What Now?
What Now?
1 Peter 4:1 – 11
FBLG 9/4/05
FPBC 10/2/05
Steve, a South Bay executive, traveled to NY to convince John, another yuppie, to move west and assist his struggling company. From his Manhattan penthouse suite, John declined. It would cost too much to take him from his position as VP of a well-known soft-drink company; he would, though, consider being a NY-based consultant. Desperate, Steve challenged: “John, do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?”
John later admitted being so enamored with his future at Pepsi, he nearly missed the opportunity to “change the world.” He accepted Steve’s offer, and for nearly 10 years John changed the world of computing as CEO of Apple.
You face a similar choice. So involved in life as it’s always been, you neglect the opportunity to make a difference in the world. Peter addressed the importance of maintaining godly perspective in an unfriendly and misunderstanding society. He encouraged them with the hope and security found in personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He reminded them the sacrifice made by the Son of God would serve as an example for their current situation. Then he asked “So, how will you spend the rest of your life?” He answers his question by listing the directions and duties of a God-pleasing life.
Directions for a God-pleasing life 4:1 – 6
Pattern of suffering
· Established by Christ
o Fact. Christ had done this.
· Evidenced at cross
o “suffered in the flesh” = die 1 Pt 3:18; Rm 6:7
o Result = cease from sin Col 3:1 - 3
· Exemplary for us
o His suffering is our thinking pattern. 1 Pt 2:21
· Equipping of life
o Arm yourself with same thought process, (i.e. dead to sin.) Gal 2:20; Col 2:20; 3:3
o Ready to meet the challenges of Christian life.
o Battle must be fought! Victory can be won! Sin does not have to reign!
Prescription for separation
· Cessation
o Refusal to sin
o Life no longer for personal benefit 2 Cor 5:15
· Surrender
o Admit God’s control Rm 12:1 – 2
o Had enough time to sin – now fulfill God’s will.
§ Not immorality 1 Cor 6:18
§ Not wrong desires 1 Th 4:3
§ Not drunkenness 1 Cor 6:9 – 11
§ Not having inappropriate gatherings
§ Not engaged in forbidden acts Rm 1:26 ff.
§ ENOUGH!
· No satisfaction; no lasting enjoyment
· No time left to waste (rest of time = ??)
· Strangeness
o Others surprised
§ Blinded eyes do not see sin as lethal
o You no longer join in sinning
§ Restraints now in place are misunderstood
§ Clouded judgment can not understand the abandonment of enjoyment
o Others criticize you.
§ Mocking what they do not understand
o Reality: All give account for actions
§ Whether for men’s fleshly recognition or God’s spiritual recognition. 1 Cor 5
§ Gospel distinguishes those following God from those pursuing man’s passions. Rm 1
You have had enough time to sin! Does that disappoint you? A new master (Jesus is LORD) brings new expectations. He expects you to live by His rules. Others won’t understand and will ridicule you; but face life like Christ did and live for God’s approval. What keeps you from doing that?
Duties of a God-pleasing life 4:7 – 11
Motivated activity
· Substantial weight
o “Soon end” motivates actions and responses. Rm 13:11 – 14; Jas 5:8
o Demands attention and preparedness
o Not a time to let attention wander!
· Serious watching
o Main response #1: Be sensible.
§ Thinking straight Mk 5:15; Ti 2:6
§ Correct assessment of situations
§ Pray in an informed manner.
o Main response #2: Be self-controlled.
§ Calm in spirit 1 Pt 1:13
§ Controlled responses, actions 1 Th 5:8
§ Pray in an un-panicked manner.
Mindful activity
The overriding quality needed is fervent, stretched out, continual (Acts 12:5) love manifested in four areas.
· Forgiving heart
o Love restoration to truth.
o Covering or hiding Mt 8:24; Lk 8:16
§ Emphasize restoration over punishment.
· Friendly home
o Love meeting others’ needs 1 Tim 3:2; Ti 1:8
o Dealing in uncomplaining hospitality. Acts 6:1
§ Focus on others, not personal involvement.
· Faithful hands
o Love others-centered service 1 Cor 4:1 - 2
o Responsible use of God’s manifold grace.
§ Actions of a good administrator
· Focused head
o Love God’s glory Mt 5:16; Acts 21:20; 1 Pt 2:12
o Ultimate glory comes from Christ’s sacrifice!
§ Will you use what you have been given to bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ?
“Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?” He was not the VP of Pepsico. He was not even sole heir to the family business. Yet he was brought to the point of decision: would he trade away everything on which he had counted in order to make a difference? He chose to make a difference, and he challenged others to live the same way.
In fact, he still gives that challenge. Perhaps today you’ve heard this question posed by Peter “How will you spend the rest of your life?” He even laid out the right way to do it.
It is the right way, not because Peter said it, but because Peter obediently followed the Lord Jesus Christ who laid out the course for him. The glory belongs solely to God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ because of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now, how will you spend the rest of your life?