INTRODUCTION:
1. Turn with me in your Bibles to 1 Peter 4:7-19.
2. We have been looking at how Yahweh's Grace affects our lives.
3. And what we have seen is that God's grace affects every aspect of our
lives, without exception.
4. Last week we saw, First, Grace means we are to sanctify Christ as
Lord of our lives:
a. He is talking about being a zealot. (Not a religion, but a relationship
with a living God)
b. He doesn't just want part of our lives. (He wants every part of our
lives)
c. No matter what we are going through. (Or even who is present and
what they may think)
d. Making Him Lord of our lives. (Where He is Master and we are
willing and available to have Him direct us anytime)
5. Second, Grace means that we should have the same focus as Jesus
did:
a. Jesus' whole focus of His life on earth was focus to one point. (To do the
Father's will at the cross)
b. That is what He is saying to us. (He wants the focus of our lives to be
about glorifing the Father in all we do.
c. Not asking Him to glorify what we want to do. (But to ask Him to
glorify Himself in what He wants us to do)
6. Third, Grace means that our faith is made pure through suffering:
a. This goes right back to 1 Peter 1:7. (Our faith is more precious to God
than fine gold)
b. So He is at work in us through these sufferings. (So we will put our
faith in Him, and learn that we can trust Him)
c. This is learning to depend on Him for everything. (That we don't have
strength to do ourselves, only He has the power and strength)
7. Living this life with a single focus will affect how we live our lives:
a. It says to us what is important to us. (What we go after in this life)
b. How much energy we put into what is important. (What takes up our
time)
c. How we look at those around us. (Will be affected by our focus)
8. This is really what this next section begins to address.
9. Grace will also affect our vision, and how we see the world.
10. Let's read 1 Peter 4:7-19, Pray!
I. Grace means that we should live expectant of Yahshua's return. V7-9
A. Expectant living brings focus in life.
1. He said be of sound judgment:
a. Living life intentionally. (Choosing our direction carefully, we do
this when we don't have time to waste)
b. With a desire for others to know Messiah. (Recognizing the urgency
of the hour at hand)
c. No time to waste with those things in the world. (But lived for
Yahshua)
2. He said be of sober spirit:
a. This too is intentional living. (Realizing our inability to affect
Change)
b. But we know where the power flows from. (The throne of
Yahweh)
c. So making prayer and surrender a priority in our life. (Seeking Him to
be the one to change us and direct us)
3. Remain in a loving fellowship with the body:
a. Because of Godly love for one another. (We forgive over and over)
b. Seek to comfort and support. (Not murmur about each other)
c. Edify one another. (Encourage and build each other up)
II. Grace means that we are to continue in ministry. V10-11
A. We are called to be in cooperation with Yahweh.
1. We are servants of Yahweh:
a. Not left to do this on our own. (In our own strength)
b. But each has been gifted. (To serve each other, the gift isn't for us
but for others)
c. This gift is from Yahweh. (Part of the grace that He gives)
2. This is the Holy Spirit at work:
a. Gifts are manifestations of the Holy Spirit. (Him at work through
man)
b. The purpose is to edify. (To build up the church)
c. Which brings glory to God. (He is exalted in the church)
3. We must not hinder Him at work:
a. By not allowing Him to use us. (Not thinking He can use us)
b. But instead, knowing that He is Yahweh. (All things are possible
through Him)
c. Surrendering to Him to be free to work. (Allowing Him to be free to
work in and through us)
III. Grace means that we should entrust our souls to Yahweh. V12-19
A. Once again it goes back to faith.
1. Faith in the middle of ministry:
a. That Yahweh will direct us. (If we seek Him and His direction)
b. This isn't seeking Him to ordain our direction. (But honestly seeking
His)
c. Even when His direction isn't easy or comfortable. (Because we have
to let go of our attempts)
2. Faith in the middle of trails:
a. Yahweh called us to ministry when things are going smooth. (No
trouble at all arises)
b. But He also called us to remain faithful. (When ministry is hard)
c. Even when it doesn't look like it is working. (We are to remain doing
what He called us to do)
3. Faith in the middle of persecution:
a. When people are pointing out we aren't worthy. (The one who called
you is)
b. Even when people don't accept truth. (Isaiah was called to those that
would not hear)
c. We are to remain faithful, God will take care of the rest. (We can't get
our jobs mixed up with His)
lives.
CONCLUSION: