Rock of Ages
Something Changed
A new attitude. 1 Peter 4:1-6
- Look ahead regardless the cost. (1)
- Like Christ!
- We have much to look forward to after this life.
- Victory is sweet and makes all the pain of preparing for it worth it.
- Go after life doing the will of God. (2)
- Just like Christ!
- This is staying the course together.
- With unity in the church committed to the direction of God, great power and accomplishment comes in life and beyond.
- Leave behind the past patterns. (3)
- “enough” is meant to say you have enough experience to know life reckless ambitions do not satisfy.
- Been there done that. It didn’t work.
- I am sick and tired of my old patterns.
- There is not a quota of reckless living allowed by God.
- It is not meant to support a season of wild living—get it all out of you approach.
- Prepare for opposition. (4)
- When you go new, it often means going new in relationships.
- Sometimes necessary for bad influence purposes.
- Sometimes you are simply kicked out.
- Regardless, expect the verbal abuse.
- they don’t get it
- they don’t want it
- they don’t like how it makes them feel—too much of a mirror upon their own life.
- Everyone will give an account. (5)
- Regardless of man’s judgment, live for God by His Spirit.
A new life that glorifies Christ. 1 Peter 4:7-11
- Stay clear of influences that would hinder clarity in prayer. (7)
- Love well. It helps covers our many flaws! (8)
- Host people without complaining. (9)
- Serve others. (10)
- Utilize the gifts given to you by God.
- Be a good steward of the grace given you.
- Speak with reverence. (11a)
- Speak as though your words were uttered from the lips of God.
- All actions are to bring praise and glory to Jesus. (11b)
Discussion Guide:
- Have you had enough…in living for self-indulgence? What about your past are you sick and tired of and simply want to move on?
- Have you allowed the mockery or potential of it keep you from being courageous for Christ? What needs to change in how you engage these relationships that don’t want to see you change and live for Christ?
- What area in your life can you allow new change to come that would give more attention to Christ’s work in your life?
Series Information
In light of the shifting shadows of thought within our culture, it is the longing of many to find something to cling to that does not move. Jesus is that steadfast rock that we can stand on historically, now, and for the ages to come. These two epistles are Peter’s final charge to the church to give strength and confidence that is rooted in the life changing work of Jesus Christ.