Living with Urgency: Embracing Christ's Victory and Love
Summary
In today's message, we explored 1 Peter chapter 4, focusing on how to live faithfully in a world that often contradicts the values of a life marked by Christ. We began by celebrating the victory of Jesus, emphasizing that His triumph is our triumph. This victory is not just about salvation but also about living a life that reflects the transformative power of Christ. We are called to live with urgency, recognizing that our time is limited, both individually and collectively, as we await Christ's return.
Peter's exhortation to the early church is a call to adopt the attitude of Jesus, to arm ourselves with His mindset. This means choosing to suffer for Jesus rather than sinning against Him, living for God's will instead of conforming to worldly desires. The world may not understand this choice and may even malign us for it, but we are reminded that everyone will ultimately give an account to God.
We are encouraged to live with a sense of urgency, being self-controlled and sober-minded, so that our prayers are effective. Above all, we are to love one another earnestly, as love covers a multitude of sins. This love should be evident in our hospitality and service to one another, using the gifts God has given us to glorify Him.
The challenge is clear: we must choose to live out our faith with intentionality, recognizing the limited time we have and the eternal impact of our choices. Whether it's choosing to suffer for Jesus, living for His will, or loving others, each decision reflects our commitment to Christ and His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- Victory in Christ: Jesus' victory is our victory. We don't achieve salvation through our efforts; it's a gift of grace. This victory calls us to live a life marked by Christ, recognizing that we win because He has won for us. [42:56]
- Adopting the Mindset of Christ: We are called to arm ourselves with the same attitude as Jesus, choosing to suffer for Him rather than sinning against Him. This choice reflects a commitment to live for God's will, not for human passions. [47:06]
- Living for God's Will: Choosing to live for God's will means rejecting worldly desires. The world may not understand this choice, but we are reminded that everyone will give an account to God. Our focus should be on living in the Spirit, as God does. [51:26]
- Urgency and Love: Time is limited, and we must live with urgency, being self-controlled and sober-minded. Above all, we are to love one another earnestly, as love covers a multitude of sins. This love should be evident in our hospitality and service. [56:07]
- Holistic Devotion: Our devotion to Christ involves our head, heart, and hands. We must be clear-headed in our thinking, love earnestly, and serve others with the gifts God has given us. This holistic approach glorifies God and reflects our commitment to His kingdom. [58:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Celebrating the Kids' Choir
- [01:15] - Special Friends Prom Announcement
- [02:45] - Introduction to 1 Peter 4
- [04:00] - The Victory of Jesus
- [06:30] - Living with Urgency
- [09:00] - The Shot Clock Analogy
- [11:45] - Practical Guidance from 1 Peter 4
- [14:00] - Choosing Suffering Over Sinning
- [17:30] - Living for God's Will
- [21:00] - The Cost of Following Jesus
- [24:00] - The Importance of Love and Service
- [27:00] - Holistic Devotion: Head, Heart, and Hands
- [30:00] - Invitation to Respond
- [32:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 4:1-11
Observation Questions:
1. What does Peter mean when he says to "arm yourselves with the same way of thinking" as Christ? How does this relate to suffering and sin? [47:06]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of living with urgency as described in 1 Peter 4:7? [56:07]
3. How does Peter describe the world's reaction to Christians who choose not to participate in sinful behaviors? [51:26]
4. What are the three aspects of holistic devotion mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to 1 Peter 4:7-11? [58:55]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does adopting the mindset of Christ influence a believer's daily decisions and interactions with others? [47:06]
2. In what ways does living with a sense of urgency impact a Christian's prayer life and relationships within the church? [56:07]
3. Why might the world be surprised or even hostile when Christians choose to live according to God's will rather than worldly desires? [51:26]
4. How does the concept of holistic devotion (head, heart, and hands) challenge believers to live out their faith in practical ways? [58:55]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision where you had to choose between suffering for Jesus and sinning against Him. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently next time? [47:06]
2. Identify an area in your life where you feel a lack of urgency in your spiritual walk. What steps can you take this week to address this and live more intentionally? [56:07]
3. Think of a situation where you felt pressure to conform to worldly desires. How can you prepare yourself to respond differently in the future? [51:26]
4. Consider your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more self-control and sober-mindedness to make your prayers more effective? [56:07]
5. Choose one aspect of holistic devotion (head, heart, or hands) to focus on this week. What specific action will you take to grow in that area? [58:55]
6. Reflect on a relationship where you struggle to show earnest love. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate love that covers a multitude of sins? [56:07]
7. How can you use your spiritual gifts to serve others in your church community this week? Identify one specific way to put this into practice. [58:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Victory in Christ
Jesus' victory is not just a historical event but a present reality that transforms our lives. His triumph over sin and death is the foundation of our faith, and it assures us that we are more than conquerors through Him. This victory is a gift of grace, not something we earn, and it calls us to live a life that reflects the transformative power of Christ. As we embrace this victory, we are reminded that our lives should be marked by the same triumph, living in the freedom and joy that comes from knowing we win because He has won for us. [42:56]
"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere." (2 Corinthians 2:14, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace the victory of Christ more fully, and how can this change your perspective and actions today?
