TITLE: Trip into 2000
TEXT: I Peter 4:7-19
PROPOSITION: Every Christian must make some decisions as the end of the world approaches.
QUESTION: Which?
KEY WORD: Decisions
READING: I Peter 4:17-19

INTRODUCTION:

1. Plan a vacation - decide where? afford? when? etc.

2. YOU ARE GOING ON A TRIP:

a. Mountains of life
b. Valleys of suffering
c. Final destination

3. There are three decisions that you will need to make as you prepare to reach your destination - the judgment.

I. Live on the Mountain 7-11

A. Several commands for life:

1. Be sober
2. Pray
3. Have love
4. Hospitality
5. Use your gifts
6. Be a good steward
7. Speak as oracles of God

B. Do these things and you will be on the peak of life.

II. Endure the Valley 12-16

A. The description:

1. Fiery trial
2. Strange thing
3. Partakers w/Christ
4. Reproached
5. Evil spoken of
6. As a Christian

B. How to endure:

1. Don't think it strange
2. Rejoice; exceeding joy; happy are you
3. Christ is glorified in my suffering
4. Not be ashamed
5. Glorify God in this name

C. Caution:

1. Don't suffer as a:

a] Murderer
b] Thief
c] Evil doer
d] Busybody

2. You will get what you deserve.

III. Commit the Soul 17-19

A. Judgment:

1. Is coming
2. Starts with Christians
3. What about those unprepared?
4. Have I obeyed the gospel?

B. The only escape is - commit your soul (trust God)

1. I can suffer
2. God is faithful
3. Song "God Will Take Care of You"