1 Peter Ending sermon

1 Peter 4:7–19 ESV

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

You are not from this world, so i am saving you with an out-of-this-world salvation.

You aren't being saved for your own sake, but for my mission.

My mission involves kindly loving in the easy to love people and the even the most difficult people.

Im calling you to that because you will not be able to suffer well without fighting back if you cant do it.

So now its go time.

Nik Ripken-Insanity of God

Missionary to Somalia for around 30 years

Spent time with pastors all over the world to be able to teach missionaries how to minister as sheep among wolves instead of sheep among sheep

to set the foundation for the night, watch this clip

I first heard this story in 2010 as a student at southeastern. I couldnt find the video online, but he tells the story again in 2016 at Southeastern.

“The Secret Meeting”

When i first heard this man speak, it was the first time i had ever pondered the idea that missionaries may suffer.

I had heard a lot about missions before.

My home church was all about missions.

I have cousins that served with the IMB and several friends that now serve

We had mission friends, RAs, GAs, and a lady that would dress up like Lottie Moon at Christmas.

I heard about missions, but it was always so glamourous.

I had also never really heard that christians were not only not protected from bad stuff, but that they are supposed to suffer.

This one story made me understand some things.

The part i heard in 2010 that he didnt share in this video is a statement he made about one of those men at the meeting.

He said he asked the guy how americans could be praying for him and his people.

The guy said, sure you can pray, but you need to know that we are praying for you too.

He said oh you are? (very chipper)

The man said yes, that you may at some point suffer as we are blessed to suffer and may know the supreme joy that we have experienced through it.

This is the heart of what Peter has been trying to tell us in 1 Peter.

To prove to you that he wasnt just talking about it, but experienced it, lets look at a bible story

Acts 5:27–42 ESV

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

Lets get to the text.

Verses 7 to 19

Keep your head on straight, stay focused so you can pray - v7

Very similar to what Jesus told Peter in the garden - stay awake and pray

Talked about this story at the very beginning of the series.

Talked about praying and falling asleep. Who has done that before?

But thats not what peter is talking about here.

Its ok to fall asleep praying at night.

Peter is talking about hyper focusing your energy on praying to God.

About what? That is to come, for now, you need to understand that of all the disciplines you do, this is at the top of the list as one of the most important.

Love one another - v8-10

Love covers sin - v8

He started this back in verse 1 and 2 - He says, you are suffering for Jesus now so YOU ARE DONE WITH SIN.

Now he begins to explain the plan for sin - kill it within the context of the local church body

your love for each other will drive you to ACTUALLY BE DONE WITH SIN so you can focus on the mission at hand.

Can i say, This is a complicated process that hurts so bad. fighting sin in the context of a church is very messy. Its so much less messy by yourself, except, im not sure all sin can be done a way with by yourself.

Without complaint - v9

Being willing to love and serve each other is trumped by complaining

It doesnt matter if you say you will love each other, if you are just going to always complain about each other and having to love each other.

You are being a servant of God when you serve each other-v10

Knowing you have been forgiven much changes the way you deal with others

Do not be suprised when you are persecuted - v 12-19

Watch the video “what the persecuted church tells us

God has literally been training you for this moment by training you in prayer, love, and service to each other.

Dont give God the credit for suffering if you do something to deserve it - v15

But do not be ashamed when you suffer for the glory of God - v16

Trust God - v19

- watch clip-when i wanted to quit.

Response to the series

Pray

-for my salvation

-for my attitude

-for my trust in God during this time

-for my friend that i am sharing the gospel with

-that i would suffer well