Living Purposefully in the Last Days
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound implications of living in what many believe to be the last days, emphasizing the unique opportunity and responsibility we hold as believers. I began by addressing the current global landscape, highlighting the unprecedented number of people turning to Christ, including significant movements within historically resistant groups like the Muslim community. This surge in conversions, especially notable in regions like China and among various Islamic sects, underscores a global revival, affirming that we are indeed living in a spiritually significant era.
I then delved into the scriptural mandates that guide us in these times. Drawing from 1 Peter 4, I stressed the importance of being clear-minded and self-controlled so that we can pray effectively. This clarity and sobriety are crucial as they enable us to discern and fulfill our roles in God's kingdom with precision and faithfulness.
Central to the message was the call to love deeply, as love covers a multitude of sins. This principle was vividly illustrated through the interaction between Jesus and Peter post-resurrection, where Jesus chose to reaffirm Peter's calling rather than condemn his denials. This example serves as a powerful reminder of the redemptive love we are to embody, which does not expose or dwell on faults but seeks restoration and unity.
Furthermore, I emphasized the necessity of using our God-given gifts in service to one another. In these challenging times, it is not the time to shrink back but to actively engage in ministry and service, leveraging our unique abilities for the edification of the church and the expansion of God's kingdom.
As we concluded, I called the congregation to a heightened awareness of their divine purpose, encouraging everyone to live with an eternal perspective. This involves not only recognizing but also seizing the opportunities God presents us daily to impact our world, knowing that each day is divinely orchestrated.
Key Takeaways:
1. Global Revival and Personal Responsibility: We are witnessing a global revival, with unprecedented numbers turning to Christ. This revival is not just a statistic but a call to personal action. Each believer must recognize their role in this divine movement, understanding that our actions contribute to a larger narrative of redemption and transformation. This perspective should invigorate our faith and spur us to active participation in God's work. [41:06]
2. The Primacy of Love in Action: Love is not merely an emotion but an action that covers over sins and fosters unity. This love is proactive, seeking to restore rather than condemn, mirroring Jesus' approach to Peter's denial. As believers, we are called to embody this love, which stands as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel in our relationships and communities. [39:36]
3. Utilizing Spiritual Gifts in Service: In these significant times, each believer is equipped with gifts meant for service. Understanding and deploying these gifts in service to one another fulfills God's command and strengthens the body of Christ. This is not a time for complacency but for active, purposeful engagement in ministry. [36:33]
4. Living with Eternal Perspective: The awareness of living in the last days should not incite fear but motivate us to live with purpose and anticipation for Christ's return. This involves a daily commitment to godliness, service, and a focus on the eternal, which profoundly impacts how we navigate our temporal affairs. [42:47]
5. Engagement in Prayer and Scriptural Commitment: As the end of all things approaches, our commitment to prayer and understanding of Scripture must intensify. These spiritual disciplines are not only foundational but also critical in maintaining our spiritual vigilance and readiness in tumultuous times. They equip us to discern God's will and align our actions accordingly. [35:02]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)
> "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NIV)
> "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words."
3. Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV)
> "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 4:7-11, what are the key behaviors and attitudes believers should exhibit as the end of all things approaches?
2. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, what events are described that will occur when the Lord returns?
3. How does Hebrews 1:1-2 describe the way God communicates with us in these last days?
4. What examples of global revival and personal responsibility were highlighted in the sermon? [41:06]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter emphasize the importance of being clear-minded and self-controlled in 1 Peter 4:7? How does this relate to effective prayer?
2. How does the concept of love covering a multitude of sins, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:8, apply to our daily interactions and relationships within the church? [39:36]
3. What is the significance of using our spiritual gifts in service to one another, as outlined in 1 Peter 4:10-11? How does this strengthen the body of Christ?
4. How does the anticipation of Christ's return, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, encourage believers to live with an eternal perspective? [42:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the current global revival mentioned in the sermon. How can you personally contribute to this movement in your community or workplace? [41:06]
2. Peter calls us to love deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. Think of a recent conflict or misunderstanding you had. How can you apply this principle to seek restoration and unity? [39:36]
3. Identify your spiritual gifts. How can you actively use these gifts to serve others in your church or community, especially in these challenging times? [36:33]
4. The sermon emphasized living with an eternal perspective. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to focus more on eternal values rather than temporal concerns? [42:47]
5. How can you improve your prayer life and commitment to understanding Scripture to maintain spiritual vigilance and readiness? What practical steps can you take this week to enhance these spiritual disciplines? [35:02]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of being clear-minded and self-controlled. Are there any distractions or habits in your life that hinder your spiritual clarity? How can you address these to improve your focus on God's will? [02:13]
7. Reflect on the example of Jesus' interaction with Peter after his denial. How can you show redemptive love to someone who has wronged you, focusing on restoration rather than condemnation? [39:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Your Role in the Global Revival
The current surge in global conversions is a clarion call to every believer to actively participate in the unfolding divine narrative. As unprecedented numbers turn to Christ, particularly in regions historically resistant to the Gospel, each Christian is summoned to not only witness but also contribute to this spiritual awakening. This is a period marked by divine orchestration, where personal engagement can significantly impact the kingdom of God. The responsibility to act is not just collective but deeply personal, urging every follower of Christ to discern and embrace their unique role in this global revival. [41:06]
Acts 2:47 - "And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the global revival within your local community?
