Occupied to the End

(1 Peter 4:1-11)

Sermon Outline

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude” (I Peter 4:1)

Since Christ suffered in His body; join in His suffering and serve Him the rest of your earthly days.

Suffering with Christ (1 Peter 4:1-6)

• Arm yourselves—A call to arms and ready for battle
  • Prepare yourself
• Breaking from sin—Not sinless perfection or second work of grace
  • Choosing Christ and the obedient way
• Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
  • The Cup—God’s portion
  • Not my will but yours be done
• No longer living for self—to satisfy the lusts of man
• Break from the past life—When we were separated from God
• God will require an account of every one
  • He will make all things right
  • What have we done with God’s Cornerstone?
  • The living stone or a rock of offense and stone of stumbling?

Serving with Christ (1 Peter 4:7-11)

• The end is near
  • Old Testament prophets “The Day of the Lord is Near”
  • Demonstrate God’s patience 2,000 years later
  • Living in the last days of God’s calendar
  • Final phase of God’s redemptive plan—The consummation of all things
• Therefore serve one another
  • Prayer
  • Love that covers a multitude of sins
  • Generous hospitality—no grumbling or complaining
  • Gifts of speech and gifts of action—exercise them
• To God be all the praise and glory

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. When it comes to suffering, Peter said we are to arm ourselves with the same attitude as Christ. Have you ever suffered for being Christian and for standing with/for Christ? What were the circumstances? (4:1)
2. Peter said that to suffer in your body (flesh) will cause you to be done with sin. This is not sinless perfection or holy sanctification. If we still sin even after suffering what do you think Peter is actually saying about sin and suffering? (4:1)
3. Read verses 4:1-2 but substitute the word “Self” for “Sin” in verse 4:1. Then read 3:18 and discuss what it means for believers to become more Christ-like.
4. How do you know the will of God and how should you live once you know it? (4:2)
5. Sinful living has devastating effects on us and others. Why should Christians not do what the pagans choose to do? (4:3; 2:9-10)
6. The phrase “the living and the dead” has the meaning of an all-inclusive scope. The phrase “from A to Z” has a similar meaning. The Apostle teaches here that no one escapes God’s judgment. How should that affect the way we live and treat one another? How should this fact influence our view of personal evangelism? (4:5)
7. Discuss why prayer is so important and why it is important to have a clear mind and be self-controlled when we pray. (4:7)
8. The Apostle says we are to love each other deeply…above everything else. Why is love important as followers of Christ? (4:8; 3:18)
9. Hospitality is a great way to show love and generosity to others. It is interesting that so many things we like for ourselves is what God asked us to do for others. How can you become more generous in hospitality? Maybe you can begin this week? (4:9)
10. God gives us gifts so that we might use them to serve others. Do you know the spiritual gift God has given you and are you using it to serve His people the Church? Ask for help if you are not sure of your spiritual gift…exercising your gift is important for your own spiritual health and for the spiritual life of the Church. (4:10)
11. What is one specific thing you sense God is speaking to you about your life through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray about what you share together. If you are studying on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.