A Field Manual for Warriors in a Hostile Land Part 15: The Goal for Christian Suffering? 1 Peter 4:7-11

Five specific commands; Be self-controlled,Be self-controlled, Be sober-minded,Be sober-minded, Keep loving,Keep loving, Show hospitalityShow hospitality Use your gift to serve,Use your gift to serve,

1 Peter 4:7-11 (ESV) The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

1 Peter 4:7-11 (ESV) Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1 Peter 4:7-11 (ESV) As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—

1 Peter 4:7-11 (ESV) in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Jesus-centered living is disciplined living It’s almost overIt’s almost over The end of all things is at hand; (v.7a)

Jesus-centered living is disciplined living So what does this phrase "The end of all things is at hand mean?So what does this phrase "The end of all things is at hand mean?

Jesus-centered living is disciplined living So what does this phrase "The end of all things is at hand mean?So what does this phrase "The end of all things is at hand mean? Don’t think “world” history. Think “redemption” history.

Jesus-centered living is disciplined living Stay mentally alertStay mentally alert The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded (v.7b)

Jesus-centered living is disciplined living Mental discipline is necessary for good prayersMental discipline is necessary for good prayers The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.(v.7b)

Jesus-centered living is disciplined living For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3)

Jesus-centered living is disciplined living When the hard times come and you need to rely on your prayers you better be sure your prayer life is ready for the hard times.

Jesus-centered living is focused on others Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

Jesus-centered living is focused on others whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies (1 Peter 4:8-11b)

Jesus-centered living is focused on others Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

Jesus-centered living is focused on others Love for one another is a priorityLove for one another is a priority Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, (v.8a)

Jesus-centered living is focused on others The focus is on forgiveness not faultsThe focus is on forgiveness not faults Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (v.8)

Jesus-centered living is focused on others The focus is on their needs not our rightsThe focus is on their needs not our rights Show hospitality to one another (v.9)

Jesus-centered living is focused on others Attitude is everything (v.9)Attitude is everything (v.9) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling (v.9)

Jesus-centered living is focused on others The focus is on serving not being servedThe focus is on serving not being served As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, (v.10)

Jesus-centered living is focused on others The focus is on serving not being servedThe focus is on serving not being served As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, (v.10) Each person is gifted for service.Each person is gifted for service.

Jesus-centered living is focused on others Each person is accountableEach person is accountable As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: (v.10)

Jesus-centered living is focused on others

whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies (v.11)

Jesus-centered living makes God famous in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (vv.11c-11d)

Bottom Line: Christian service must be humble and yet aggressive – performed in full dependence on God!Christian service must be humble and yet aggressive – performed in full dependence on God!

If you haven’t started living Jesus-centered Prepare for the emergency!Prepare for the emergency!

If you haven’t started living Jesus-centered

If you are trying to live a Jesus- centered life Up – living in good relationships with GodUp – living in good relationships with God

If you are trying to live a Jesus- centered life Up – living in good relationships with GodUp – living in good relationships with God In – living in good relationships with my churchIn – living in good relationships with my church

If you are trying to live a Jesus- centered life Up – living in good relationships with GodUp – living in good relationships with God In – living in good relationships with my churchIn – living in good relationships with my church Out – living with compassion toward the not yet believersOut – living with compassion toward the not yet believers