Encouragement: Becoming Zealous for God

Encouragement for Foreigners: Message Nine

[Inductive]

1 Peter 3:13-17

MO: Consecrative

SO: I want the hearers to become zealous for God.

Introduction

LM: Statistics show that Christianity is on the decline in America. Per an article published in October of 2019, the percentage of self-proclaiming Christians is down 12% from just a decade prior in 2009. Additionally, those who claim to have no religious affiliation (“nones”) is on the rise. Perhaps this is because of fear, because of lack of interest, because of lack of commitment, or because of other things. Regardless, numbers tell the truth: Christianity is rapidly declining in America. Today, I want us to focus on fear.

LI: What’s wrong with fearing the enemy? (both directly and indirectly)

Body

LM: Story of Johnny Furr and the draft versus Johnny Furr and enlisting in the Guard

EX: We should be zealous, enthusiastic to do good, to serve God (v. 13)

TR: Fear hinders (even kills) enthusiasm.

TS: What’s wrong with fearing the enemy?

LM: Story of Point Mallard High Dive, lack of commitment to the task.

EX: We should sanctify Christ as Lord, ready to share why we have hope in Him. We should commit ourselves to Him (vv. 14-15)

TR: Fear hinders commitment.

TS: What’s wrong with fearing the enemy?

LM: Popcorn and movie versus popcorn and sports game.

EX: We should maintain awareness of God that compels us to act- we should not be comfortable sitting on the sidelines; we must be in the game (v. 16)

TR: Fear hinders awareness and participation (focus)

TS: What’s wrong with fearing the enemy?

Climatic Conclusion

LM: David from Facing the Giants, story of trying out and the fear of failing. David tried out; David made the team; David became a champion

EX: We should join the team; become a champion of suffering for the team (v. 17)- Side note: James 4:4 states that to be friends with the world is to be hostile towards God- to be enemies towards Him. If we are not zealous for God, then we are zealous for evil; If we are not moving towards God, we are moving away from God.

FR: What’s wrong with fearing the enemy? God is bigger than the enemy, and we ought to trust His protection and might. If we are to suffer because we are zealous for Him and doing good, we must realize we are blessed. Friends, fear hinders us from accomplishing the tasks God created us for. It is time to get off of the sidelines, the couch, and to JOIN THE TEAM. Romans 8:31-39 explains to us that God is on our team, so none can stand against us. It further informs us that through Jesus, we are to be more than conquerors. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Let fear, my friends, go. Join His team. Fear of the enemy is wrong because God is bigger.