Stewarding Our Time for God's Kingdom

 

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Risen Church family. Today, we reflected on the significance of our calling as followers of Christ, especially in light of our recent beach service and baptisms. Living by the ocean, we are constantly reminded of the vastness of God's creation and the diversity of people He calls us to reach. Jesus, in Matthew 9, saw the crowds as a plentiful harvest, not just as a mass of people. He urged His disciples to pray for more workers to gather this harvest. This perspective shift is crucial for us as we engage with the world around us.

Continuing our series in 1 Peter, we focused on chapter 4, which emphasizes the importance of stewarding our time on earth for God's kingdom. Peter reminds us that life is short, and how we live during this brief period has eternal significance. He provides three practical ways to make the best use of our time: arm yourself in Christ, live in gospel community and on gospel mission, and leverage your life and resources for God's glory and Christ's kingdom.

Arming ourselves in Christ means adopting His mindset towards sin and temptation. Jesus lived a life free from sin, not because He wasn't tempted, but because He chose God's will over sinful desires. We are called to do the same, filling our legitimate needs in legitimate ways through God, rather than seeking counterfeit satisfactions.

Living in gospel community and on gospel mission involves maintaining a healthy relationship with God and each other. Our vertical relationship with God should reflect in our horizontal relationships with others. This means loving one another earnestly, showing hospitality without grumbling, and forgiving as we have been forgiven.

Finally, leveraging our life and resources for God's glory means using our spiritual gifts to serve one another. These gifts are not for our own glory but for the manifestation of God's presence and the advancement of His kingdom. Whether through teaching, serving, or showing hospitality, we are called to operate out of the overflow of God's grace in our lives.

### Key Takeaways

1. View Crowds as Jesus Did: Jesus saw the crowds as a plentiful harvest, not just as a mass of people. He saw their need for a shepherd and urged His disciples to pray for more workers to gather this harvest. This perspective shift is crucial for us as we engage with the world around us, seeing people through the lens of compassion and mission. [02:05]

2. Arm Yourself in Christ: Adopting Jesus' mindset towards sin and temptation is essential. Jesus lived a life free from sin by choosing God's will over sinful desires. We are called to fill our legitimate needs in legitimate ways through God, rather than seeking counterfeit satisfactions. This requires a conscious effort to align our thoughts and actions with Christ's example. [09:45]

3. Live in Gospel Community and on Gospel Mission: Our relationship with God should reflect in our relationships with others. This means loving one another earnestly, showing hospitality without grumbling, and forgiving as we have been forgiven. A healthy vertical relationship with God will naturally lead to healthy horizontal relationships with others. [43:28]

4. Leverage Your Life and Resources for God's Glory: Use your spiritual gifts to serve one another. These gifts are not for our own glory but for the manifestation of God's presence and the advancement of His kingdom. Whether through teaching, serving, or showing hospitality, we are called to operate out of the overflow of God's grace in our lives. [59:18]

5. Recognize the Eternal Significance of Your Actions: Life is short, and how we live during this brief period has eternal significance. Our actions echo in eternity, and we must make the best use of our time by seeking Jesus, His glory, and His kingdom first. This involves a daily commitment to live out our faith in practical, impactful ways. [09:07]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[02:05] - Seeing Crowds as Jesus Did
[03:36] - Beach Service Reflections
[05:15] - The Significance of Our Calling
[06:05] - Eternal Perspective
[07:25] - Practical Ways to Steward Time
[08:14] - Key Points Overview
[09:45] - Arm Yourself in Christ
[14:39] - Jesus' Example of Overcoming Temptation
[19:19] - The Counterfeit Feasts of the World
[22:20] - Living Differently in a Fallen World
[29:23] - True Communion with Christ
[35:09] - The Reality of God's Judgment
[43:28] - Living in Gospel Community
[49:32] - Showing Hospitality Without Grumbling
[59:18] - Leveraging Life and Resources for God's Glory

