Living Godly: Embracing Our Identity and Mission
Summary
In my sermon, I explored the profound mission of godliness, drawing from 1 Peter chapter 4, verses 1 through 6, and other scriptural references to emphasize the importance of living a life that aligns with God's will. I began by addressing the congregation with a warm welcome and shared my conviction about being mindful of idle words, reflecting on a personal moment during worship where I chose not to sing words I couldn't stand behind. This led to the core message: surrendering our will for God's and living out our faith in a way that draws others to Him.
I delved into the identity of believers as sojourners and exiles, emphasizing that our true home is with God, and our earthly life should reflect His kingdom. I reminded the congregation that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called to proclaim God's excellencies. Our godly living should be evident to those around us, even if it leads to persecution, because our ultimate goal is to glorify God and lead others to Him.
I spoke candidly about the challenges of living a godly life, acknowledging that it can lead to being maligned and persecuted. However, I encouraged the congregation to stand firm, as our suffering for Christ is not in vain. I shared the example of Jesus, who suffered for the unrighteous to bring us to God, and urged the congregation to have the same mindset.
I also addressed the importance of community in supporting one another in our walk with Christ. I highlighted that while we may face ridicule for our beliefs, we must remember that we will all give an account to God. I used humor to illustrate the imminence of Christ's return and the seriousness of being ready for judgment.
I concluded the sermon by leading the congregation into communion, reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice, and inviting those who wished to commit or recommit their lives to Christ to come forward. I then transitioned into a time of Every Member Ministries, where we discussed the message and its impact on our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our words and actions must align with our faith, and we must be careful not to profess what we do not truly believe. This authenticity in worship and daily life is crucial as it reflects our genuine relationship with God and our commitment to His will. ([33:35])
2. As believers, we are called to a higher standard of living that may not align with the world's values. This divine calling is not just for our benefit but to showcase God's glory and draw others out of darkness into His marvelous light. Our identity in Christ should be the driving force behind our actions, setting us apart as a holy nation and a royal priesthood. ([47:39])
3. Persecution for godliness is not a sign of failure but a confirmation that we are living counter-culturally for Christ. Our steadfastness in the face of opposition can lead others to inquire about the hope within us, potentially leading them to salvation. Therefore, we must embrace our role as ambassadors for Christ, regardless of the world's response. ([01:04:16])
4. The urgency of Christ's return should motivate us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing godliness over worldly acceptance. Our actions and decisions should be made in light of the impending judgment, where we will give an account for our lives. This reality calls us to live each day with the intention of pleasing God and fulfilling His mission. ([01:07:31])
5. Sharing the gospel is not merely about words but also about living a life that exemplifies Christ. Our mission is to bring others to Jesus, not for our glory but for the expansion of His kingdom. By living godly lives, we hope that even those who oppose us will ultimately glorify God on the day of His visitation. ([01:11:03])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Peter 4:1-6 (ESV)
> "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, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 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. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Peter 4:1-6 say about the purpose of Christ's suffering in the flesh? How are believers encouraged to respond to this? ([37:29])
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the challenges believers might face when living a godly life? ([56:08])
3. How does the sermon describe the identity of believers as sojourners and exiles? ([40:00])
4. What is the significance of being mindful of our words and actions as highlighted in the sermon? ([33:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of suffering for Christ in 1 Peter 4:1-6 relate to the idea of living counter-culturally as discussed in the sermon? ([52:06])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our identity in Christ should influence our daily actions and decisions? ([47:39])
3. How does the urgency of Christ's return, as mentioned in the sermon, impact the way believers should live their lives? ([01:07:31])
4. What role does community play in supporting believers in their walk with Christ, according to the sermon? ([01:06:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt challenged to live out your faith authentically. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently next time to align more closely with God's will? ([33:35])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living as sojourners and exiles. How can you remind yourself daily that your true home is with God and not in this world? ([40:00])
3. Think about a situation where you faced ridicule or persecution for your beliefs. How can you prepare yourself to stand firm in your faith the next time you encounter such opposition? ([56:08])
4. The sermon discusses the importance of community in supporting one another. How can you actively contribute to building a supportive and godly community within your church or small group? ([01:06:02])
5. Reflect on the urgency of Christ's return. What specific changes can you make in your life to prioritize godliness over worldly acceptance? ([01:07:31])
6. The sermon highlights the importance of sharing the gospel through both words and actions. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. What practical steps can you take this week to share Christ with them? ([01:11:03])
7. Consider the example of Jesus' suffering for the unrighteous. How can you adopt a similar mindset in your interactions with difficult people in your life? ([52:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Authentic Worship Reflects True Belief
Authenticity in worship is not just about the songs sung or the words spoken; it's about ensuring that every expression of faith aligns with a true belief in God's word and His promises. It's about living with integrity, where one's actions outside the church walls match the devotion displayed within them. This authenticity is a testament to a genuine relationship with God, where the heart and soul are in unison with the lips. It's a call to examine the words one professes in worship and in daily life, ensuring they are not empty or idle, but filled with the conviction and truth of a life surrendered to God's will. This alignment is a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the transformative power of a life lived in Christ. [33:35]
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." - Psalm 19:14
Reflection: Consider the words you use in worship and in daily conversation. Are they reflective of your true beliefs and the life you strive to live in Christ?