Day 2: Adopting the Mindset of Christ
To live faithfully in a world that often contradicts Christian values, we must arm ourselves with the mindset of Christ. This means choosing to suffer for Jesus rather than sinning against Him, reflecting a commitment to live for God's will instead of human passions. The world may not understand this choice and may even malign us for it, but we are reminded that everyone will ultimately give an account to God. By adopting Christ's attitude, we align ourselves with His purpose and find strength in His example. [47:06]
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV)
Reflection: What specific attitudes or behaviors do you need to change to align more closely with the mindset of Christ, and what steps can you take to make these changes today?
Day 3: Living for God's Will
Living for God's will involves rejecting worldly desires and choosing to follow His path, even when it is difficult. This choice may not be understood by the world, but it is a testament to our faith and commitment to God. We are reminded that everyone will give an account to God, and our focus should be on living in the Spirit, as God does. By prioritizing God's will over our own desires, we demonstrate our trust in His plan and our dedication to His kingdom. [51:26]
"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." (1 Peter 4:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one worldly desire that often distracts you from living for God's will. How can you intentionally choose God's path over this desire today?
Day 4: Urgency and Love
Time is limited, and we are called to live with urgency, being self-controlled and sober-minded so that our prayers are effective. Above all, we are to love one another earnestly, as love covers a multitude of sins. This love should be evident in our hospitality and service to one another, using the gifts God has given us to glorify Him. By living with urgency and love, we reflect the heart of Christ and make a lasting impact on those around us. [56:07]
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate earnest love and hospitality to someone in your life today, and what impact do you hope this will have on them?
Day 5: Holistic Devotion
Our devotion to Christ involves our head, heart, and hands. We must be clear-headed in our thinking, love earnestly, and serve others with the gifts God has given us. This holistic approach glorifies God and reflects our commitment to His kingdom. By integrating our thoughts, emotions, and actions in our faith journey, we become more effective witnesses of Christ's love and power in the world. [58:55]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you integrate your head, heart, and hands in your devotion to Christ today, and how can this holistic approach enhance your witness to others?
Quotes
"Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh. Now, anytime you see the word therefore, as Bible students, we ask, what is it therefore? Well, it's a summary word. It's a summary statement. Since therefore Christ has suffered for us. We know that when he says therefore, he's referencing the victory that was declared that we talked about emphatically last Sunday. So since Christ's suffering, since his victory has been achieved, then he gives the practical instruction. In light of what it is that Christ has done for us. And because Jesus won, we win. Then here's what he says. Arm yourselves with the same way of thinking." [00:41:34] (41 seconds)
"Verse seven, the end of all things is at hand. There it is. Therefore, be self-controlled, sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. And 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." [00:43:37] (34 seconds)
"And we have a choice. Every single day when we get up and get dressed and get going about our day, we have a choice that we can make as to how we are going to live. Am I going to live in a way that clearly indicates my life has been forever changed by God? Or am I going to live in a way that would indicate something supernaturally significant so much less than that?" [00:44:35] (23 seconds)
"Suffering for Jesus over sinning against Jesus. Remember, we are adopting the mindset of Christ. We're arming ourselves with the same way of thinking that he had. This is verses one and two. Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking. For whoever has suffered in the flesh, now watch, has ceased from sin." [00:45:36] (24 seconds)
"So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh, no longer for human passions, but for the will of God. It's fascinating. The NLT renders that same passage of scripture this way. It says, So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, arm yourselves with the same attitude that he had and be ready to suffer too." [00:46:25] (20 seconds)
"And so he doesn't mean it isn't possible to sin, but he does mean that we've chosen obedience to Jesus instead of sin. Again, this is thinking like Christ. This is having the same attitude that Jesus had. Paul tells the Corinthian church that we have the mind of Christ. We are able to actually adopt his thinking. This is why he writes to the Roman church and he says, don't be conformed to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." [00:47:42] (32 seconds)
"Here's the second thing that Peter says is choose living for God's will over looking like the world that is without him. Choose living for God's will. This is specific in the text over looking like the world that is without him. Look again at our text verses two through six. Peter says, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh, no longer for human passions, but for the will of God. There it is." [00:51:26] (30 seconds)
"But they will give an 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 they judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. So a couple of things to pay attention to here. Peter acknowledges several things that I think Christians fail to pay enough attention to as it relates to our living for Jesus today." [00:52:19] (26 seconds)
"The first thing is this, there is a worldly sacrifice to following Jesus. Now I emphasize this, it is a worldly sacrifice. Lean in for just a second, you ready? The only significant eternal sacrifice is never one paid by you or me. It was paid by Christ for me. And so it is a worldly sacrifice only when you and I choose to follow Jesus." [00:53:02] (26 seconds)
"So we say no to the things of the world so we can say yes to the things of God. There is a worldly sacrifice that comes with following Jesus and recognize that what you are looking at in the end that you might be justifying is an instrument of the enemy that could kill you. Here's the second thing. The world will be surprised when we say no to sin." [00:55:20] (25 seconds)
"The world is always going to be surprised when we say no to sin. I would just encourage you to be patient with non-Christians when they don't understand why we no longer participate in the things that we used to enjoy because Jesus Christ has changed us. Just be patient with them. Here's why. You ready? The lost is going to act like they're lost, but those of us who are found should not." [00:56:06] (27 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 23, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?