Encouragement: The Call to Live for God

Encouragement to Foreigners: 1 Peter, Message 12

1 Peter 4:7-11

ETS: Peter exhorted the believers to live according to God’s will since the end is near.

ESS: We should actively live out God’s will in our daily lives.

OSS: {MO: Ethical} {SO: I want the hearers to commit to living for God.}

PQ: How should we live for God?

UW: Ways

TS: Let us examine a few ways to live for God together:

We should pray with an alert and sober mind (v. 7)

The imperatives σωφρονήσατε and νήψατε are synonymous here, meaning an alert or sober mind.

The idea communicated here is that, in light of the urgency of time (vv. 5-7), believers ought to live a life of alertness which is evidenced through a dependence on God through prayer.

We should love earnestly or fervently (v. 8)

The participle ἔχοντες carries over imperatival force from v. 7 and is translated to either “hold or maintain” communicating the idea that we are to maintain a Christ-like love towards one another which is earnest, unconditional, and fervent.

The reason is communicated in the latter part of the verse. Thomas R. Schreiner communicated clearly about this, “When believers lavish love on others, the sins and offenses of others are overlooked.” (Schreiner, 213)

We should be hospitable or welcoming towards others (v. 9)

Both Michael’s and Schreiner communicated that this was important because in the early church, hospitality was a huge asset to the Gospel ministry (whether it was opening one’s home to a traveling prophet or opening one’s home as a host church for others to hear the Gospel).

Hospitality is huge, today, too because we must maintain a welcoming environment that attracts those who need to Gospel. If, in the Christian community, we cannot maintain hospitality towards one another, why would we think that others would want to join in?

Additionally, we are to remain hospitable with a delightful attitude not a dreadful one. We are to be hospitable without grumbling or complaining.

We should use our gifts to serve one another (vv. 10-11)

Schreiner and Michael both suggested that though Peter does categorize the gifts into two different categories (speaking and serving), he referred to them generally rather than specifically as someone like Paul. Furthermore, they both agreed that Peter’s purpose of mentioning both was to show that God was the source of the gifts and abilities (i.e. speaks God’s words…from the strength God provides)

CONCLUSION:

So, why do we do all of this? Verse 11b gives the answer: so that God may be glorified...

This life is not about us. As believers, this life is about God. Galatians 2:20 reads, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (CSB)

Thus, as we live, believers, we ought to live FOR HIM through being alert and sober minded- evidencing a dependence upon God through prayer; we ought to fervently love one another; we ought to welcome one another and show hospitality; we ought to use our gifts to serve one another.

Conclude with story of the convenient lifestyle of an office pastor (relate it to the convenient Christian)- let pride go; let plans go; surrender time and energy to God.

What hinders YOU from responding to God today? He is calling you to get out of the lifestyle of convenience this week: there are needs to be met; there are lost people to be saved; there is a God to be glorified through your life. Begin living for Him TODAY.