Living Hope in a Fallen World

1 Peter

Living Hope in a Fallen World

Living for God’s Will4:1-6

Jesse McLaughlin

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Approach Question

What word picture would you use to describe the Church to someone?

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1 Peter 4:1-6Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm

yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 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 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.

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5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. ~ 1 Peter 4:1-6 (NIV)

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1 Peter 3:18 & 21-22 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the

righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit… and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

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Understanding Suffering

1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 

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Done with sin?

• Prov. 20: 9 - Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?

• Jas. 3:2 - We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

• 1 Jn. 1:8 - If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

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Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)Katy Perry

(portion of song)

Trying to connect the dotsDon't know what to tell my boss

Think the city towed my carChandeliers on the floor

Ripped my favorite party dressWarrant's out for my arrestThink I need a ginger aleThat was such an epic fail

Do it all again nest Friday night

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Then Now

Enough Already!

New Birth

Reckless,Wild living

Obedient Children

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Small Group Discussion

• How have you suffered abuse for Christ’s sake?

• How should we respond to the abuse of those who do not understand our commitment to God’s will?

• How might we help one another to avoid returning to wild, reckless living?

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I Peter 4:6 (NIV)6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached

even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

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Living for God’s Will

Abuse suffered for Christ’s sake transforms our view of the world’s way of life and strengthens

our resolve to live according to God’s will.