Living with Purpose: Embracing Our Inheritance in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and Happy Labor Day! Today, we gather to reflect on the challenges and blessings of our lives, especially for our students and teachers. We began with a prayer, asking God to guide and support our students and educators through the academic year.
I shared a story about a man who thought he won $10 million from a scratch-off lottery ticket, only to find out it was a prank. This story serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of worldly riches compared to the eternal inheritance promised to believers in Jesus Christ. Our inheritance in Christ is infinitely more valuable and should transform our lives, choices, and anxieties.
We delved into the teachings of 1 Peter, focusing on the theme of living a life rooted in Christ. Peter encourages believers to view life through a lens of abundance and sacrificial love, rather than scarcity and selfishness. He calls us to endure suffering with the same attitude as Christ, recognizing that suffering shapes us and teaches us obedience.
Peter's message is clear: we have spent enough time living in sin and must now move on to things that matter. The world will try to pull us back into sinful behaviors, but we must resist and live as if our lives will sway others toward Christ. We are reminded that the end is near, and we must live with urgency, focusing on love and hospitality.
Peter also emphasizes the importance of using our God-given gifts boldly and confidently. Whether we speak or serve, we should do so as if we are doing it for God. Suffering for our faith is not to be feared but embraced, as it produces obedience and makes us more like Christ.
In conclusion, we are called to live as if we have been chosen by God, with confidence, boldness, and humility. We must cast our anxieties on Him and trust that He will shape us into the people He wants us to be. Let us stand firm in our faith, showing the world the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Value of Our Inheritance in Christ: Our inheritance in Christ is far more valuable than any earthly riches. This eternal promise should transform our lives, choices, and anxieties, leading us to live with a sense of purpose and gratitude. [50:37]
2. Living Through a Lens of Abundance: Peter encourages us to view life through a lens of abundance and sacrificial love, rather than scarcity and selfishness. This perspective leads to joy, peace, and contentment, contrasting with the world's anxiety and chaos. [53:32]
3. Enduring Suffering with Christ's Attitude: Suffering shapes us and teaches us obedience. By enduring suffering with the same attitude as Christ, we become stronger and more resilient, reflecting His love and grace to the world. [55:37]
4. Moving On from Sin: We have spent enough time living in sin. Peter calls us to move on to things that matter, resisting the world's attempts to pull us back into sinful behaviors. Confession and bearing each other's burdens are crucial in this journey. [57:47]
5. Using Our Gifts Boldly: God has given us gifts to use for His glory. Whether we speak or serve, we should do so with boldness and confidence, knowing that our actions can sway others toward Christ. Suffering for our faith is an opportunity to grow and demonstrate God's love. [01:08:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:20] - Prayer for Students and Teachers
[45:59] - Opening Prayer
[48:01] - Lottery Ticket Story
[50:37] - Our Eternal Inheritance
[51:34] - Theme of 1 Peter
[52:53] - Living Through a Lens of Abundance
[54:33] - Enduring Suffering with Christ's Attitude
[55:37] - Real Suffering vs. Opportunities
[57:47] - Moving On from Sin
[58:48] - Confession and Bearing Burdens
[59:20] - Living as if the End is Near
[01:02:01] - The Myth of Progress
[01:04:10] - Political Commentary
[01:06:03] - Christ at the Center
[01:08:11] - Using Our Gifts Boldly
[01:11:11] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
[01:16:30] - Closing Blessing and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (MSG): "What a God we have, and how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven. And the future starts now. God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The day is coming when you will have it all—life healed and whole."
2. 1 Peter 4:1-2 (NIV): "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God."
3. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Peter 1:3-5 say about our inheritance in Christ and how it should affect our lives? ([51:34])
2. According to 1 Peter 4:1-2, what attitude should believers have towards suffering, and why? ([54:33])
3. How does Peter describe the behavior of those who live in sin in 1 Peter 4:3-4, and what is the expected response of believers? ([56:07])
4. What does 1 Peter 5:6-7 instruct believers to do with their anxieties, and why is this important? ([01:11:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of an eternal inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-5 change the way believers should view their current life circumstances? ([50:37])
2. In what ways does suffering for Christ, as described in 1 Peter 4:1-2, shape a believer's character and faith? ([55:37])
3. Why is it significant that Peter calls believers to move on from sin and live for things that matter in 1 Peter 4:3-4? ([57:47])
4. How can casting our anxieties on God, as instructed in 1 Peter 5:6-7, impact our daily lives and spiritual growth? ([01:11:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the story of the man who thought he won $10 million. How does the realization of our eternal inheritance in Christ change your perspective on earthly riches and anxieties? ([50:37])
2. Peter encourages us to live through a lens of abundance and sacrificial love. What practical steps can you take this week to shift from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance? ([53:32])
3. Suffering is a part of the Christian journey. How can you prepare yourself to endure suffering with the same attitude as Christ? Share a recent experience where you faced a challenge and how it shaped your faith. ([55:37])
4. Peter calls us to move on from sin and focus on things that matter. Identify one sin or distraction in your life that you need to let go of. What steps will you take to resist being pulled back into it? ([57:47])
5. Using our God-given gifts boldly is essential. What is one gift you believe God has given you, and how can you use it more effectively to serve others and glorify God? ([01:08:11])
6. Peter emphasizes the importance of love and hospitality. Think of a specific way you can show love and hospitality to someone in your community this week. How will you ensure you do it without grumbling? ([01:07:06])
7. Reflect on the instruction to cast all your anxieties on God. What is one specific anxiety you are currently facing, and how can you practically cast it on God this week? ([01:11:11])
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Value of Our Inheritance in Christ
Our inheritance in Christ is far more valuable than any earthly riches. This eternal promise should transform our lives, choices, and anxieties, leading us to live with a sense of purpose and gratitude. The story of the man who thought he won $10 million from a scratch-off lottery ticket, only to find out it was a prank, serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of worldly riches compared to the eternal inheritance promised to believers in Jesus Christ. Our inheritance in Christ is infinitely more valuable and should transform our lives, choices, and anxieties. [50:37]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: Think about a recent time when you felt anxious about your financial situation or material possessions. How can you shift your focus to the eternal inheritance you have in Christ and find peace in that promise today?
