STEWARDS OF GOD'S GRACE

1 Peter 4:1–6 ESV

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

INTRODUCTION:

FOCUS:

I. PERSEVERING IN THE FAITH (1)

1 Peter 4:1 ESV

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

EXPLANATION:

There are two things that allow us to prevail when it comes to persevering in the faith:

Follow Christ’s Example (Suffering)

Follow Christ’s Thinking () (Humility)

ARGUMENTATION:

ILLUSTRATION:

APPLICATION:

II. CEASING FROM SIN (1-3)

1 Peter 4:1–3 ESV

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.

EXPLANATION:

The passage teaches us that there are three specific ways that we should cease from sin:

Our fleshly passions are no longer in control (2)

We live for God’s Will (2)

We don’t do what unbelievers do (3)

ARGUMENTATION:

ILLUSTRATION:

APPLICATION:

III. STANDING FOR CHRIST (4-5)

1 Peter 4:4–5 ESV

4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

1 Peter 4:

EXPLANATION:

Peter reveals ,under inspiration, the results of standing for Christ:

We will be maligned (4)

We will understand God as a faithful judge (5)

ARGUMENTATION:

ILLUSTRATION:

APPLICATION:

IV. PREACHING THE GOSPEL (6)

1 Peter 4:6 ESV

6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

EXPLANATION:

ARGUMENTATION:

ILLUSTRATION:

APPLICATION:

KEY APPLICATIONS:

CONCLUSION: