Peculiar 4 – Get in the Game

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Peculiar 4

Get in the Game

A DAILY CALL TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD.

…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 gladfor 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 you1 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.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you1 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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