Encouragement and Steps To Press On 1 Peter 4 New Years Message 05-06

Four excellent reasons to keep pressing on with the LORD
& Five great practical steps!

Here is an outline of the message I gave on New Years last.  Hope the timelessness of God's Word infuses you as well this coming new year!

I. Four Excellent reasons to Press on in the Lord in 1 Peter 4

1st --Christ’s Example
1Peter 4:1-2  Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

A. Christ suffered and so Arm Yourselves also
The idea is–have in your thoughts and minds the cross to prepare you for whatever suffering you may receive as a result of identifying with Christ.

Jn 15:20–Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

B. He who has suffered has ceased from sin
    1. Even many Christians grumble and complain at suffering, yet suffering does lead many Christians to deeper repentance and can be used to cause sinners to repent.
    2. i.e., Wreched man that I am, who will deliver me… When suffering ends in death, it becomes glorious! Sin is now put under forever–ceased.

C. That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for lusts…
    Since our goal is to stop sinning we need to walk in the will of God–under influence of Spirit. When we pass on, (to die is gain) one’s heart should be in tune to this goal.),
    What is the will of God?? , 'My food is to do the will of him who sent me.' (Jn.4:34) 'I do not seek my own will but the will of him who sent me.' (Jn.8:10)

    The apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:3: 'This is the will of God, your sanctification'; that is, your willingness to be set aside for his intended purpose.

Further, Paul tells us in the same letter

2nd --We’ve had our fill of worldly pursuits!!
1Peter 4: 3-4  For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

A. emptines of sin  The comedian Richard Pryor is reputed to have said, 'Enjoy as much as you can even if you live to be 90, because that's not as long as you're going to be dead. Ps 90 10 The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 11 Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

B. Six illustrations of the will or counsel of world are given to show just how shameful the end result of the will of the world is. These do not provide an excuse for lesser evils to continue on whether public or private. Those vices that the immature relish in are a snare and a cage – a prison house--- Binding and blinding and grinding–like Samson who toyed with flesh

1. Licentiousness–Without self-restraint–debauchery, license Where there is no restraint–the people perish Sophron–curbing natural fleshly desires
2. Lusts–Evil desires–longing for the forbidden –i.e., the lust for power, fame, wealth and influence. Find yourself facing incredible pressure to buy things don’t need, with money you don't have, to impress people you don't know! These are the things the advertisers say will bring us power, fame, wealth and influence. Peter calls them 'lusts
3. Drunkenness–Excess of wine In the cult of Bacchus, devotees drank the fruit of the vine, as Bacchus was the god of wine, of animals and vegetable life. They engaged in sacred dances which would induce ecstasy, in which they would supposedly be possessed by the spirit of Bacchus. That is why we have Paul's warning to the Corinthians: 'I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons.' (1 Cor. 10:20)
4. Revelries–Carousing, rioting, orgies
5. Drinking parties–Drinking bouts
6. Abominable idolatries–Forbidden worship of idols

C. There are a whole lot of people who have not realized their position in Christ and are holding onto shameful practices of past. Y ou don’t need them! Turn from them! Repent!! How can we who are dead to sin live any longer in it? Rom 6

D. The world thinks it strange that you would avoid them.
i.e., As a pagan young man, I longed for opportunities to indulge my flesh. I was raised in the church so I was making up for lost time to do evil. But those in the flesh don’t like it if they have justified a particular sin and someone comes around and does not give into that–they squirm and call them prudish–legalistic

Gal 4:29–But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, even so [it is] now. Jn 7:7–The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

3rd --We will give an account–Judgment
1Peter 4: 5-6 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

A. Though God is extremely patient, He will judge them…
Due account will be rendered
Sin is an affront to a holy God
There are some who have stored up wrath for day of judgment

B. Gospel preached to dead *Can’t mean–second chance…

1. All Accountable even without hearing gospel Rom 1:19-20–Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Ps 19:1-3–To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. [There is] no speech nor language, [where] their voice is not heard.
2. Judged by our conscience Rom 2:14–For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: As Rom 2:12, 14-15–As many as sinned without law
3. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, Heb 9:27.
4. Impossible gulf–Luke 16:23-28

4th --The end of all things is at hand
1Peter 4: 7 But the end of all things is at hand; …

End- (telos) Not the ceasing to exist of all things, but final culmination–maturity, ripeness Ripe for harvest–whether judgment or reward End of all things in the physical dimension Is at hand approaching Same word used by Jesus in Mt 3:2 saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" and by James 5:8 You be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

II. Five Practical exhortations for the new year…

1st --Prayer–Actually prayers, plural, (earnest petitions)–
1 Peter 4:7…therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
1. Serious (sober–sound minded) vs. taking for granted Evidence a person is alive unto God i.e., Ananias told by God to go to lay hands on Saul objected…told behold he is praying Pray without ceasing! Not a monologue but a dialogue
2. Watchful (discreet–wise) versus oblivious, no understanding Perhaps Peter was remembering his personal experience with Jesus in Gethsemane when Jesus said, “What could you not watch with me one hour?”, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38).
Paul, 1 Thess 5:6 (lets not sleep as others but watch) Rom 13:11–high time to wake out of sleep 1 Cor 7:29-31 But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.  Eph 5:15-16–See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 1 Pet 1:13–Gird up loins Rev 16:15–Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments

2nd --Above All Have Fervent Love...
1 Peter 4: 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

