Sermon Nuggets Mon Aug 24
Theme- Considering Commitment.
Verses 1 Peter 4:1 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
Considering Commitment.
Christianity Today reported that Banto Masih, A Pakistani Christian was accused by a Muslim acquaintance of "insulting the Prophet Muhammad." His accuser tried to stab him at the court hearing; If convicted Masih will be sentenced to hang to death, as required by Islamic law. If the Shari'a Act was being enforced Christians could not publish anything about their faith. They could not hold annual Christian conventions either because they are evangelistic. And it's considered an attack against Islam to ask people to become Christians.
Christians all around the world are now being revealed to have to decide whether following Jesus Christ is worth the suffering and reject by the political forces, family, and friends. Following Jesus is not a matter of discussing various belief systems. It is a commitment to the person of Jesus as Lord that may require persecution, torture and death.
People who have been touched by the Spirit of Jesus have a unique place in the midst of suffering. Since the first century when all the disciples had to give their lives on the line for their commitment to Jesus followers demonstrated hope in despair, victory even in persecution or death because Jesus has given us hope.
As we focused on the resurrection last week we were reminded of the victory won for us by Jesus Christ. The main message of Peter was let those who harm you be ashamed for they do so because of your good actions, not for any evil reason. Then as an illustration of one suffering for good rather than for evil he points to Jesus who died for our sins. He was righteous we are the unrighteous ones, and he did so in order to bring us to God. He died, and was buried, and rose again.
This is also symbolized in baptism. When we so identify ourselves with Jesus that we are willing to die to old self and live a new life we symbolize that by water baptism. Faith in Jesus saves us just like faith in the work of God by having Noah build an ark saved them. Now Jesus is interceded for us at the right hand of God and all powers are in submission to him.
Augustine was faced with his sinful life and was weeping in remorse. “I was weeping in the most bitter contrition of my heart, when I heard the voice of children from a neighboring house chanting, "take up and read; take up and read." I could not remember ever having heard the like, so checking the torrent of my tears, I arose, interpreting it to be no other than a command from God to open the book and read the first chapter I should find. Eagerly then I returned to the place where I had laid the volume of the apostle. I seized, opened, and in silence read that section on which my eyes first fell: "Not in revelry and drunkenness, not in licentiousness and lewdness, not is strife and envy; but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." No further would I read, nor did I need to. For instantly at the end of this sentence, it seemed as if a light of serenity infused into my heart and all the darkness of doubt vanished away. (Augustine)
The commitment to follow Jesus brought Augustine a sense of release from sin and burden from guilt. The path which he would take would be used by God to influence people in remarkable ways for centuries that follow.
The question of suffering causes Christians to evaluate their lives as to what they really believe, and if following Jesus is worth it.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues Aug 25
Verses. 1 Peter 4: 1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
Suffering can Cause us to look to Christ
When I am going through tough times I certainly do more thinking about my life and what might be wrong with it. I usually don’t give a lot of thought of life choices when things are going well. Why is that? We want pain of all sorts to go away and if there is anything we can do, especially in a spiritual commitment, we want to know it. Interestingly, suffering causes us to review our priorities:
I think Peter is reviewing a thought he had given before. Jesus was the suffering servant and prepares His people to do the same. There is a variety of types of suffering which can include physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and social. The world is fallen. But the suffering implied in this context is when the desire to live for Jesus Christ runs in conflict with the world, and specifically the problems we face with decisions to live by a different value. When we say no to sin and fitting in with those around us it can mean a job loss, or family problems, or lawsuits, or hatred, or ostracism.
It seems Peter is referring us back to the point of 1 Pet 2:20-25 “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
The attitude of Jesus that becomes the armament for us in suffering is to do what is right. Jesus did what was right and it resulted in our salvation. Faith is knowing we are on the winning team and this world is a light and momentary affliction. In following the attitude of Jesus in our spiritual attack is knowing in His time God will bring about good. But from a worlds point of view it may not seem like it.
I do not like it when Christians are not allowed to worship in freedom. Many in the world, like in the US, have that privilege. It really is not hard to be a Christian. Not like it is in most of the world. I am thankful that we do not meet in secret, or worry about families killing us when we turn to Jesus. I am grateful I can write openly devotions, or preach (so far) on the radio Biblical convictions. Certainly, when sin is addressed some people do not like it. But I also am aware that pressure from within can influence me in more ways than I care to admit.
One lady from our church recently remembered how lonely it was during her high school days when she did not have friends because she refused to do some of the things her classmates were doing. She remembered the hurts when others teased her and made fun of her. Her personal commitment to Christ means she was going to live for His glory and not for her pleasures. She said she sees how her children are experiencing the same loneliness and social rejection because others do not share the same faith and lifestyle. That is why Christian fellowship is so important.