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 4:1-11 - "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. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and 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. 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. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three practical ways Peter suggests we can make the best use of our time on earth according to the sermon? ([07:25])
2. How does Jesus view the crowds, and what does He urge His disciples to do in response? ([02:05])
3. What does Peter mean by "arming yourself in Christ" and how did Jesus exemplify this? ([09:45])
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of living in gospel community and on gospel mission? ([43:28])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to view crowds as Jesus did, seeing them as a harvest rather than just a mass of people? How does this perspective shift impact our engagement with the world? ([02:05])
2. What does it mean to "arm yourself in Christ" and how can this mindset help us overcome sin and temptation in our daily lives? ([09:45])
3. How does living in gospel community and on gospel mission reflect our relationship with God? What are the practical implications of this for our daily interactions? ([43:28])
4. In what ways can leveraging our life and resources for God's glory manifest in our use of spiritual gifts? How does this advance God's kingdom? ([59:18])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you viewed a crowd or a group of people with indifference. How can you begin to see them as Jesus does, with compassion and as a harvest ready to be gathered? ([02:05])
2. Identify a specific temptation or sin you struggle with. What steps can you take to arm yourself in Christ and choose God's will over sinful desires this week? ([09:45])
3. Think about your current relationships within your church community. How can you show earnest love, hospitality without grumbling, and forgiveness in a practical way this week? ([43:28])
4. What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you? How can you use these gifts to serve others and glorify God in your church or community? ([59:18])
5. Life is short and has eternal significance. What is one specific way you can prioritize seeking Jesus, His glory, and His kingdom in your daily routine starting today? ([09:07])
6. How can you create opportunities to demonstrate and declare the gospel in your everyday environment, such as at work, school, or in your neighborhood? ([03:36])
7. Reflect on your use of time and resources. Are there areas where you feel you could better leverage them for God's glory? What changes can you make to align more closely with this calling? ([59:18])

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing People Through Jesus' Eyes
Jesus saw the crowds as a plentiful harvest, not just as a mass of people. He saw their need for a shepherd and urged His disciples to pray for more workers to gather this harvest. This perspective shift is crucial for us as we engage with the world around us, seeing people through the lens of compassion and mission. When we view others as Jesus did, we recognize their inherent value and the urgency of their spiritual needs. This mindset transforms our interactions and compels us to act with love and purpose.

Living by the ocean, we are constantly reminded of the vastness of God's creation and the diversity of people He calls us to reach. Just as the ocean is vast and teeming with life, so is the world filled with people who need to experience God's love and grace. By adopting Jesus' perspective, we can see beyond the surface and understand the deeper spiritual needs of those around us. This understanding should drive us to pray for more workers and to actively participate in God's mission to reach the lost. [02:05]

Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who seems distant or difficult to reach. How can you begin to see them through Jesus' eyes and pray for opportunities to share His love with them?


Day 2: Adopting Jesus' Mindset Towards Sin
Adopting Jesus' mindset towards sin and temptation is essential. Jesus lived a life free from sin by choosing God's will over sinful desires. We are called to fill our legitimate needs in legitimate ways through God, rather than seeking counterfeit satisfactions. This requires a conscious effort to align our thoughts and actions with Christ's example. By arming ourselves in Christ, we can resist the temptations that seek to draw us away from God's will.

Jesus' example shows us that it is possible to overcome temptation by relying on God's strength and guidance. He faced the same struggles we do, yet He remained sinless by prioritizing God's will above all else. As we strive to follow His example, we must be vigilant in identifying and rejecting the counterfeit satisfactions that the world offers. Instead, we should seek to fulfill our needs through a deep and abiding relationship with God. [09:45]

1 Peter 4:1-2 (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."

Reflection: Identify a specific temptation or sinful desire you struggle with. How can you consciously choose God's will over this temptation today?


Day 3: Living in Gospel Community
Our relationship with God should reflect in our relationships with others. This means loving one another earnestly, showing hospitality without grumbling, and forgiving as we have been forgiven. A healthy vertical relationship with God will naturally lead to healthy horizontal relationships with others. Living in gospel community and on gospel mission involves maintaining a healthy relationship with God and each other.

When we live in gospel community, we support and encourage one another in our faith journeys. This involves being intentional about building relationships, practicing hospitality, and extending grace to others. By doing so, we create an environment where God's love is evident and His presence is felt. This community becomes a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of the gospel. [43:28]

1 Peter 4:8-9 (ESV): "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."

Reflection: Think of a way you can show hospitality or extend grace to someone in your community this week. How can you make this a regular practice in your life?