1. Love covers– Not in sense “atones for” but in not “broadcasting them” That is a forgiving love–which covers–not exposes people’s sins Love seeks to minimize sins rather than exaggerate Forgives & overlooks–key Sees whole picture–(works through faith) Tendency to get irritated at those close to us–not love Does all it can to resolve an issue privately and if needs go public, does it sadly Mt 18 Public offense requires public rebuke i.e., with Peter Gal 2:12-21 But we ought to bear quietly with hundreds of sins of weakness, mistakes, failures Prov 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins 1 Cor 13:7–Love bears all James 5:20–Turn a sinner…save soul and cover multitude of sins
2. Fervent–actually means–stretched out Put to full strain–exerted to limit The opposite of this word fervent is slight or ineffective effort. Nothing love cannot deal with Jn 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34). John 15:12-17 "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. "These things I command you, that you love one another. How practical–Wash each other’s feet! Jo 13

3rd --Be Hospitable–
1Peter 4: 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Hospitality– philos xenos–a Love of strangers Love extending and overflowing to strangers–those who need food and shelter Very concrete expression in New Testament times Inns or hotels in those days were very rare and poor–No body to keep the light on Early churches relationship Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12:13). How can we love God whom we have not seen if we don’t love our brother we have seen Without grumbling–secret debate, secret displeasure, not openly admitted to i.e., obligatory, no grudging obligation Is 58–Do not hide yourself from own flesh (amazing how immensely important this simple grace is)

4th --Use yor gift for others and for God's glory
1Peter 4:9b-11...As each one has received a Gift 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

A. Each (everyone) has received a gift (charisma)
Rom 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Not all have same gift.  1 Cor 12 Ministering your gift (something for others) charisma Each gift is a giving or blessing someone else except tongues
B. As Good Stewards–house managers (responsible slaves) We are all stewards Unlike bad steward–Luke 16:1-12 Manifold Grace–charis Variegated” or in other words–manifests itself in a variety of ways Peter categorizes them in two ways–speaking and serving Speaking–
C. If anyone Speaks–teaching, preaching, prophecy, tongues, interpretation publicly about divine things–not giving oracles about who will win the game Words of God–not own opinions, dreams, ideas, False prophet spoke from own heart D. If anyone Ministers–diakonos (deacon) Acts 6:2-4 Do it with the ability He supplies 2 Cor 9:10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
    Minister your gift-- How many ministers do we have here at Calvary Chapel? About 2,500 adults
        If we all took seriously our calling, can you imagine?
    Misconception to think only one person is the minister or even staff are ministers    
    The roll of each person or staff is to equip each of you to do the work of the ministers Eph 4

5th and finally– Rejoice in Trials
1Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

A. Don’t be Surprised It would be surprising in normal conditions:
    A person who is dedicated to living a good life and helping others and loving his family etc... Why should such a person be reproached? Doing not evil. Loving not hating. Giving not stealing.
    To think that that kind of a person would be reproached by others, mocked and hated is almost unthinkable. And yet that is what the Bible tells us that we are to anticipate. Not be surprised when it happens.
    The cruelty by which Christians were tortured can only be explained due to slander & false accusing about them Not just in the first century– i.e., More Christians have been martyred in the 20th century than in the previous 19 centuries combined.
    Pastors are being arrested and sometimes shot in China and Cuba. Believers are forbidden to buy goods or own property in Somalia. Christians who testify to their faith in Iran or Saudi Arabia may be put to death for blasphemy. Mobs have wiped out whole villages of Christians in Pakistan. Fanatical religious people in India routinely maim and kill missionaries of their own country with no repercussions from government
 
We so often wonder—What is going on? God? Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this? Some actually preach that if you are suffering, you are out of the will of God. They say: If Financial trouble—not enough faith or if Sick—don’t believe strong enough

God has not promised to keep us out of fire (He can and sometimes does though), but more often He takes us through the fire
i.e., Shadrack, Meschach, Abednego

Prov. 27:21—burning is a term used for smelting gold and silver to perfect them

B. Rather.. Rejoice
This goes against human nature
    Natural reaction is to cry out, complain, murmur, self pity, anger (a common response to hurt) I’m only human—it’s just my nature—yes, and that is what God came to change—old nature

Look at Paul’s viewpoint: 2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2Co 11:23 -28 ...in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure etc..

Maybe you don’t feel like rejoicing —perhaps you feel it would be faking it—hypocritical—NO—because the Lord commands it. If you do it out of obedience, He will then empower it to give you the capacity. Resolve to believe the Lord when He asks you to do something i.e., Peter by asked Jesus to go out to fish—but Lord nevertheless We often fail to try because we measure the task by our abilities—I can’t or I can—
    When we think we can we fail because we overestimate our strength
    When we think we can’t—we must not underestimate His strength Partaker with His Sufferings

Realize the great reward before you one day
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8: 18). ,
    Momentary light affliction, 50-75 years 100?
    This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 2Tim 2:11-12
    Peter already mentioned apocalypse–unveiling For the name (revelation) of Christ i.e., the gospel–reveals the name and nature of God Glad with exceeding joy—count it an honor to suffer for his name sake If we suffer with Him, we will reign with Him

Mt 5:11* "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

Mt 19:29* "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.

Ac 5:41* So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. Conclusion 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Conclusion:
So therefore—if you are suffering according to the will of God Commit your souls to Him Doing good He is faithful! Creator!

2Peter 3 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;