1 Peter 4:1-11 ESV
1Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1. Live like Christ suffered
1a. Strange Motivator - Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh
Romans 2:4 ESV
4Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
1 Peter 4:1-2 ESV
1Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
1b. Arm Yourselves
– with Christ’s attitude- Philippians 2, or Ephesians 6
– Greek- Arm- to equip with weapons
1c. Already wasted so much time
MH. p. 828. Vs 1-4 III. Observe 1.- When a man is truly converted, it is very grievous to him to think how the time past of his life has been spent; the hazard he has run so many years, the mischief he has done to others, the dishonor done to god, and the loss he has sustained are very afflicting to him.
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2. Live like you’ve been changed
1 Peter 4:3-6 ESV
3For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
2a. You used to participate
Anchor Bible- p. 117- The surprise of the heathen would scarcely make sense unless they had regular gatherings, in which the Christians had formerly participated.
Psalm 23:1 ESV
1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Matthew 10:39 ESV
39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
2b. You shouldn’t participate now
Not trying harder, -convinced of the utter sinfulness and devastation of sin
Wiersbe - p. 420 - We sometimes forget the bondage of sin and remember only the passing pleasures of sin.
Why God’s Supremacy is a motivator:
1. Bec. it’s the best path- even with suffering
2. Bec. He is King, Supreme Ruler and we will face Him someday
negative- He is a scarier and his consequences are harsher and longer than anything the world or peers can throw at me
positive- the promises- the glory of God, not fake, no shame
– God’s ways are not a burden, we live on promises
Reasonableness- an attitude of your mind, it makes sense- you have spent so much time serving satan, now serve God
Exercise in When Good Men Are Tempted by Bill Perkins pp.130-131— make 3 lists- Painful Consequences if I Continue, Painful Consequences if I Stop, Benefits of Purity to my relationships with God, my wife, my children, health, reputation, friends, self-image, finances, future
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2c. You will be misunderstood and persecuted for following Christ
– malign- Webster- to utter injuriously misleading or false reports about
2d. Gospel to the Spiritually Dead
Scripture doesn’t contradict scripture- NKJV Study Bible, p. 2123, 4:6-
1. Christ offering salvation to OT people
2. OT saints only allowed
3. believer now dead
4. spiritually dead- best one
Wiersbe- p. 420- If we do the will of God, then we will invest “the rest of our time” in that which is lasting and satisfying, but if we give into the world around us, we will waste “the rest of our time” and regret it when we stand before Jesus.
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3. Live like Christ is coming back
1 Peter 4:7-11a ESV
7The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies
– KJV- watch unto prayer/ CSB- be alert- Peter telling us to not do what he did
3a. Live Sober-Minded
2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
3b. Live in love - above all love - this is most important
Matthew 22:37-40 ESV
37And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
– this is as deep as it gets, spend the rest of your life trying to apply this one
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– earnestly love- NKJV- have fervent love for one another
Strongs- Greek 1618- without ceasing, fervent, from 1614- cast, put forth, stretch forth, stretch extend
The Bible Knowledge Commentary-p.853- an athlete who strains to win a race
– cover
Ephesians 4:32 ESV
32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Among yourselves- an extra measure of grace for other Christians
Proverbs 10:12 ESV
12Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
– hospitable
Matthew 25:35 ESV
35For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
– serve
– God gives everyone an ability to serve in some capacity, Eph.4, so your talent, money, time isn’t yours for you- it’s for others- you are a steward
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4. Live for His Kingdom - Worship/ Connect/ Serve
1 Peter 4:11b ESV
in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Colossians 3:17 ESV
17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
MH, p. 828 II. Learn, 2. All good Christians make the will of God, not their own lusts or desires, the rule of their lives and actions.
How can I honor God in this?
MH- p. 830 vv. 7-11 4. (2.)- Fourthly, in all duties and services of life we should aim at the glory of God as our chief end; all other views must be subservient to this, which would sanctify our common actions and affairs.
Live like you know the end
God is my main goal
1. bec. He is coming back
2. we’ve already waisted so much time
3. His suffering teaches and motivates us- kindness leads to repentance
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Conclusion -
– Do all unto God- live for His glory
– At the heart of what I do
– Is He your number 1?
– Is His kingdom your ultimate goal?
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“Your Love Awakens Me” – Phil Wickham
“Jesus Is Better” – Austin Stone Church
“O Come to the Altar” – Elevation Worship
“Build My Life” – Pat Barrett (feat. Chris Tomlin)
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