Series: Don’t Be Discouraged [#8]
THINK
1 Peter 4:1-11
Introduction:
It is approaching that time of the year where everyone is in their championship part of their season. College swimming is over; but we still have basketball. I enjoy watching Jason’s girls’ team play as well as watching College basketball, especially this time of the year. Something I see a lot of coaches doing when “getting onto” their players is they point at their head and say, “Think”. I have said this to my kids as well as many others’ kids when they are doing something stupid- “Think”.
1 Peter 4:1-5 (NIV)
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do- living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
This morning, our text is telling us to think; but not like we used to- Think like Jesus. How do you do that?
1 Peter 4:1-2 (MSG)
“Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.”
In order to think like Jesus,
1. You must see your sufferings as useful.
I know that statement sounds a little crazy, (or at least it does to me); but we have to learn how to look at what we are going through differently. The statement, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” can be true if we allow it to be. We aren’t supposed to lay around and dwell on how bad we have it- That’s selfish. We are to understand that things happen and we need to trust God that He knows what He is doing and be open to His leadership.
1 Peter 4:3-5 (MSG)
“You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet- and before God himself.”
In order to think like Jesus,
2. Be done with your old ways.
I really like how the Message Bible put this. You have spent plenty of your time sinning and now it’s time to live like Jesus. It is extremely important that we see the old way of living paired with our old friends. I’m not saying that you can’t have friends that aren’t Christian; but I will tell you that if you “hang out” with them and spend all of your time with them that you will also act like them. They are not going to understand why you don’t want to do all of those things that you used to do.
I have counseled many people who are addicted to drugs that the key thing to their getting clean and staying clean is to move. They need to get away from the dealers, their friends, the environment, etc…; and start completely over.
1 Peter 4:6-11 (NIV)
“For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
In order to think like Jesus,
3. Act like Jesus.
Now I know that this is much easier said than done; but it is what the text is saying. I realize that you think it and then do it; but many of us do pretty good at thinking like Jesus; but we don’t do anything about it.
We need to live each day like it is our last. We are told to pay attention, pray, and love one another. We are to use the gifts God has given us to strengthen the Body of Christ.
Conclusion:
We need to put on the mind of Christ and think like Jesus.
