Be Prepared Series

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” -- John Wooden

Have you ever asked, “How am I going to make it in this world?” Or a similar question. We are going to be looking into how we can live in this world over the next couple of weeks. 1 Peter 1:13-16, I believe helps us understand more how we are to live in the world.

1. Be ready.

a. ἀναζωσάμενοι – (aorist middle participle ἀναζωσάμενος) an idiom, literally ‘to bindup the loins of the mind. To prepare oneself for learning and thinking – ‘ to get one’s mind ready for action, to be ready to learn and to think, to be alert.’ The word refers to the habit of the Orientals, who quickly gather up their loose robes with a girdle or belt when in a hurry or starting on a journey. This is because the easterners’ long flowing robes would impede physical activity unless tucked under the belt.

b. Hebrews 12:1-2 1Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

c. What is it that is keeping you from moving in your life? How can you begin to get it out of your way? Can you tuck it away? Can you put it aside? Or are you just focused on the wrong thing.

d. When you get ready in the morning what do you do? Does it involve time to get Spiritually prepared for your day? If so how much, a quick prayer, a little verse, listen to minister on radio,….

e. We need to make sure our eyes are fixed on Christ!!

TRANSITION: During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized. “Well,” said the Director, “we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask him/her to empty the bathtub.” Oh, I understand,” said the visitor. “a normal person would use the bucket because it;’s bigger than the spoon or the teacup.” “No.” said the Director, “a normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?” I think we are a lot like the visitor, because we only see what is directly in front of us.

2. Keep Your Eyes Open.

a. We need to train ourselves to look beyond what is in front of us. But try to see what the outcome of our actions will be.

b. Too often I think we are like David in 2 Samuel 11.

i. We see something we want and we just take it or jump into it without thinking about the cost.

ii. Then we try to create environment where someone else can take the fall.

iii. Then we try to cover it up.

c. When a big mess could have been avoided if we would have just stopped, prayed, thought and waited.

Conclusion:

Colossians 3:2  2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

1 Peter 3:15  But in your heart set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for your hope that you have.