Practice Perseverance!
Transcript Search
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
It was the day I set a State Record in swimming… I will never forget it!
I had trained, learned the stroke, and now my coach came and told me it was time
I would be competing in the 200 meter butterfly!!!
Just do what you practiced, swim like I taught you he said
I lunged into the stroke as the race started…
I kept form, I did not disqualify, I strained, pushed, looking for the finish line, focused not on other swimmers but stayed in my lane as I went along through the water
After well over 6 minutes of looking like I was drowning
I took third place setting a record for the slowest time for the 200 meter butterfly
BUT I FINISHED!!!
Peter today is addressing the perseverance of the believer… our forward progress despite opposition, tribulation that is constantly trying to tangle us up, pull us back, and hinder our progress.
Peter approaches this subject in a matter of fact way
There is no other option in his mind as he writes
The thought of NO FORWARD movement is preposterous to him and he gives it no second thought as he challenges his readers to do the same!
PERSEVERANCE:
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) (Persevere)
to persist in a state, or undertaking in spite of counter influences, opposition, or discouragement
Paul... Run the Race
Noah... build a boat
Saint… Consider Peter’s words as we read 1 Peter 4:1-6
Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
Therefore…
Therefore…
What is now expected!
Peter has addressed our salvation
Defined in various ways what our testimony should look like
Given us clear examples through multiple individuals and most of all CHRIST HIMSELF!!!
Peter is saying… I’ve addressed all that… To now say this! :
“Since Christ suffered in the flesh” … there is an expectation of you, there is some forward momentum that should occur in your life believer!!! PREPARE!!!
Arm Yourself!
Arm Yourself!
Prepare for what is ahead!
Paul does a great job of describing this arming oneself in Ephesians 6:12-18
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
WOW! what a picture of readiness, what an example of true engagement and perseverance of the believer!
Notice we are to arm with the same PURPOSE…
Same as Christ… we see this exemplified in Christ!
Vs. 2b we live for the will of God!
As we live for Christ we live for God will not our own
Self brings sin
God’s will is opposite
We don’t never sin… rather we recognize that sin is dead… we are a new creation
Sin has no power
A life of contrast will bring suffering in this life
Peter declares… enough with the past life! Let’s move forward!!! In moving forward we see a contrast of desires...
Contrast of Desires
Contrast of Desires
Moving forward NOT backward!
We move forward when we follow God’s will / God’s desires
So beautifully exemplified in Christ
It will bring suffering and hardship
We move backward when we pursue OUR DESIRES / OUR WILL
Peter by no means gives an exhaustive list
The list appeals to our senses and flesh
It appeals to many around us / our peers and culture
Why is it so vital though to live according to God’s Will???… Verse 4 summarizes well:
Surprise!!!
Surprise!!!
You and I are being watched!!!
I appreciate how the NLT states verses 1 Peter 4:4-6
Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit.
The world around you is watching you!!! Your life actions, My life actions should be a shock… a surprise… a contrast!!!
STAND OUT IN THE CROWD… CHARACTER NOT SYMBOLS
The way you respond… unexpected
The way you forgive… unexpected
The way you live consistently… unexpected
ILLUSTRATE Voice of the Martyrs...
Not only is man watching us but also God… in Hebrews we also see that the saints who have gone on are watching… even cheering us on!
The cheering I like… HOWEVER, it is the taunting, the slander, the suffering from the world that is difficult:
Suffering in the Flesh
Suffering in the Flesh
Living out God’s will in the flesh is NOT easy...
These believers were having false accusations bringing suffering
Some were dying for their faith
Mankind was bringing suffering for those in the flesh
BUT GOD…
Will be the ultimate judge one day
God will require an account
God also promises LIFE!!!
This is why we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ
This is why we do not grieve as others when one who knows Christ dies
All mankind will die
Only those who trust Christ go on to TRULY LIVE!!!
This is why we have HOPE!
The Finish!!!
The Finish!!!
The goal Peter tells his readers is to do the will of God… and one day LIVE ETERNALLY!!!
finish well church
I finished the swim in high school, not first but I finished without disqualifying… taking third in the race, contributing to the team’s score for the swim meet
Peter as he continues will elaborate next week that we don’t do this alone but in the mean time he gives this powerful charge to live with perseverance!!!
Peter is running this race as well
Peter has looked into the eyes of His Lord after failing
So Peter gives you and I this charge today as we leave
Alright church we have seen the extent our God went to now:
Get ready
Move forward
Let people watch
expect resistance
BUT… keep the goal in your sights regardless!
TODAY’S HYMN AS WE CLOSE IS FITTING AS WE PERSEVERE FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST… ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIER