Time is Short: How to Survive -- correction, Thrive

1 Peter 4:7–11 NIV

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Introduction

“The end is near!”

Pic of man with sign

If you knew the end was really near, what would you do? Say you were given the date and time of the end of this age, what would be the best use of your remaining time?

1 Peter 4:7–11 NIV

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER

The healthiest families watch over one another and care deeply— they are willing to do whatever it takes to not only keep one another safe and healthy, but to thrive as a family. The same goes for a healthy organization — one that does good things for the world. As members of the Body of Christ, we are both family and a large organization…actually more like an organism (like a body). The way we thrive is through clear-headed, passionate prayer, deep love for one another and God, and a commitment to faithfully use God’s gifts for His purposes and His glory. All the more because time is short.

The healthiest families watch over one another and care deeply— they are willing to do whatever it takes to not only keep one another safe and healthy, but to thrive as a family. The same goes for a healthy organization — one that does good things for the world. As members of the Body of Christ, we are both family and a large organization…actually more like an organism (like a body). The way we thrive is through sober-mined prayer, deep love for one another and God, and a commitment to faithfully use God’s gifts for His purposes and His glory.

Since time is short, THRIVE as you urgently pray, love, and faithfully use God’s gifts, through His strength

Transitional: Time is short — but we are not doomsdayers, or survivalists — we are in this thing to THRIVE, not just survive — we are on a mission. The most important place for us to thrive is in relation to God, first!

Thrive Vertically (In relation to God)

Exposition

In chapters 1-3, Peter reminded the believers of the great hope they have in Christ — the inheritance of a relationship with Him and eternal life

He reminded them of their call to live holy lives as a royal priesthood,P called to bring praise to the one who called them out of darkness into His light

Peter exhorted them to love one another deeply, reject malice and hatred, and to crave the pure milk of the word in order to mature in the faith

He taught that, as strangers and exiles here, they must abstain from sinful desires and actions - rather live in such a way that the natives will see the love and power of God at work in and through them

He also emphasized the importance of submission: to human authorities, of slaves to masters, wives to husbands — Why was this submission important? Through their humble, Godly, and submissive actions, people would be forced to acknowledge God’s hand at work - that they might be drawn to salvation

He also reminded them that they might suffer for the name of Jesus — but to rejoice because Jesus also suffered for them.

In chapter 4, Peter wrapped it up and tied it with a bow:

1 Peter 4:1–4 NIV

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.

1 Peter 4:1

1 Peter 4:7 NIV

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

…if we are to thrive vertically, we must...

Aware of God’s ultimate plan

1 Peter 4:

Aware of God’s ultimate plan

Jesus could return any day

Jesus could return any day

Therefore live like you believe it

…if we are to thrive vertically, we must...

Keep a clear path between you and God

Alert — sober-minded SO THAT YOU MAY PRAY

Watchful, waiting, realistic living

Clear-minded and passionate — the wisdom that comes from knowing the Lord and His Word, by the power of His Spirit

Watch out for self-indulgence - things that drive a wedge between you and God

Application

Application

Do you have a mindset that allows you to pray instantly?

Is prayer vitally important or not? If it is, then it naturally should be a top priority

Do you have a daily practice of devotion that keeps an open line between you and God?

How do you keep that open line of prayer to God?

Distractions are very real and used by Satan every single day to weaken the church

Transitional: Needless to say…to thrive we desperately need to keep our relationship with God as the most passionate and vital part of our lives - this will drive us toward thriving in our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ

Thrive Horizontally (In relation to one another)

Exposition

Without Christ, people follow after self-indulgence and lust

By His transforming power in us…we pursue love for Him and love for one another

We thrive vertically and horizontally

1 Peter 4:8–9 NIV

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

…to thrive horizontally our love has to be more than just an idea or a word...

Active Expressions of Love

Love towards others leaves a mark

Love towards others heals the past

Covers a multitude of sins (expand)

…to thrive horizontally our love has to be more than just an idea or a word…hospitality is a powerful expression of love

Hospitality that Hurts

In our former way of live, we used our homes and resources for whatever we wanted — Peter even referred to them “carrying on in unrestrained behavior, evil desires, drunkenness,orgies, carousing, and lawless idolatry.” (4:3:b)

Peter exhorted them to remember that the end of all things is near — He wasn’t just making a nice speech. He was there with Jesus — on the front lines — when He was arrested — Crucified, buried and resurrected. He was there when Jesus ascended back into Heaven with the promise that He would come back.

This was serious business — “you are a new creation in Christ — treat one another accordingly” - Hospitality wasn’t just a nice gesture…it was a real need

If it doesn’t cost something, it isn’t worth much

If it makes you forget self in favor of others, it changes lives

The early church knew the importance of hospitality — it was common for people to be displaced because of their faith —

For travelling evangelists and missionaries, hotels were not a good option (they were few and had bad reputations). They relied upon the hospitality of the Body of Christ - always careful not to take undue advantage of their generosity.

Application

Application

Ask God to enable you to love with His love

Sacrificially - passionately

Be willing to be inconvenienced in order to bless others

Grumbling ruins everything — for everyone!

Transitional: As we thrive in our relationships with both God and one another, the Body of Christ accomplishes God’s purposes

Thrive Organically (Natural result of loving God and one another)

Exposition

1 Peter 4:10–11 NIV

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

In Paul’s letters to the churches, he provided several lists spiritual gifts - miracles, healing, prophecy, faith, tongues, interpretation of tongues, administration, serving, etc. The lists he provided are not exhaustive. In other words, the gifts of the Spirit can come in many forms and functions.

God’s Gifts are “Tools, not Toys”

In the Lion, the Witch,and the Wardrobe: Father Christmas’ words to Peter when he gave him the gifts of a sword and shield — nice way to look at it.

Vocal Gifts

if anyone speaks, do so as one who speaks the very words of God

How can that even be possible? Only through the power of the Holy Spirit working through you

Gifts of Service

Do so with the strength God provides

Unique to you

No need to compare or try to put the gifts of God into nice neat little boxes - discover when, how, and where God desires to use you (through prayer, the Word, and walking in faith)

God’s Gifts for Faithful Stewards

God’s Gifts, Faithfully Used, Bring Glory to Him

God’s Gifts, Faithfully Used, Bring Glory to Him

The important thing to remember is that God’s gifts be used for His glory and the building of His kingdom. You don’t own them, but be ready and willing to faithfully operating in whatever manner God chooses for you. And always let the glory and honor go to God — it belongs to Him

Application

Learn to recognize the Holy Spirit working through you

Honor God with your Gifts

Exercise God’s gifts through His strength and for His purpose

CHALLENGE

Since time is short, THRIVE as you urgently pray, love and faithfully use God’s gifts through His strength

Remember that Christ willingly suffered for you because of His great love for you

If you faithfully pursue a deeper relationship with the Father, you will reflect the nature of Christ more and more in your relationships with others

Before you can exercise the gifts of God in your life, you must love Him deeply and love others with His love

What can you do this week to grow deeper in the Lord?

What can you do this week to love others more deeply than you have before?

What can you do this week to be a faithful and active steward of His gifts?