Introduction:
A Read 1 Peter Social and Political Climate…
B. Reflection on the times we are living in and the urgency of living with purpose.
Scriptural Foundation: 1 Peter 4:7-11 –The emphasis on being self-controlled, sober-minded, maintaining fervent love, offering hospitality, and using gifts to serve one another.
Thesis Statement: In light of the imminent return of Christ, we are called to be vigilant, maintain love among us, and be good stewards of God’s manifold grace through the gifts He has given us.
What is Passion?
Passion can be defined as:
- a powerful or compelling emotion, feeling, or intense enthusiasm towards a particular subject, object, or activity.
- It’s an innate or acquired driving force or desire that fuels an individual to pursue, engage with, and dedicate themselves to something with zeal and fervor, often leading them to invest significant time, energy, and resources.
- Passion often manifests as a deep sense of fulfillment and joy in the involved activities and can be a significant factor in overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s goals and aspirations.
- In a broader context, it can also refer to a strong inclination or desire to make a difference or create an impact in a specific area or field.
The Message
I. Living in the End Times (1 Peter 4:7a)
1 Peter 4:7 NIV The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
- A. Main Point: Understanding the significance of living as if Christ’s return is near.
- B. Supporting Scripture:
- Matthew 24:42 – “Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
- C. Application: Remaining spiritually vigilant and focused on God’s will.
II. The Priority of Prayer (1 Peter 4:7b)
- A. Main Point: The importance of being self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of our prayers.
- B. Supporting Scripture:
- Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
- C. Application: Cultivating a consistent and fervent prayer life, maintaining a clear and sober mind to connect with God.
III. Maintaining Fervent Love (1 Peter 4:8)
1 Peter 4:8 NIV Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
- A. Main Point: The imperative of maintaining fervent love among ourselves because love covers a multitude of sins.
- B. Supporting Scripture:
- Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
- C. Application: Choosing to love fervently, forgiving, and covering one another’s faults.
IV. Hospitality and Stewardship (1 Peter 4:9-10)
1 Peter 4:9-10 NIV Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
- A. Main Point: The call to be hospitable without grumbling and to use our gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
- B. Supporting Scripture:
- Romans 12:13 – “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
- C. Application: Embracing and expressing hospitality and using our varied gifts to serve others, reflecting God’s grace.
V. Serving with the Strength that God Supplies (1 Peter 4:11)
1 Peter 4:11 NIV If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
- A. Main Point: Serving by the strength that God supplies so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
- B. Supporting Scripture:
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
- C. Application: Relying on God’s strength in our service and seeking to glorify Him in everything we do.
Conclusion:
- Reiteration of the importance of living with the end in mind, maintaining fervent love, being hospitable, and using our gifts to serve others as good stewards of God’s grace, all to the glory of God.
- Challenge: To live each day with purpose and love, seeking to glorify God in all we do, being vigilant and prayerful, loving one another deeply, and serving others with the gifts God has given us.
Call to Action:
- A. Encourage the Congregation to reflect on their gifts and how they can use them to serve others and glorify God.
- B. Prompt Reflection on how each person can maintain fervent love and hospitality within their sphere of influence.
- C. Offer Practical Steps to live vigilantly and purposefully in light of the imminent return of Christ, such as through committed prayer and intentional acts of service and love.
The key takeaways from the sermon based on 1 Peter 4:7-11:
- Living in Expectation of Christ’s Return:
- Understand and live with the awareness that we are in the end times, and Christ’s return is imminent. This perspective should prompt a life of vigilance, intentionality, and prioritization of spiritual matters.
- The Importance of Fervent Prayer:
- A sober, self-controlled mind is crucial for effective prayer. Prioritizing a life of prayer is essential in maintaining a strong connection with God and discerning His will.
- Maintaining Deep, Fervent Love:
- The emphasis is on sustaining a fervent love among believers, as love covers a multitude of sins. It is about choosing to love unconditionally and to forgive, reflecting God’s love and forgiveness towards us.
- Practicing Hospitality:
- Christians are called to be hospitable without complaint, welcoming others with open arms, and displaying kindness and generosity, thus reflecting the love and grace of God.
- Stewardship of God-given Gifts:
- Every believer has received gifts and is called to use them to serve one another. Proper stewardship of these gifts as good managers of God’s varied grace is pivotal in serving God’s purposes in this world.
- Serving in God’s Strength to Glorify Him:
- Believers should serve by the strength that God supplies, not relying on their abilities. The ultimate goal of every act of service should be to glorify God, acknowledging that the ability and strength to serve come from Him.
- Actionable Faith:
- Each believer should reflect on how to practically apply these principles, thinking about how to use their unique gifts in service to others, maintain love, and live each day with the expectancy of Christ’s return, all to the glory of God.
These takeaways encourage believers to live intentionally, love deeply, serve diligently, and glorify God in all aspects of life, emphasizing a holistic approach to Christian living that impacts both the individual and the community.