Day 4: Using Your Gifts for God's Glory
Use your spiritual gifts to serve one another. These gifts are not for our own glory but for the manifestation of God's presence and the advancement of His kingdom. Whether through teaching, serving, or showing hospitality, we are called to operate out of the overflow of God's grace in our lives. Leveraging our life and resources for God's glory means using our spiritual gifts to serve one another.

Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents by God, and we are called to use them for His purposes. When we serve others with our gifts, we reflect God's love and grace to the world. This not only benefits those we serve but also brings glory to God and advances His kingdom. By being faithful stewards of the gifts we have received, we can make a lasting impact for God's glory. [59:18]

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: What spiritual gift has God given you? How can you use this gift to serve others and bring glory to God this week?


Day 5: Recognizing the Eternal Significance of Your Actions
Life is short, and how we live during this brief period has eternal significance. Our actions echo in eternity, and we must make the best use of our time by seeking Jesus, His glory, and His kingdom first. This involves a daily commitment to live out our faith in practical, impactful ways. Recognizing the eternal significance of our actions helps us prioritize what truly matters and live with purpose.

Peter reminds us that our time on earth is limited, and we must steward it wisely. By focusing on God's kingdom and His purposes, we can make a lasting impact that extends beyond our lifetime. This perspective encourages us to live intentionally, making choices that honor God and reflect His love to the world. As we seek to live for God's glory, we can trust that our efforts will have eternal significance. [09:07]

1 Peter 4:7 (ESV): "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily routines and habits. What changes can you make to ensure that your actions are aligned with God's purposes and have eternal significance?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Don't let this world distract you from the reason you're alive. Seek Jesus, his glory, and his kingdom first. Don't let this world distract you from the reason you're alive. Seek Jesus, seek his glory, and his kingdom first." [08:14] (23 seconds) ( | | )

2. "What we do in life echoes in eternity. And that is very true. And so the question then becomes, if this is true, if that's actually in line with the gospel and the scriptures, then we have a really serious question to ask. How then shall we live?" [09:45] (19 seconds) ( | | )

3. "Your soul has been made for eternity, and it will live in eternity. The question is, will you live in the presence of all that is good and holy and loving and true, or in the presence of all that is twisted, corrupt? In the absence. In the absence of all that is good. That would be hell." [06:05] (19 seconds) ( | | )

4. "Christianity is not just about getting out of hell. It's about being redeemed into this beautiful God-centered relationship with the King of eternity. That's Christianity. This is the power of what we are doing and who we are worshiping for. And that's why we're here even this morning." [14:04] (22 seconds) ( | | )

5. "When you daily behold the glory of God and then you live like it, the world around you may not believe that Jesus is the Savior and King and Lord, but they will believe that you believe it when you live like that they might think you're crazy but they're gonna believe that you believe it and that's actually the goal of a true witness." [42:25] (24 seconds) ( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Peter says life is short. How you live during this little blip on the eternal radar matters for eternity. And he actually gives us three practical ways to make the best use of our time now on the earth. So number one is arm yourself in Christ. Number two, live in gospel community and on gospel mission. And then number three, leverage your life and resources for God's glory and creation. For Christ's kingdom." [07:25] (60 seconds) ( | | )

2. "Remember, an idol is anything you look to instead of looking to God, before you look to God. It's what you turn to for your value or your salvation, your security, your comfort, your approval. If I can just get that girl, or if I can just get that drink, or if I can just accomplish that goal, then I'll be enough." [20:12] (22 seconds) ( | | )

3. "The only way to love one another in a way that covers a multitude of sins is to love one another with the very love and grace of God that's pulsing through you that you forgive just as you've been forgiven. This is a call to tap into the heart of God for each other not just yourself." [46:58] (17 seconds) ( | | )

4. "When you come to Christ and you've tasted of the heavenly gift that is Jesus, now we suffer the loss of all of that mess. We consider it rubbish compared to knowing Christ. And Jesus showed us what that looks like. Jesus did this perfectly. And so for the rest of our time in this world, in the flesh, no longer do we live for human desires. Your passions, but for the will of God." [17:38] (32 seconds) ( | | )

5. "The grace gift the idea behind the spiritual gift is the gift of grace spiritual gifts isn't that they're these like unique superpowers like you're somehow a part of the Christian avengers suddenly but that the holy spirit himself desires to do powerful things in and through you for god's glory and his great commission by his presence as in him being with you." [01:00:51] (27 seconds) ( | | )

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Transcript
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