Living Like There is No Tomorrow

CHURCH ON RANDALL PLACE: 6/10/07

“THE FUTURE’S SO BRIGHT I GOTTA WEAR SHADES,” A STUDY IN 1 PETER

1 PETER 4:7-11, “LIVING LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW.”

I.                    Introduction

a.       Bible Prophecy has brought much disappointment from many.

                                                               i.      This is one reason why the Second Coming is not no longer viewed as relevant.

                                                             ii.      Acts 1:7-8

                                                            iii.      The question: Not, “When is He returning?” but…

II.                 The End is at Hand

a.       Meaning

                                                               i.      Does not exclude the day of our death.

                                                             ii.      They were living in the end times and the Lord’s return was imminent.

1.      When did end times begin?

                                                            iii.      He might return at any time so live expectantly; found working, prepared.

1.      Matthew 24:43; 45-51; 25: 1-13

b.      2 Dangers: Being aloof, and being hysterical. 

III.               Live Prayerfully

a.       Interesting: the conditions of being prayerful

b.      Keep your mind steady and clear.

                                                               i.      Luke 21:36

1.      Strength is necessary in the last days to overcome the trap of worldliness.  Prayer is the source of that strength.

                                                             ii.      The love of this world produces spir dullness, drunkenness. Prayer

1.      When you are always on the go, running, stressed you cannot pray.

c.       In light of the fact that Christ is coming be alert so that you can pray.

IV.              Love Does What?

a.       Above all… be fervent in love

                                                               i.      Fervent. “Stretched out love.”

b.      To “Cover”, not “cover up.”

                                                               i.      The reason why we are to be fervent in love.

                                                             ii.      Proverbs 17:9; 10:9.  Notice the contrasts.

1.      Love does not gossip about the sins of others

2.      Genesis 9:20-23

                                                            iii.      Confronting sin may be necessary, but once dealt w/ it is covered. 

1.      Jesus’ teaching on church discipline reflects this.

c.       Summary

                                                               i.      This is the type of love that enables fellowship in spite of sin.

1.      Truth: we will all sin against each other.

2.      Love, forgiveness, silence.

V.                 Stop Whining

a.       Hospitality in the 1st century

                                                               i.      Evangelists and prophets.

                                                             ii.      Different people may disrupt the pattern of life.

b.      Core:  Hospitality loves people outside our normal circle.  Does it w/o grumbling.

                                                               i.      Extends love and forgiveness to strangers.

                                                             ii.      Applicable to the church. 

VI.              Employ Your Spiritual Gift

a.       V. 10a teaches 3 things.

b.      Category of gifts: Speaking and Serving

                                                               i.      Speaking

1.      Teaching (God’s Word), Evangelism, Encouragement, etc

a.       A primary danger is giving your own opinion.

                                                             ii.      Serving

1.      Helps, administration, Mercy, giving etc.

a.       Do it w/ all the strength God gives you.

c.       The Target:  One another.  Gifts are given to bless others.

                                                               i.      It is God given for the purpose of serving the church.

d.      The Purpose: That God would be glorified.

e.       God gives the gift, He gives the strength, we must employ it

                                                               i.      As stewards.  These were given to be used, not framed and put away.

1.      Use it! Use it for others! That God may be glorified.

f.        A Great Sin?

g.       Questions

                                                               i.      What have you done w/ your gifts?

                                                             ii.      Who have you helped recently?

                                                            iii.      Is the church stronger or better because you are here?

                                                           iv.      Are you wasting God’s gift or using it for His glory?

h.       ILL> French town and statue of Jesus

                                                               i.      We are the Body of Christ.

VII.            Conclusion

a.       The End of all things is near.

                                                               i.      In tumultuous times, demanding times clear your mind for prayer

                                                             ii.      In days where retribution is a virtue be quick to forgive

                                                            iii.      As you see the day approaching be open to those outside your circle

                                                           iv.      As the day draws near use your gift to serve others.

b.      We are the Body of Christ.