November 27, 2016
Morning Service

I Pet. 4:1-19

 

            In the past few Sunday’s we have seen Peter’s instructions for successful Christian living.  He leaves no one out, and his instructions are very thorough.  As we remember Jesus giving him the keys to the Kingdom (Matt. 16), which represents all authority, and how it was Peter that opened the door to salvation for both the Jews, ( Acts 2 ), and the gentiles in (Acts 10).  So besides his sermons in the book of Acts, we have two letters, and a gospel written that we might learn more of the will of God, through Peter’s writings.  As he finished chapter two with this thought, 1Pe 3:22  Who (meaning Jesus) is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Let us begin with chapter four:

 

1Pe 4:1-19  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;  (2)  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Paul said this:

·         1Co 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

·         Paul says we have the mind of Christ, so Peter says, “arm yourselves, or prepare yourselves for the suffering of your flesh, to win victory over sin.” 

·         We will see the things that we are to give up, and defeat in our lives, in just a moment.

·         But look at what the Heb. Writer tells us:  Heb 12:2-4  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  (3)  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  (4)  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

·         Jesus knew the joy that awaited Him, we have the promise of this joy.  He endured the cross, despising the shame, it seemed small in comparison to the reward.  And He is now sitting at the right hand of Authority in heaven.

·         But notice “He endured the contradictions of sinners against Himself,”  this is part of the suffering, and shame.  He did it, so I want you to be ready to do it also.  If need be resist to the very shedding of your blood, to have victory over sin…….

NOW NOTICE:

 (3)  For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 

·        These are the things of the flesh that we must give up, and receive victory over.

1.      Walking in a life of lasciviousness.  1. Looseness; irregular indulgence of animal desires; wantonness; lustfulness.   This life will lead to destruction in the lake of fire.

2.     Lusts:  Lust or covet;  Covers so many areas.  Desiring to have something that is not yours.  The commandment, “thou shalt not covet anything that is thy neighbors.”

3.     Excess of wine;  Notice, the emphasis is on excess, not the partaking.  The excess.

4.     Revellings, and banquetings; represent rude, and careless actions due to too much wine.  This would also include rioting, which is prevalent in our society today.

5.      Abominable idolatries;  Another area where we lust, and seek after THINGS, that we don’t need, and will lead us away from God.  Idol, anything that comes between you, and God.

BECAUSE WE ARE WORKING TO GET THESE THINGS OUT OF OUR LIVES, THOSE AROUND US WILL RESPOND LIKE THE FOLLOWING;

(4)  Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 

·        But you can’t allow people that are ruining their own lives to ruin yours.  We are learning what brings about a happy, and successful life, and it is not running with these types of people.

(5)  Who (the rioteous) shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.  (6)  For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 

·         The Spirit of Christ has cried out to every age, encouraging man to live according to what pleases Almighty God.  They thought many of the Prophets were crazy, but they heard the Word.  And had their chances to repent, and live for God.

(7)  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  (8)  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  (9)  Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  (10)  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 

·         But the end of all things are at hand;  that’s kind of a catch all statement.  Our earth lives could be over at anytime, we are not promised tomorrow, only what we have in the now.

·         Again we receive the encouragement to love one another, fervently.  For love will cover a multitude of sins.

·         Use your gift to edify the church.  Paul says this is why we are given gifts, to edify the body of Christ, the church.

(11)  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;

·         This has certainly been our goal in our ministry, to speak the Word of God, as it is written.

if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

·        Whether we speak, or act in servitude, everything is to bring glory, and honor to God.

(12)  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  (13)  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  (14)  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 

·         Even if we should have to suffer for our faith, we are to rejoice, and bring glory, and honor to our God.  Then when He is revealed in all His glory, we will rejoice with exceeding great joy.

(15)  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 

·         More things that are not to be found in our lives.

(16)  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  (17)  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  (18)  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  (19)  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

·        Such great reward awaits those who are faithful.  Be faithful unto the end, and you will receive the crown of life.  Are you looking forward to these rewards?

ALMIGHTY GOD, HELP US TO REMAIN FAITHFULL TO THE END, AND BRING GLORY, AND HONOR TO YOUR NAME.