CHRISTIAN LIVING

June 15, 2021

  1. Starting point: 1 Tim. 2:1-6

 

  1. Praying from: 1 PETER 4

 

THE SPIRITUAL MIND SUBDUES THE FLESH.

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2     That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

3     For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

4     Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

5     Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

6     For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

THE TIMES DEMAND SOBER LIVING

        7     But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

8     And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9     Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

THE USE OF GIFTS

10     As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11     If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

TRUE ATTITUDE IN AFFLICTION

      12     Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13     But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14     If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

15     But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

16     Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

A TESTING TIME

17     For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18     And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19     Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

  1. THE PAST—vv. 1–6

THE SPIRITUAL MIND SUBDUES THE FLESH.

  1. Desire of sin—vv. 1–2. All sin put aside.
  2. Destruction of sin—vv. 3–5. A lifting of the sins, and warning for Christians not to take part.
  3. Deliverance from sin—v. 6. The gospel brings life. This is immortality!
  4. THE PRAYER—vv. 7–9

THE TIMES DEMAND SOBER LIVING

  1. Awake—v. 7. Keep awake spiritually. This will come about as you pray daily.
  2. Attitudes—v. 8. Your attitudes will affect your praying. Note importance of charity (1 Cor. 13).
  3. Affection—v. 9. Show your love. Words mean very little. Practice Christian living.

III.   THE PREACHING—vv. 10–11

THE USE OF GIFTS

  1. Sharing the gift—v. 10. Be good stewards. Always share with others what you have.
  2. Speaking gift—v. 11. When you speak, allow God to speak through you.
  3. THE PARTAKERS—vv. 12–13

TRUE ATTITUDE IN AFFLICTION

  1. Problems—v. 12. Trials and problems that come your way are for a purpose.
  2. Patience—v. 13. Trials make us partners with Christ. They will either help or hurt us!
  3. THE PERSECUTION—vv. 14–16
  4. Reproached—v. 14. Be happy for reproach.
  5. Righteousness—v. 15. Suffering for Christ. Note also what it says about busybodies.
  6. Reward—v. 16. Glorify God through persecution.
  7. THE PURGING—vv. 17–19

A TESTING TIME

  1. Cleansing—v. 17. Cleansing in the Christian.
  2. Consecration—vv. 18–19. Full surrender will have an effect upon the lives of sinners.

 

  1.     THE A-MEN OF ROMANS 16:20, 24, 27

16:20   “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. A-men.”

16:24   “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. A-men.”

16:27   “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. A-men.”