Day 2: Living Through a Lens of Abundance
Peter encourages us to view life through a lens of abundance and sacrificial love, rather than scarcity and selfishness. This perspective leads to joy, peace, and contentment, contrasting with the world's anxiety and chaos. By embracing this mindset, we can experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that God's provision is sufficient for all our needs. [53:32]
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you felt compelled to act out of scarcity or selfishness. How can you reframe that situation through a lens of abundance and sacrificial love, trusting in God's provision?
Day 3: Enduring Suffering with Christ's Attitude
Suffering shapes us and teaches us obedience. By enduring suffering with the same attitude as Christ, we become stronger and more resilient, reflecting His love and grace to the world. Peter's message is clear: we have spent enough time living in sin and must now move on to things that matter. The world will try to pull us back into sinful behaviors, but we must resist and live as if our lives will sway others toward Christ. [55:37]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or hardship you have faced. How can you adopt Christ's attitude towards suffering and see it as an opportunity for growth and obedience?
Day 4: Moving On from Sin
We have spent enough time living in sin. Peter calls us to move on to things that matter, resisting the world's attempts to pull us back into sinful behaviors. Confession and bearing each other's burdens are crucial in this journey. By living as if the end is near, we can focus on love and hospitality, making a positive impact on those around us. [57:47]
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: Identify a specific sin or habit that you need to move on from. How can you seek accountability and support from a trusted friend or mentor to help you in this journey?
Day 5: Using Our Gifts Boldly
God has given us gifts to use for His glory. Whether we speak or serve, we should do so with boldness and confidence, knowing that our actions can sway others toward Christ. Suffering for our faith is an opportunity to grow and demonstrate God's love. By using our gifts boldly, we can make a significant impact on the world around us and fulfill our God-given purpose. [01:08:11]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (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—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on the gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use them boldly and confidently to serve others and bring glory to God this week?
Quotes
1. "What's interesting is that for believers in Jesus Christ, our inheritance is infinitely more than a mere $10 million. We've been promised eternity. We've been promised more than we ever deserved. How has that changed you and your choices and your anxiety level?" [50:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now, as a believer, you've been promised a brand new life and a future. But also a future that starts right now. And we have been included in God's family. And that family includes gifts. The Holy Spirit gives each of us gifts. And it's an inheritance that will never perish or spoil or fade. It is an inheritance that will be a reality one day." [52:07] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A life rooted in Christ, it leads to a sacrificial love. It leads to joy. It leads to peace and contentment and boldness before God himself." [53:32] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Suffering teaches us. It shapes us. It teaches us obedience. It forms us. Makes us into something more than we are. Stronger, more resilient." [56:07] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Peter is telling the believer to move on from that sin. Move on to things that matter. Don't keep getting pulled back into those former things. The world will do anything it can to pull you back, to keep you in the lifestyle of making poor choices. They'll coerce you. They'll try to shame you. They'll force you to continue living into whatever sin that is." [57:47] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Live as if you have nothing to lose. And start living this way. Don't wait now. Don't wait. Because Peter reminds us, the end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." [59:20] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Good-hearted Christians are more scared of an America under the leadership of the other party than they are of the judgment of God. No matter what happens in November, no matter what events take place in years and decades to come, God's plan A is still the church, showing love to one another and to a world who desperately needs to know that Judgment Day is coming. Justice is on the horizon. The end is near." [01:05:35] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If your choice doesn't move you towards Christ, it's not a Christian choice. If it doesn't move you towards love and mercy, compassion and grace, then it is not a Christ-centered choice. Behavior is only Christian if it's consciously done in obedience to Christ. Only when Christ is in the center." [01:10:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Live as if you have been chosen because you have. Live as if God has got your back because he does. Live as if you do not have to be afraid because you don't. Live as if all the suffering that you're enduring is shaping you into the mature, beautiful person you have always been. Always hoped God would transform you into. Live as if God's plan is you to show the world his love." [01:12:26] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The only way through is to use your gifts in the name of Jesus Christ. And he encourages us to use these gifts boldly. He says, if anyone speaks, then you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. Hopefully that will limit the things that we say. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides. So that in all things, not us, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power, forever and ever. Amen." [01:08:11] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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