Sermon Central
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Living For The Will Of God
Contributed by Carl Palatino on Dec 9, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: To bear trials, and to the encouragements to a holy life, notwithstanding in persecutions.
LIVING FOR THE WILL OF GOD
Introduction:
1 Peter chapter 4 relates principally to the manner in which those to whom the apostle wrote ought to bear their trials, and to the encouragements to a holy life, notwithstanding their persecutions. Peter had commenced the subject in the preceding chapter, and had referred them particularly to the example of the Saviour. His great solicitude was, that if they suffered, it should not be for crime, and that their enemies should not be able to bring any well-founded accusation against them He would have them pure and harmless, patient and submissive; faithful in the performance of their duties, and confidently looking forward to the time when they should be delivered. He exhorts them, therefore, to the following things:
I. CHRISTIANS ARE COMMANDED TO DO THE WILL OF GOD (VV. 1-2).
a. Take the same attitude like Christ (v.1).
- 1Pe 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.
- Suffering with Christ should lead us to a holy life.
- Jesus Christ is our proper pattern; have the same disposition he had; the same forgiving spirit, with meekness, and gentleness.
b. Be conformed wholly to the will of God (v. 2).
- 1Pe 4:2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
- Live with passion for the will of God.
II. CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO DO THE WILL OF GOD (VV. 3-4).
a. Abstain from the old nature habit (v. 3).
- 1Pe 4:3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
b. Walk with God (v.4).
- 1Pe 4:4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you.
III. CHRISTIANS ARE COMMITED TO DO THE WILL OF GOD (VV.5-6).
a. Believers are accountable before God (v.5).
- 1Pe 4:5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
b. Live a life with God (v.6)
- 1Pe 4:6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
Conclusion:
To live for the will of God, Christians must consider three things: that we are commanded, called and committed to do the will of God and to do that we must take the same attitude like Christ and conformed wholly to the will of God and Live with passion for the will of God.
