I’m the Exception! 1 Peter 4:14-16 Based on an outline from Joe Price (Spiritual Sword, May 18, 2008) Preached at West Side on May 18, 2008 AM Print slides: 1, 4, 11, 13, 23, 26

1 Peter 4:14-19 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Thief on the Cross (An example) “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” His admonition to the blasphemous thief, who railed against Christ on the cross.

Definition: Attitude… “I’m the exception!” For some reason, God has released me from my spiritual obligations and responsibilities. I can shirk my duties without fear of punishment. God will not hold me accountable, despite not fulfilling my responsibilities toward him.

Such an attitude… Ignores personal responsibility before God

Galatians 6:5 For each one shall bear his own load. You, and you alone are responsible for your standing before God. God requires an obedient life. If your life is lacking, it is your fault.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Such an attitude… Ignores personal responsibility before God Results from Pride

James 4:5-6 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Anyone who believes that they are “above the rules”… that God will make an exception for them … are confused by their own conceit.

Matthew 23:3 “Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” Pharisees made demands of others, and yet excused themselves from their responsibilities before God.

Such an attitude… Ignores personal responsibility before God Results from Pride Is motivated by self-will (Presumption)

Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” God demands self-denial; doing what He wants rather than what we want.

Leviticus 10:1-2 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Doing what you want rather than what God says is presumptuous!

The exception defense used… Sporadic attendance to worship Hebrews 10:24-25

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

The exception defense used… Sporadic attendance to worship Hebrews 10:24-25 Prayer Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1) Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

The exception defense used… Sporadic attendance to worship Hebrews 10:24-25 Prayer Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Bible Study 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:16-18

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Peter 3:16-18 …as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

The exception defense used… Sporadic attendance to worship Hebrews 10:24-25 Prayer Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Bible Study 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:16-18 Teaching Others 2 Timothy 2:2

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

The exception defense used… Sporadic attendance to worship Hebrews 10:24-25 Prayer Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Bible Study 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 3:16-18 Teaching Others 2 Timothy 2:2 Moral Purity 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:6-11

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 6:6-11 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

Conclusion We must not allow pride or selfishness keep us from doing what we know is right! “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)