the flesh and pride of life.
Philippians 2:12–13 — Working out salvation with reverence.
Romans 12:1–2 — Living sacrifice and transformed mind.
Luke 9:23 — Daily discipleship and self-denial.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — Bought with a price, glorify God.
Hebrews 10:23–25 — Faithfulness and perseverance.

Concluding thoughts:

How serious are you about being saved? Is salvation your life’s greatest pursuit? Have you prepared your mind to serve and your heart to obey? Holiness is not optional—it is the mark of a redeemed life. God’s blessings are abundant, but they demand total devotion. You cannot drift through life in casual faith and expect eternal reward. You cannot offer God a token of your time and claim the fullness of His grace. Salvation cost the blood of His Son—our response must be nothing less than our whole heart, our full obedience, and our lifelong commitment.

God’s candy cost more than a nickel.

Prepared by Pat Cowden of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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