Day 2: Called to a Higher Standard
Believers are called to live by a higher standard, one that often contradicts the values of the world. This divine calling is not merely for personal sanctification but serves a greater purpose—to reveal God's glory and draw others from darkness into His marvelous light. As a chosen race and a royal priesthood, Christians are tasked with living out their identity in Christ, which should be the driving force behind their actions. This lifestyle sets them apart, not for their own glory, but to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called them. It's a life marked by the fruits of the Spirit, a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of God's love. [47:39]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." - 1 Peter 2:9
Reflection: How does your life reflect your identity in Christ as a member of a chosen race and a royal priesthood?
Day 3: Persecution Confirms Our Witness
Facing persecution for godliness is not an indication of failure but rather a confirmation of living a life that is counter-cultural for Christ. When one stands firm in faith, despite opposition, it becomes a beacon for others to inquire about the hope that fuels such steadfastness. This perseverance is not in vain; it is a powerful form of witness that can lead others to salvation. Embracing the role of an ambassador for Christ means accepting that the world may not always respond favorably, but the ultimate goal is to glorify God and lead others to Him, even through trials and tribulations. [01:04:16]
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:10
Reflection: How can you view persecution or opposition as an opportunity to further demonstrate your commitment to Christ?
Day 4: Living with Eternal Perspective
The imminence of Christ's return should instill a sense of urgency in believers to live with an eternal perspective. This perspective prioritizes godliness and the mission of God over the fleeting acceptance of the world. Every action and decision should be made in light of the impending judgment, where each person will give an account for their life. This reality calls for a life lived intentionally to please God and fulfill His mission, knowing that the time is short and the stakes are eternal. [01:07:31]
"So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." - Romans 14:12
Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that reflects an eternal perspective, prioritizing godliness in preparation for Christ's return?
Day 5: Living the Gospel Through Our Lives
Proclaiming the gospel is not solely about the words spoken; it's about living a life that exemplifies Christ in every aspect. The mission is to lead others to Jesus through actions that speak louder than words, living in such a way that even those who oppose the faith may eventually glorify God. This godly living is a silent sermon, continuously preached through acts of love, kindness, and integrity. It's a life that doesn't just speak of the gospel but embodies it, becoming a living testament to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. [01:11:03]
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Reflection: What is one way you can live out the gospel this week, so that others may see Christ through you?
Quotes
1) "We serve the King of kings and the Lord of lords. And if you profess Christ, if you surrender to him as Lord, you are saying, I surrender my will for yours. I surrender my desires for yours. I surrender my plans, my thoughts, my finances, my resources for yours." [35:10]
2) "Our culture is different. The way we talk should look different. The way we move and make decisions should look different. Because this ain't even our home... So don't forget the rules that you learned when you was at home." [46:49]
3) "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood. A holy nation, a people for his own possession... that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." [48:26]
4) "We are on this earth to make his name known... They are giving us our purpose of why we are called to live godly. We don't share the gospel just so we can get more people to come to church... We share the gospel because in being like Jesus, we want to bring more people to Jesus." [01:11:03]
5) "Jesus says, I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will. But the will of him who sent me... that everyone who looks on the son and believes in him should have eternal life. And this is eternal life that they know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." [59:22]
6) "What if we took responsibility about the way of the world and the way that it is?... That coworker who getting on your nerves, did you tell her about Jesus?... Like what have we done to take ownership on the way that this world, we talking about the youth? Have you went down to the juvenile courts and asked, hey, can I show up for a Bible study?" [01:00:56]
7) "The purpose in our way of living out a godly life and dying to our flesh is so that we may bring people back to God. We shouldn't be just sharing the gospel with our words, but also with our actions to draw people back to God. God is always the goal." [52:06]
8) "I tell people that all the time. Yes, you've been rescued. Who am I? Discipleship group. Yeah. OK. So but I tell them I tell them all the time. I'm like, at the end of the day, God is the goal. Yes, you are saved. Yes, you have been rescued out of darkness. But it doesn't stop there." [52:45]
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