The hard thing for most of our youth is the temptation to want Jesus and friends also by going along with whatever crowd they happen to be around. It is easy to cheat, lie, smoke, drink, curse, do drugs, or have sex when everyone around them seems to be doing it. Then they can go to church and youth group and talk about Jesus. But down deep, if they are saved, the Holy Spirit gnaws at their conscience and they know they are living a lie. There is little joy in knowing the Lord.
But many adults have also fallen into the worldview of materialism, or political commitment, or social relationships that can results in compromise with seeking to live for God’s glory. Drunkenness and drugs as well as shady business deals can influence people to seek the good life when again there is something missing in their soul relationship with the Lord. Sin does get in the way.
For the godly person who seeks to live a life on integrity, honestly, purity, and victory others too often feel uncomfortable around them and just as soon leave them alone.
One church attendee shared how doing a good job at work caused other workers around him to ridicule him for trying to get it well with the management at their expense, making them look bad. They thought management would expect more out of them if this man produce more work in the same amount of time. He would get promotions they felt they deserved because some of them had worked their longer. To fit in he was pressured to do less than his best. It was like the crabs wanting to pull him down when he was succeeding. That work ethic came from his Christian commitment to honor the Lord and do right. What was he to do?
Have the same attitude as Jesus. Arm yourselves knowing that if you live for the Lord you will experience various degrees of rejection, loneliness, persecution, but do right anyways as this is pleasing unto the Lord.
We do not live in judgment or superiority to others, but humility to let Christ be seen in us in love and in faithfulness first to Him. What would Jesus do if He were in your situation?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds Aug 26
Verses 1 Peter 4: 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Suffering Can Cause us to seek God’s Will
We do some self evaluation when we are hurting. Peter’s point was to be encouraged by looking to Jesus and His suffering which came as a result of his commitment to the will of the Father. He suffered and died out of love.
Some parents will go through great deal of suffering and inconvenience out of love for their children. It gives purpose for their pain. Love for freedom or for the country motivates soldiers to sacrifice themselves in harms way in war.
There are many Christian volunteers who suffering hardship while serving the Lord in difficult situations and circumstances. Missionaries and pastors have suffered so lost people can know Jesus Christ to be their Savior. By our witness are we willing to suffer if it becomes a testimony to others of truth of God?
I have often visited with people who were suffering who wanted to understand the will of God in their situation.
Peter is addressing Christians and is calling them to a life of holiness. He is calling them to follow Jesus by repudiating sin. It is a call to distinguish between human desires and sinful desires.
Peter calls us to arm ourselves with that same attitude that Jesus had by submitting ourselves to God's will. To arm yourself pictures a warrior putting on armor for protection and weapons for offense. When we are in God's will we do have spiritual protection against the temptations of the evil one. According to Ephesians 6 our offensive weapons become prayer and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Having the Holy Spirit dwell in our lives opens us up to a greater will for which we live. But it seems when suffering comes we have to ask if we really are in His will and doing what He wants or have we missed something.
Jesus purpose is also stated in John 4:34 "My desire is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work." When someone is suffering for any reasons, his priorities change. When one man was diagnosed with terminal cancer he said new cars and new suits are no longer important, but God, family, and church are. One person going through the pains of divorce said, “All the things I thought were so important and I worked so hard to obtain really are nothing compared to my family, but it's too late now.”
Suffering many times brings people to their knees before God. Words of commitment are often spoken in foxholes in the midst of attack and unfortunately forgotten when all is safe again. That is true in others circumstances of tragedies and difficulties. I hear little of prayer mentioned on the news these days, but when 9/11 attack occurred there was hardly a news station and political leader that didn’t speak of prayer.
When Christians face suffering for their faith they evaluate their real desires and material possession and ask, “is it really worth it?” There are many Christians who have become spiritual giants through painful crises in their lives and said such things like, "This experience drove me to my knees. I vowed that when I got out of the hospital, I'd be all out for God from now on.
What is God’s will for my life? It is more in the letting Him work where you are than what you do. When you are yielded in your will to follow Him, don’t worry about where or when He leads. Obey today what you know you should be doing.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Aug 27
Verses- 1 Pet 4: 3-4 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-- living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.