Day 2: Proactive Love Transforms Communities
The essence of Christian love is its proactive nature, seeking to restore and unify rather than expose or condemn. This love, exemplified by Jesus in His interactions with Peter, calls for believers to cover sins and foster unity within their communities. It's a love that acts, reaching out to mend broken relationships and build bridges where divisions once existed. This transformative power of love is crucial in today's world, where forgiveness and reconciliation are often overshadowed by judgment and strife. [39:36]
1 Peter 4:8 - "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience this proactive, restorative love, and how can you begin to show it to them today?
Day 3: Utilize Your Gifts in Service to Others
In these significant times, it is imperative that each believer recognizes and utilizes their spiritual gifts in service to the body of Christ. These gifts, bestowed by the Holy Spirit, are not for personal glorification but for the edification of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. Whether it is hospitality, teaching, prophecy, or service, each gift plays a crucial role in strengthening the community and facilitating growth. This is a time for action, not complacency, where the active engagement of every believer can lead to a robust and vibrant church. [36:33]
Romans 12:6-8 - "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching."
Reflection: What spiritual gift have you been given, and how are you currently using it to serve others in your church or community?
Day 4: Live with an Eternal Perspective
Understanding that we may be living in the last days should not incite fear but rather motivate believers to live with purpose and anticipation of Christ's return. This eternal perspective influences every decision and action, encouraging a life marked by godliness and active service. Recognizing that each day is divinely orchestrated invites a deeper commitment to making the most of every opportunity for the glory of God, impacting not just the present but also the eternal. [42:47]
Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one way you can start living more intentionally with an eternal perspective today?
Day 5: Deepen Your Prayer Life and Scriptural Engagement
As believers anticipate the end of times, deepening one's commitment to prayer and scripture is essential. These spiritual disciplines are foundational to maintaining vigilance and readiness in a tumultuous world. They equip believers to discern God's will and align their actions accordingly, ensuring that their lives reflect a deep-rooted faith and understanding of God's word. This commitment to spiritual growth is critical in cultivating a resilient and responsive heart towards God's calling. [35:02]
Ephesians 6:18 - "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: How can you enhance your daily prayer life to better discern and align with God's will in these challenging times?
Quotes
1. "Right now, in this moment, you can give Him your all. Surrender all to Him. Give Him your heart. And the Bible says, He makes all things to be brand new. All things. He'll restore every year that the enemy has stolen from your life. And He'll replace it with great purpose." [01:01:56]
2. "First Peter chapter four and verse seven says the end of all things is near therefore be alert and of sober mind have a clear mind why so that you can pray then the next verse says above all above everything else this is what we're supposed to do love each other deeply." [35:02]
3. "Each one of you should use whatever gift you have to receive, or you've received to serve one another. So I want you to think about what that means. It simply means that in the last days, don't get flat footed. Don't go back down the mountain. Don't hide out." [41:06]
4. "All creation groaning is what the Bible says, waiting for the sons of God to come into their own. In other words, it's time for us as Christians, it's time for us as believers, it's time for us as the church of Jesus Christ to get to the point where we pick up our mantle." [59:45]
5. "I live my life to the fullest. Why? Because I want to be ready. I don't want to be caught off guard. I want to be ready for the imminent return of Jesus Christ. So let's continue to watch how Sean's story unfolds." [56:32]
6. "it's a quiet church today then it goes on to say that we're to have hospitality for one another it goes on to say how do we do that each one use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of the grace of God's grace in all of its various forms." [36:33]
7. "And Jesus gives us this great moment with Simon Peter. He's just been arrested. He's on his way to the cross. Simon Peter denies Jesus three times. Remember he's at the fire with the girl and he denies Jesus with a curse." [39:36]
8. "Over 7 billion people on the planet. More people have come to Christ in the last five years than the 2019 years before this combined. Think about it. In 708 AD was when Islam began. In its first 1300 years of existence, there was zero movement inside of the Islamic religion towards Christ." [42:47]
9. "Are you here, maybe at one of our locations, and you'd say, Marcus, I'm not right with Jesus Christ. I'm not ready for His soon return. If that eastern sky were to split, and He would come back, I know I wouldn't be ready." [01:01:32]
10. "That's a powerful phrase. In these last days, he speaks to us through his son. So let's break down that phrase for just a minute so you can understand a little bit more about what the time we're living in actually means." [24:26]
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