Professing or Possessing?
1 Peter 4:12-13
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Reminder 1 Peter is a letter to Christians in the midst of persecution. It is an encouragement and a warning. It encourages Christians to keep their faith and their witness and to understand that troubles will come our way, so we are not to wilt under the pressures of the world. Last week we discussed our responsibilities as husbands and wives and as members of the church. We are to submit and honor and respect. This week Peter bears down a little more in chapter 4.
We will talk about 3 things.
- Christian Attitude – Do we think and act like a Christian?
- Christian Service – Can people see that we are a Christian?
- Christian Faith – When things get difficult will we have confidence as a Christian?
Let’s think of this under the umbrella of “did I just profess faith, or do I possess faith?”
“If the word does not dwell with power in us, it will not pass with power from us” – John Owen
1 Peter 4
[1] Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. [3] 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. [4] With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; [5] but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
[7] The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: [11] whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
[12] Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
[19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
———
- Christian Attitude – Do we think and act like a Christian?
1 Peter 4:1-6
[1] Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. [3] 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. [4] With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; [5] but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
Am I professing or possessing faith?
Do I just say it? Or am I living it?
Matthew 13:18-23
[18] “Hear then the parable of the sower: [19] When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. [20] As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, [21] yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. [22] As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. [23] As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
So if I am living what is said in verse three. We are not good soil. The first soil here with Jesus is a lost person. The second soil here with Jesus is a lost person. The third soil here reads to me like a lost person or someone who is a carnal Christian (playing with fire).
John Owen said, “be killing sin, or it will be killing you”
Here’s how you know from the world if you’re thinking and acting like a Christian. You think they’re crazy and they think you’re crazy. I’m not trying to make light of a mental health issue here. I’m talking about a world gone mad. Up is down, right is wrong and boys are girls. Right?
If your friends who are not Christians don’t want to hang out with you anymore because you are different, then you know.
We aren’t trying to not be a witness.
We aren’t trying to push away lost people (we used to be that).
But different is the difference.
We don’t have to have a laser light show and a smoke machine in here so the world thinks we’re cool.
We want people to know that there is forgiveness and healing found only in Jesus and that’s better than anything the world has to offer.
- Christian Service – Can people see that we are a Christian?
1 Peter 4:7-11
[7] The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: [11] whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
If different is the difference…… then what does it look like?
Use your gifts. What are they? Use them.
3 lists in Scripture Romans 12:6-8, 1 Cor. 12:4-11, & 1 Cor 12:28
Prophecy – The Greek word translated “prophecy” in passages properly means “a speaking forth.”, the word refers to “discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; especially by foretelling future events.”
Serving – Also referred to as “ministering,” this gift involves providing service of any kind; it is the broad application of practical help to those in need.
Teaching – This gift involves the analysis and proclamation of the Word of God, explaining the meaning, context and application to the hearer’s life. The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate knowledge, specifically the doctrines of the faith.
Encouraging – Also called “exhortation,” this gift is evident in those who consistently call upon others to heed and follow God’s truth, which may involve correction or building others up by strengthening weak faith or comforting in trials.
Giving – Gifted givers are those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention.
Leadership – One with the gift of leadership rules with wisdom and grace and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit in his life as he leads by example.
Mercy – Closely linked with the gift of encouragement, the gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others who are in distress, showing sympathy and sensitivity and desire to help.
Word of wisdom – This gift describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with discernment.
Word of knowledge – This is another speaking gift that involves understanding truth with an insight that only comes by revelation from God. Those with the gift of knowledge understand the deep things of God and the mysteries of His Word.
Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith. The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.
Healing – Although God does still heal today, and while there is no biblical reason that God could not empower an individual with the spiritual gift of healing today, God miraculously healing people directly through the spiritual gifting of an individual seems to have primarily been limited to the ministry of the apostles and their close associates in the very early days of the church (2 Corinthians 2:12; Hebrews 2:4).
Miraculous powers – Also known as the working of miracles, this is another temporary sign gift that involved performing supernatural events that could only be attributed to the power of God (Acts 2:22). This gift was exhibited by Paul (Acts 19:11-12), Peter (Acts 3:6), Stephen (Acts 6:8), and Phillip (Acts 8:6-7), among others.
Distinguishing (discerning) of spirits – Certain individuals possess the unique ability to determine the true message of God from that of the deceiver, Satan, whose methods include purveying deceptive and erroneous doctrine.
Speaking in tongues – The gift of tongues is one of the temporary sign gifts given to the early church to enable the gospel to be preached throughout the world to all nations and in all known languages. It involved the divine ability to speak in languages previously unknown to the speaker.
Interpretation of tongues – A person with the gift of interpreting tongues could understand what a tongues-speaker was saying even though he did not know the language that was being spoken.
Helps – Closely related to the gift of mercy is the gift of helps.
- Christian Faith – When things get difficult will we have confidence as a Christian?
1 Peter 4:12-19
[12] Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
[19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
What does this mean?
Do not be surprised when things go sideways! It’s nothing strange, nor out of the ordinary. It will happen.
Why sideways? The flesh, the world, Satan & God
Sideways because we bring it on ourselves and the flesh cries out for all the things listed in verse 3 (we think those things will fill up that hole that only God can fill)
Sideways because the world is a broken place and it uses up anything good. It sucks the life out of people. It chews them up and spits them out.
Sideways because Satan will try to.
- Keep you from God
- Push you further away if you know God.
- Ruin and break you.
Sideways because God wants to:
- To test you.
- To prove you.
- To make you stronger.
- Draw you closer to Him
1 Peter 1:6-7
[6] In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 4:19
[19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
So which is it? Professing or possessing. (Or maybe neither)
You’ve all felt regret….. I have.
What will we do? Listen to the Word? Or play with fire?
Will we get rid of our pet sins? (Things on a leash….????)
Or will we “be killing sin” and loving and serving people?
Because….suffering is here. It’s always been around and there’s nothing else to ever make sense of it, but what we’ve talked about today. Life’s not random, nor a coincidence. You aren’t here by chance. God created us and made a way for us to live with Him and glorify him forever.
