Swimming Up Stream - 1 Peter 4:1-11

Sermons at Littleton Christian

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Teaching Text - 1 Peter 4:1-11

So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, you also arm yourselves with the same attitude, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin, 2 in that he spends the rest of his time on earth concerned about the will of God and not human desires. 3 For the time that has passed was sufficient for you to do what the non-Christians desire. You lived then in debauchery, evil desires, drunkenness, carousing, drinking bouts, and wanton idolatries. 4 So they are astonished when you do not rush with them into the same flood of wickedness, and they vilify you. 5 They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God’s standards.

7 For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. 8 Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Sermon Outline

• Cost of Discipleship (vv.1-6)

  • pends the rest of his time on earth concerned about the will of God and not human desires

  • For the time that has passed was sufficient for you to do what the non-Christians desire

  • they are astonished when you do not rush with them into the same flood of wickedness, and they vilify you

• Maintained Discipleship (7-11)

  • ABOVE ALL keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins.

  • ABOVE ALL Show hospitality to one another without complaining.

  • ABOVE ALL use your gifts it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God