Critics
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Critics
Critics
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, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 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. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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.
Very beginning, Arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.
How do we arm ourselves, with the full armor of God.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
The old is gone and the new has come
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Who is your harshest critic?
Before you answer that I want you to think about it. Who is your harshest Critic on Earth? For me I have 2. Myself and my wife. You may ask why I didn’t say God. The reason why I didnt say that is I want you to think about the time before you were saved. Who were you afraid to disappoint? Those same people are still that after becoming a Christian but God has been added right? Now God is always there. He loves us no matter what right. He doesn’t care about what we did in the past. But who doesn’t forget. US, OUR MINDS.
So let’s look in vs 7-11
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
OK it says in there we are to be Good Stewards of God’s Grace. Now when you think of stewardship what is the first thing you think of? MONEY. What makes the world go round. MONEY!
Now Peter wasn’t saying it’s all about the money.
We are to be managers of our walk with God.
Ok what do I mean we must be managers of our walk with God.
How many of us have had a job once in our lifetime? How many of us have gone too school?
How many of us have heard time management. This works with our walk with Christ. When you go to school, you set time to study for the big test. If you are a teacher you have to manage your time to write out lessons plans. As a pastor, I have to manage my time to write out a sermon.
Last week I was off, we had a guest speaker. I want to thank my church family for allowing me to have that time off. I just spent the weekend at home with my wife and kids and enjoying the quality time I get to. Now most people here also know I work with County. So there is one full time job 40 hours a week. I have my family there is 80 hours a week right there. and then I am Pastor here, that’s another full time job even though I am bi-vocational. Just because I am bi-vocational or not here every day, being a pastor is a full time job for anyone that is called. It never stops. Now I deal with a lot, I have to manage my time.
But let’s not just take well you are the Pastor. Because when you become a Christian you don’t only work a 9-5 job and then turn off being a Christian. When you are saved, YOU ARE SAVED. NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY. We must work hard every day to ensure that we are the proper representation of God that we need to be.
So as Christians we need to not remind people of what they were in the past, trust me they do it to themselves enough. We need to remind them of how much God loves us and has forgiven us. We are to be Stewards of God’s Grace.
We were there once before. We were not worthy to even be saved, but God said My Child, you are worth it. It doesn’t matter if 1 million people were saved, Even if 1 was truly saved we have done our job as Christians on this Earth.
Don’t let the tests bring you down.
Let’s look at vs 12-19
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Suffering for the name of Christ is different than suffering for your sins.
I may suffer on a daily basis because I am Christian. “WHY DO YOU BELIEVE?”
Peter, who wrote these letters, denied Jesus 3 times when he was on trial to be crucified. HE DENIED HIM 3 TIMES. But you know what he immediately knew what happen when that rooster crowed. Here’s the thing about Peter, he did a lot of stuff.
He couldnt answer the question “Who Do You Say I AM?” He answered what everyone else would answer.
He cut off the soldier’s ear, he denied 3 times.
Peter knew that when he saw Jesus again he heard the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” He rejoiced.
He never suffered for murdering someone, he never suffered for stealing. He suffered for proclaiming the Word of God.
Last week, the guest speaker talked about Missions. I will never say God has said you must go to 3rd World Countries and speak the name of Jesus. That is not everyone’s calling. But I will say God has said you must go out in your community and speak the name of Jesus.
Jesus died on the cross for your sins and mine. Jesus resurrected from the dead, He did not die again, He ascended back to Heaven. SO MY GOD IS NOT DEAD, HE IS ALIVE. I will gladly speak the name of Jesus Christ and suffer for His Glory. How about you?