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TITLE: Trip into 2009
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:

    1. Mountains of life

    2. Valleys of suffering

    3. Final destination

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

Live on the Mountain 7-11 7But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

  1. Several commands for life:

    1. Be sober

    2. Pray

    3. Have love for one another

    4. Hospitality

    5. Use your gifts

    6. Be a good steward

    7. Speak as oracles of God

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

Endure the Valley 12-16 12Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

  1. The description:

    1. Fiery trial

    2. Strange thing

    3. Partakers w/Christ

    4. Reproached

    5. Evil spoken of

    6. As a Christian

  2. 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

  3. Caution:

    1. Don't suffer as a:

      1. Murderer

      2. Thief

      3. Evil doer

      4. Busybody

    2. You will get what you deserve.

Commit the Soul 17-19 17For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

  1. Judgment:

    1. Is coming

    2. Starts with Christians

    3. What about those unprepared?

    4. Have I obeyed the gospel?

  2. 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"



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