Series: Don’t Be Discouraged [#10]
MAKE YOUR LIFE COUNT
1 Peter 5:1-14
Introduction:
Jesus Christ lived the most significant life that ever has been lived, in fact the most significant life that ever will be lived. How do you live a significant life- Make it count? I've always wanted to do something significant and important with my life. Peter learned this from Jesus Christ. What kind of impact has your life had on others?
1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV)
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
If you want to improve your impact…
1. Start serving.
Matthew 23:11 (NIV)
“The greatest among you will be your servant.”
That's simple isn't it? Simple clear, to the point. If I'm going to be the greatest, I have to be a servant. If you really want to have a significant life one of the questions you have to ask yourself is this, "Where can my life have the most impact? How can I best use my time?" Jesus said to be the greatest, be a servant. The best and greatest impact that any person can have in this life is impacting another person's life.
Peter was talking to some of the leaders of the Church and was giving them some advice in how they should serve.
When you serve…
Choose desire over duty.
Peter told them, “Serve not because you must, but because you are willing." If the phrase, “If I have to” is in your vocabulary, you are not serving because you want to.
When you serve…
Choose giving over getting.
I know when I say the word giving, that you immediately think of money; but it goes beyond that. We must make it about others.
When you serve…
Choose being an example over being in control.
No one likes being bossed around, especially by someone who won’t do their part. They also don’t like working with someone that only allows things to be done one way- Their way.
1 Peter 5:5-7 (NIV)
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
If you want to improve your impact…
2. Stay humble.
Putting others ahead of yourself is not easy and we are told to humble ourselves and God will take care of the rest. It is also important here to see that the younger people are to submit themselves to the older people. This is also humbleness. We cannot serve God unless we are humble.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
If you want to improve your impact…
3. Stop worrying.
Worriers don't make much impact on this world. They are so busy fighting imaginary dragons they don't have any time to fight the real ones and worrying tends to make you focus on yourself. As long as you're focused on yourself you can't do any of these other things we've talked about to make an impact on the world.
Peter says to cast off your worry onto God. This makes me think of fishing. The problem for many of us is, we cast off our worries; but then we reel them back in. That worry is like a worm on a hook. You cast it out there and when you reel it back in, that worm is still there.
1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
If you want to improve your impact…
4. Be alert.
As long as you are trying to be faithful, Satan will be doing whatever he can to destroy you. Don’t let your guard down, stay alert. Many times, we as believers act shocked when Satan attacks us. Some of the shock comes from the fact that Satan is so sneaky about it. If you are serving God, you will be attacked. Be alert and ready. Remember Satan can attack you, but he can never take your salvation from you. He can never destroy you forever.
1 Peter 5:10-11 (NIV)
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
If you want to improve your impact…
5. Be ready.
Jesus will come back for His Bride, The Church. Believers will be rewarded in Heaven and will live with God for all eternity. No matter what happens to us while we live here on this earth, our eternal rewards will still be there in Heaven. God will have the last Word. It may look like the devil is winning sometimes, but be assured, he loses.
Conclusion:
1 Peter 5:12-14 (NIV)
“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
When your life is over, I hope that you can say that it counted for something.
