Hope and Hostility - 1 Peter 4:1-11

READ (1 PETER 4:1-11)

The cycle of sin (Fall, guilt, repentance, repeat).

Chapter four is relevant to everyone.

“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” - (1 Peter 3:18)

“It is Finished.” (John 19:30)

We are in the church era.

We follow the example of Jesus Christ until his return.

1. A life finished with sin.

Since Christ suffered, we display a willingness to follow.

Living for God and others.

Willing to take the hit.

“The one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin...”

The one who suffers for doing right and has still gone on obeying God has a made a clear break from sin.

A person who does their best to eat right and exercise is admirable.

The Bible talks a great deal on suffering.

Suffering brings out humility.

Humility will teach you to hate sin.

2. God’s will over personal desires.

In the church era, the time is past for human desires.

Gentiles = Living like the world lives.

To do like the Gentiles is to spend time living in various kinds of sin.

When Christians wouldn’t join in, the unbelievers became hostile. They became verbally and physically abusive.

Unbelievers cannot escape responsibility.

“dead” - People who have had died having heard the gospel and even Old Testament people.

Those OT people who were in reach of the Gospel, or might have known God through the ministers in the Old and New Testament times.

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.” - John C. Maxwell

If seen feels more like a friend than an enemy, you are choosing not to grow up.

These ministries are available for a reason.

The first place darkness must be exposed is in me.

3. Live for Christ’s Return.

Peter wrote for believers to make the most of the time.

Be alert and sober-minded for prayer.

All the major events in God’s plan for redemption have occured.

We are waiting on Christ’s return and rule.

Love must abound in the church.

When love grows, offenses are often overlooked.

When lacking, conflicts run rampant.

Glorify God in your gifting.

With everything.

A gift with expectations.

Our reality can change in a moment.

Everything we do and have is an opportunity to glorify God.