Peculiar 4 – Get in the Game
Peculiar 4
Get in the Game
A DAILY CALL TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD.
9 …for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
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The most inspiring message—You don’t want to hear.
Text: Good News Bad News
Jesus never promised:
Be rich
Never Heartbroken
Wouldn’t rain vacation
Plumbing never backup
Isn’t Ironic? Don’t You Think
Rain on your wedding day
Black fly in your chardonnay
Death pardon two minutes too late
It’s like rain on your wedding day
It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid
It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take
Time and unforeseen circumstance befall us all – Eccl 9:11
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What did Jesus promise? If you follow him—Persecuted
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… 20bIf they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. John 15:18, 20
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1 Peter: Context: Peter is writing to Gentile Christians
Emperor Nero—Murdered mom, Wife (Octavia), Most likely 2nd wife.
Suspected Nero burned Rome, Blamed Christians: Extreme Persecution
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Many believe worst decade of Christian persecution in history of the world.
(Open Doors USA)
On avg: 370 Christians killed month—300 Christian churches prop destroyed
800 acts of violence (rape, beatings, tortures, etc).
Lose family—Lose job
Arrested and beat—Not invited to the party
Different Perspective in Persecution
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12
If you’re living faithfully for Christ—Don’t be surprised when face opposition.
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Playing soccer—Bench, Water bottle flipping, Playing games on phone.
If you are opposition—Are you worried about me?
Get in the game—Attacking and shooting.
Shut me down.
Move from happiness to holiness
Move from comfort to persecution
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If you’re on the bench spiritually
Don’t serve, Don’t give, Prayer life is weak, Not sharing—No Threat.
Get in game—Enemy takes notice.
Don’t be surprised—Battle—They are shooting at me!
What did you expect—Christianity is not a playground—Battleground.
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Don’t be surprised by the fiery trial…
If Peter were writing message today—He might adapt it to his audience.
- ïLibya—Don’t be surprised if someone you know is beheaded.
- ïMuslim Indonesia—If your family disowns you for following Christian.
- ïYoung girl in college—You don’t get a second date—stance purity.
- ïYOU—Family makes fun Thanksgiving
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13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT
So many people are seeking comfort, pleasure and ease.
Avoid conflict—Dodge any opposition—Take path of least resistance.
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Smoke or drink to fit in.
Laugh at racist or sexist joke—know it’s wrong.
Hide your faith in Christ so no one pokes fun at you.
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Pursue Comfort Avoid Opposition Faith Weakens Life’s Empty
Live Boldly Face Opposition Faith Strengthens Closer to Christ
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19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:19
Class Captain – To Win – What do you believe?
Do what is right and trust God with the outcome
DID I WIN??? Not going to tell you!
Doesn’t matter if you win – it matters that you do what’s right.
Do what’s right at work—At school—Family—Team
We don’t cut corners—We don’t compromise our values—We don’t shy.
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World is getting darker and darker—Does this worry you?
Do you ever worry? Not at all!
Persecution never weakens the church—It strengthens our faith.
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So easy to CLAIM to be Christian where I live.
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Don’t worry when you are persecuted. Worry when you’re not.
Comfort being uncomfortable
Put myself out there—That’s when I experience God.
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“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:5-7
Give it to God!
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So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
I Peter 5:11
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