Suffering can cause us to Leave Sin
With re-evaluation of life many will be confronting with sin while experiencing suffering. Sometimes suffering is a result of sin or misdeeds. But if we suffer as a Christian it can also be a purifying experience. I am not saying, like some superstitious people, that we will hurt ourselves to pay for sin, but rather like Peter said in Chapter 1:6-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Suffering purifies us and causes us to reflect on how we are living and what changes might be made. The list here depicts the former life. Former friends do not understand. They might get angry that we don't join them in sin or party with them any longer. For many getting a high, getting drunk, having sex, partying are the greatest pleasures. They don’t understand the joy of Jesus in a proper relationship lasts in the long run.
Jesus preached in Matthew 24:36 "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding in the hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. "
I believe the message in Noah's day is the same in Peter's day and is the same today. I believe Peter uses the people of Noah's day who lived in debauchery as the ones who symbolize those who continue in their selfish, ego pleasing, God ignoring lives. Pleasure is for the now and eating and drinking and making marry is more important than the warning to repent of sins. They had no idea how they would be judged of God.
This is now the message of Christ to you. If you continue to live in selfish, pleasure seeking, God ignoring lives, refuse to repent of your sin and seek forgiveness from Christ who died for your sin, then there will be judgment for the living and the dead.
Susannah Wesley mother of John and Charles Wesley summed it up once in this striking way, "Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or removes your relish for Spiritual things that is sin to you."
Lloyd Steffen wrote in the Christian Century how when King Frederick II 18th century king of Prussia, was visiting a prison in Berlin, the inmates tried to prove to him how they had been unjustly imprisoned, All except one. That one sat quietly in the corner, while all the rest protested their innocence. Seeing him sitter there oblivious to the commotion, the king asked him what he was there for. "Armed Robbery, your honor." The king asked, "Were you guilty?" "Yes, Sire" he answered. "I entirely deserve my punishment."
The king then gave an order To the guard; "Release this guilty man. I don't want him corrupting all these innocent people"
The people to whom Peter was writing could all say, yes, that was my life. I am guilty of being earth bound. Now I repent of that and will follow Jesus wherever he leads. Repentance is our key of being released from the lusts of this flesh and finding the joy of Jesus.
When he is talking about ceasing from sin, Peter is not saying there is sinless perfection. In an article called Discipline of the Darkroom, B.C. Lovelace compares the Christian experience to photography. He says that in taking a snapshot, an image is made on the exposed negative the instant the shutter opens. Before the picture can be seen however, the film must go through the developing process. So too at the moment of conversion the light of the Savior floods the heart of the new believer and Christ's own likeness is indelibly impressed on his spirit. Then this miracle of grace also must be followed by a process of development. The Savior's image becomes visible as we are changed into His likeness. This involved the darkroom experience of adversity. In addition to trials, the Lord's correcting hand may also have a sanctifying effect on the Christian, Difficult as your darkroom experience may be, you should thank the Lord for you are being developed.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri Aug 28
Verses-1 Pet 4: 5,6 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
Suffering Can cause us to consider Eternity.
This is a most interesting passage. There is an accounting in the judgment and Jesus judges the living and the dead. Each one must stand before God. That is why the gospel is preached. It is preached to those who are spiritually dead to Jesus Christ so they might accept the Lord and turn to salvation even though the bodies die, their spirits might live. Or specifically that men who persecute the Christian be it in Soviet Union, or Pakistan, or Cuba, can only harm the body, the worse things anyone can do is persecute the body, but the spirit is God's and that is how we live.
Living for Jesus Christ is not easy. When we live for Christ, really live righteous and godly lives, the unbelievers of the world reject us. They want little to do with pure righteousness and pure godliness. A godly life convicts them and demands that they live like God or else face His judgment.
There is a day coming when God Himself, by the Lord Jesus Christ, will judge both the living and the dead. There is a judgment for the Lord's people so that our works might be appraised. We are given rewards according to our works or suffer loss accord to our works (1 Cor 3 and 2 Cor 5) There is the great white throne judgment when all who have died in unbelief, who have rejected or put off trusting in Christ to save them and coming to him by commitment of their lives and receiving God's Holy Spirit into their lives. All will be judged and all whose names are not in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire, or hell. Rev. 20:11-15 is clear about that. This is what is referred as the judgment of the dead.
Jesus said He that heareth my word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but is passed out of death into life.(John 5:24) The message of repentance was true of Noah's day it is true today. It is a message that for a time people will suffer ridicule and rejection for following God. That was true for Noah, that was true for Jesus and that was true for Peter's readers the first century Christian? Is that true for you and me? When take heart God provides a way of escape. That was the Ark that is Jesus. This message is victorious.
Our time to respond to Jesus is now. It seems to me that the gospel is preached that enlivens men to God and deadens men to the things of the flesh. The reverse is true to be alive to the fleshly things is to be dead to Christ. That which brings life from death is the response and acceptance of the preaching of the good news.
Pastor Dale
