Exiles Living in the Will of God

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at 1 Peter 4:3-11.

[Scripture introduction] Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, writes his letter to a group of spiritually displaced Christians living in their homeland. Yet their communities publicly ostracize and physically harass them. Perceiving their suffering and affliction for the gospel, Peter sends a word of comfort and exhortation during their time of distress.

Meanwhile, even if we are not currently experience suffering and persecution in the presence moment, as follower of Jesus, we must be ready and arm ourselves to live for God regardless of awaits for us.

Which bring us to our section of Scripture we are about to read. In today’s reading the Word of God elaborates on how exiled (foreigners within their own society) Christians are to live according to the will of God.

For all of us who are redeemed sojourners, you and I must remember that living a faithful life to God in a fallen world ruled by sin will always come with tremendous trouble, anxiety and heartache. This world’s purpose is to distract and distort the will of God so we are unable to recognize it.

Which is why we must open our ears and hearts to hear once again the divine will of God through Peter’s letter, so by learning it, we can actively live according to God’s will for life.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these words on how exiles are living in the will of God in 1 Peter 4:3-11. Please stand with me for the reading of the Word.

[Prayer for illumination] O Gracious Father, assist us to listen and internalize your inspired Word, so we can too live live in the spirit as you do. Speak to us O God, we are indeed listening. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

[Introduction] In the early 20th century, Joni Eareckson Tada was a vibrant, athletic teenager with dreams of adventure and a strong faith. However, at 17, during a diving accident, she suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the shoulders down. In the weeks and months that followed, Joni wrestled deeply with confusion and despair about God’s will for her life.

Lying in a hospital bed, she wondered, "Why would God allow this to happen?" She had loved sports, had hopes for her future, and now felt those dreams were crushed. Her faith wavered as she questioned if she would ever find purpose in this new reality. She couldn’t imagine how God could use her in such a state.

Over time, through prayer, support from friends, and deep reflection on Scripture, Joni began to find hope again. She realized that God’s plan for her life was different than she expected but no less meaningful. Instead of focusing on what she had lost, Joni found new purpose in sharing her story of faith and perseverance. She learned to paint with her mouth and began speaking about her journey, becoming a best-selling author and an advocate for people with disabilities.

Today, Joni Eareckson Tada’s ministry has impacted millions around the world. She has testified how, even in the confusion of her injury, God’s plan for her life was far greater than she could have ever imagined.

Do you ever feel lost on what’s God will is your life? What does God want you to do as spiritual exiles who are looking forward to heaven?

Sometimes knowing someone else mind isn’t easy to dispenser. That’s why Sarah is always asking me. What do you want for lunch?

I don’t know… and perhaps that the question we ask ourselves from day to day.

[FCF] What is God’s will for my life?

[Scripture bond] Peter shares the mysteries of the will of God in his letter to dispersed Christians throughout the ancient world. So rather than guessing what is God’s will. We can completely confident in what it is.

[Proposition] God’s will for your life is to live in the spirit.

[Main point 1] God’s will for you is to leave your sinful habits behind (vv. 3-6).

[Explanation] These habits are temptations and the world is always encouraging us to participate. Even after our conversion to Christ, we are still prone to wandering back to these deadly vices.

[Illustration] God’s warning to Cain

Genesis 4:1–7 ESV

1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

The desires of the flesh wage war against us. It is a constant battle we must be willing to fight.

But we will lose friends, relationships and will be maligned for our faith. It is why Jesus preached to the dead. So all will be judge according to the flesh.

We are to live in the spirit as God does.

[Application] Daily repentance for moral failures and renewed commitment to the Lord helps us to never return to the sins of our past. Resist the fleshly desires by remembering the judgement of God.

[Main Point 2] God’s will for you is to live for Jesus’ glory (vv. 7-11).

[Explanation] The glory of God is demonstrated by how we live (1) self controlled/sober-minded, (2) mutual love, (3) hospitality, (4) Using God’s gifts for the common good.

[Illustration] The best way to example glory for God is demonstrated through the new born church in Acts.

Acts 2:42–47 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

A life set on glorifying God is set on serving the spirit and denying the flesh.

[Application] Forgive, serve one another, control your tongue, and love in all circumstances.

[Conclusion] God’s will for your life is to live in the spirit.

The spirit of Jesus can live in you when you completely surrender to him.

His will is that you live your exile days on heart until you see him in heaven. Live in the spirit and experience the amazing grace of God’s forever.