1 Peter 4v7-11: Making Jesus Known Through Service

What can we do?

Flag football end of September through October.

Game was lost. “What can we do?” Me: “Nothing.”

Same question likely asked by the people receiving Peter’s letter.

“What can we do?”

They couldn’t “win”.

Lived in a time when there was great opposition to Christianity.

People were suspicious (v.3) and oppressed them socially (v.4).

Passions of the gentiles were at odds with lifestyle brought about by the gospel of Jesus.

“What can we do?”

Many times this year I’ve felt like the kids in that game. The outcome is not in my hands. What can I possibly do?

What can we do? Too often we do NOTHING.

Often we live in the present paralyzed by a future filled with challenges:

How will our country be impacted by the latest election?

What does the latest announcement from the governor mean?

My personal health isn’t good, and I don’t see things getting better.

I’m tired of pandemics, politics, and crabby people!!!

What can we do? To often we do NOTHING.

This often even includes not going to church!

The outcome is assured.

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

We aren’t playing flag football, but we DO know how things will end.

The victory is already won! (referencing Jesus)

Battle at the cross. Victory on Easter morning. The “end” is Jesus coming back and taking away sin and death.

What more do you need?

“Therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

Think of your mindset when you turn on the news, open your news-feed online, or browse social media.

Basically…keep your impulses in check for the sake of your relationship with God. The world can distract us from reality.

Reality: You have much good to do TODAY!

“What can we do, coach?” My answer should have been, “Be a good sport. Show kindness. Congratulate them when we are done.”

Jesus won our victory, freeing us to focus on serving others TODAY.

Keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Making Jesus Known is a Team Effort!

We all have unique gifts…given to us by God.

Imagine what would happen in flag football if the running back decided they didn’t want to run or if the quarterback didn’t want to throw the ball? It would be a mess.

Have you ever thought of your family as a “team”? Essentially, you all have roles and also unique gifts.

How often in your home do brothers and sisters stop acting like brothers and sister? How well does that work out?

Similarly, we run into problems when members of the church stop acting like they are members of a community bigger than ME.

To function as a community and serve beyond our own walls requires servants willing to step up.

But pastor, I just don’t feel like it. I’m worn out!

Do you see Jesus?

Before you say “no” I’d encourage you to see Jesus.

He’s reaching out to you with nail scarred hands to lift you from the churning waters, assuring you that all will be okay.

Do you believe this? If “yes”, please consider how you might respond by serving others. Yes, in your home but also here at Bethany.

Review a commitment card in this week’s News and Notes.

Recognize that we have MANY different levels of service commitments.

Simply helping with a setup, or being willing to serve at a church service or servant event is a HUGE help!

“What can we do, pastor?” Regardless of your season of life and availability, it turns out the answer is, “A lot!”

Amen.

INTRODUCE VIDEO: I mentioned there are varying degrees of service opportunities at Bethany. This past week we interviewed several Bethany servants who serve in SMALL yet BIG ways! Our hope is that you will be encouraged by them.