Time For a New Way
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Spiritual Vitality
1 Peter 3:18-4:11 (ESV)
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Sermon Outline
What spirit animates your life?
1. Taking
4:3 “the time that is past... for what the Gentiles want to do…”
4:4 “they are surprised when you don’t join them… and they malign you”
4:6 “… him who is ready to judge the living and the dead…”
4:2 “no longer for human passions…” 4:6 “live in the spirit”
2. Receiving
3:20 “when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah”
3:18 “Christ suffered once for sins… that he might bring us to God”
3:20-21 “safely brought through water… baptism… through the resurrection of Jesus”
3. Giving
4:8 “above all, keep loving one another earnestly”
4:7-11 – a new way and community:
a) 4:2 “for the will of God”
b) 4:11 “that in everything God may be glorified”
Prayer of Confession
Our just and merciful God, we are gathered before you as a people in need of forgiveness and help. We have sought to fill our lives through actions that have stripped others of life. We have given in to what we know we should not do. We have done things in ignorance that we still don’t fully grasp. We have conformed to the judgments of people and have suffered self condemnation. We have lived by the wrong spirit. We have been blind to your warnings and your marvelous invitation. Forgive the multitude of our sins. Renew our hearts and minds through the gracious working of your Spirit. Supply the strength we need to live for your will and to seek your glory. We give thanks for Jesus, who suffered once for sins to bring us to you. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
How are you being affected by the present anxiety, anger, fear, apathy, etc. that seems to be growing around us? How are you feeling, and how are the feelings of others influencing you? What are your biggest concerns currently?
What kinds of things do you want to do that you feel you shouldn’t do? In what ways does that raise difficulties for you?
What pressures do you feel from other people? Who is seeking to hold influence over you? What role does fear of judgment from others play in your life?
What is scary or confusing about God being the judge? What potential is there to free and change us if God will judge all the living and the dead? What do we have to believe about God for this to be good? What help is there from this as you navigate the current crisis in our world?
How is the self giving God radically different from self seeking people? What about God’s love and character should compel us to turn to him?
What kinds of things can change when we grasp the implications of Jesus offering himself for us (his suffering for our sins)?
How does our union with Christ sustain us as we go through this world? What confidence, strength and help is available to us?
Do you have assurance Jesus will bring you to God? What should form the basis of a hope that sustains you through present difficulties?
How can the church be a radically different community? What do we need to do to relate to one another more out of the way God relates to us through Christ?
What can you be contributing to the church community?
How can seeking God’s glory give life and motivation? How can it help your will be more aligned with God’s will?