Sermon Central
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Are We Committed? Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Apr 16, 2015 (message contributor)
Summary: If we have accepted the name of Christ as our own, it means we have repented of our sins, given up our desires and our preferences and submitted fully to Him. Are we submitted to Him or still trying to live fulfilling our own selfish needs?
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Are we committed?
1 Peter Sermon Series, Part 12
1 Peter 4:12--19
Introduction
- Peter now ties these two chapters (sufferings of Christ and living for Him)
-- There is a huge implication here about adopting the same attitude as He did
-- He suffered, was broken, and died because of the things we had done
-- APP: Implication is: Are we living to serve others in a like-manner?
- How do we do this?
• Have the same perspective on suffering that Jesus did
• We’ve spent enough time living in sin – abandon it
• God will judge sin and we should live for Him
- Peter’s writing/command here is simple … will we apply it to our lives?
- Then Peter writes to the church about living/worshiping corporately together:
• These just leapt of the page at me when I read this section:
• Since the end is near, live intentional towards others
• Use your spiritual gifts to serve, rather to gain
• As you serve others, God gets the glory
- IMP: This is how a church draws closer together; how we strengthen one another
-- HUGE: It’s also how a body of believers draws non-Christians to them
- Read 1 Peter 4:12-19
∆ Point 1 – Don’t be Surprised
- Peter’s words of encouragement here really hit us where we live (v11)
-- Often times, we are so focused on life that we lose sight of the ultimate goal
- The goal of a Christian is to: Exalt and proclaim Christ to all we meet
-- It really is that simple! We are to be about His business in all we do
- Dear friends (he is writing to the church; to those called to the same cause
-- Do not be surprised … most today are appalled that there are rough times
-- Those who think Christianity would be easy are fooling themselves
-- Re: Jesus was killed for His faith; murdered for proclaiming the truth
-- APP: This death however brought us redemption and was necessary
- We can’t live our lives thinking that it will always be roses and sunshine
-- Peter tells us to not be surprised; it’s not something strange happening
-- Peter himself was martyred for the faith; knowing He would die for Christ
- He tells us to stand up, to concentrate, to live upright and holy; proud of Him
-- We should rejoice (v13) that we are considered worthy to suffer as well
- Why? Peter’s words really are the key to our success here:
- Participate: koinōneite, literally that we have shared in
- Sufferings: pathēmasin, to identify closely with one’s pain (re: crucifixion)
- Overjoyed: charēte, means to rejoice, to celebrate
- Glory is revealed: apokalypsei, refers to a revelation; to uncover/reveal
- It is in the identification that we find GREAT honor and blessing
-- To be counted among those who suffer is to rejoice because you are His!
- TRANS: Peter says to REJOICE when these things happen! Why?
∆ Point 2 – Suffer Well for Him!
- What Peter writes next ought to be EXTREMELY important to all of us
-- It is more than a battle cry; it is more than a simple “cheer” for good news
-- IMP: It is a LIFE application that extends beyond our thoughts and into eternity
- Re-read v14-16
- Peter says that we ought to have a DESIRE to know Him in all things
- Phil 3:10, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death”
- This includes when the insults come and the nonsense begins
-- Not just everyday stuff, but the deep spiritual stuff (like being mocked for Him)
- V14: If you are insulted … it is a GOOD thing!
- V15: If you suffer: it is NOT because you are being punished like a criminal
- V16: Suffer as a Christian b/c you bear HIS name, not your own
- 2 Cor 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
- We are no longer our own, it is a revelation of FREEDOM for all in Christ
-- Peter knew this INTIMATELY – he was a denier who was STILL redeemed
-- He was restored b/c he bore the name of Christ; in Him was no guilt
-- APP: It is why he can write to us to openly and without worry of “society”
- v16 ought to really fire us up in today’s culture: “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
- We should praise God when we stand up for what is right
