LIVING IN CHRIST
1 Peter 4:1-11
We live in a time when people work very hard at telling us how to think. The world tells us to be passive and tolerant. Businesses tell us to think about their product and they do that with advertisements that sometimes should never be seen. Schools tell our children to think like the world. Even many pastors, teachers, and congregations tell us to think like the world. What does the Bible tell us?
Think Like Jesus
1 Peter 4:1-7
In order for us to live in godliness, we must think like Jesus. When we were saved, we died to the old self and was born again. Now I know we won’t be perfect, but we are to strive towards perfection. We should give up our “old ways” of living. We have wasted way to much time living for the devil. We should spend the rest of our days on this earth living for God.
We must not allow “peer pressure” to hold us back. In the end, each person will have to stand before God and give an account of their life. If that person was a Christian, their sins have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus and they will be judged for the things they did that counted for Jesus Christ.
Just A Thought
Below I have listed a personal story about failing in the area of being a good witness for Jesus Christ. Before you read my story, I want you to ask yourself how your life looked before you were a Christian and then if there has been a drastic change in your life since Jesus Christ saved you.
Stop And Think
When I was in my first few years of college, I lived a double life. On Monday through Saturday I was a filthy talking, drug smoking, alcoholic jerk; who did all he could do to be popular. On Sunday I was a part-time youth and music minister at a small church. There was 12 guys I “hung out” with and 11 of us were Christians. When we would approach the guy who was lost about Jesus Christ, going to church, etc… he would always laugh and say, “Right, like I need Jesus. It’s not like He is doing any of you any good.” None of us could ever get through to him, not even after we had calmed down. Why? Our witness. Before I left that particular University and transferred to an University where I got married a few months later; this lost friend of mine died in a car wreck. This guy I called my friend is in Hell today because of mine and 10 other guys “sorry” witness.
I pray that you do not have a story like this because this is something I will have to live with until I die. The Lord has allowed me the opportunity to lead many people to Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, but that one person will always “pop” into my mind because I failed at what our text is teaching. Christians don’t let someone you care about end up in Hell because of your stupidity.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15
The rewards that are referred to here are crowns. There are several types of crowns you can receive. Believers will cast their crowns at the feet of Jesus. What a wonderful way to worship Jesus Christ! Let’s look at some of the crowns that believers in Jesus Christ could receive.
[The Victor’s Crown]
1 Corinthians 9:25
How Are You Doing?
If you were to die today, would you receive The Victor’s Crown? If you believe you would, explain why. If you don’t believe you would, explain what would have to happen in your life for you to be able to receive this crown.
[Martyr’s Crown]
Revelation 2:10
How Are You Doing?
If you were to die today, would you receive The Martyr’s Crown? If you believe you would, explain why. If you don’t believe you would, explain what would have to happen in your life for you to be able to receive this crown.
[Pastor’s Crown]
1 Peter 5:2-4
How Are You Doing?
If you were to die today, would you receive The Pastor’s Crown? If you believe you would, explain why. If you don’t believe you would, explain what would have to happen in your life for you to be able to receive this crown.
[Crown For Those Who Love His Appearing]
2 Timothy 4:8
How Are You Doing?
If you were to die today, would you receive this crown? If you believe you would, explain why. If you don’t believe you would, explain what would have to happen in your life for you to be able to receive this crown.
[Soul Winner’s Crown]
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
How Are You Doing?
If you were to die today, would you receive The Soul Winner’s Crown? If you believe you would, explain why. If you don’t believe you would, explain what would have to happen in your life for you to be able to receive this crown.
We are to think like Jesus. The results of thinking and living like Jesus did are crowns that we will receive in Heaven. There are some days that living for Christ seem like a waste of time, but the end is near.
Think Clearly
1 Peter 4:7-11
If we are not careful, we can allow Satan to trick us into believing we are defeated, while in fact through Jesus Christ we have the victory. Notice we are to bathe everything in prayer; but even more important than prayer is to love one another. Notice that when we love others with the love of Christ, that some of our problems seem unnoticeable. God has allowed us so many ways to show others His love. God has gifted each one of us as His children in certain ways so that we can more effectively witness to a lost and dieing world. See, we have all of the resources and therefore we have no valid excuses for not serving God.
Christians, are you thinking like Jesus and are you thinking clearly? The victory has already been won through Jesus Christ, now it is time for God’s children to “step up to the plate” and start serving God as He has intended us to.
Sunday Evening Bible Study
Series: Hope In The Darkness (Study In 1 Peter) #8
March 30, 2003
Bel Aire Baptist Church
Pastor Shawn Drake
