“The Call to Live for the Will of God”   11/04/07

 

1 Peter Series- “Living for the Glory of God in a Hostile World”

 

“Therefore… whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31

 

POINT 1- Living for the will of God involves changing our CHARACTER

 

A.   The first character change we need is to have the right ATTITUDE

(Philippians 2:1-10; Luke 9:23; Matthew 10:38-39)

 

B.    The characteristics of our new life should be in contrast to our OLD LIFE

 

C.   Living for the glory of God considers that we are to be REWARDED

(Romans 2:5-7; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; Revelation 20:11-15; 2 Cor 5:10)

    

Going           God wants you to make decisions to change that please Him.

Deeper                 

 

“Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:9

 

POINT 2- Living for the will of God involves changing our CONDUCT

 

A.      A change in our conduct understands that Jesus’ return is SOONER

1) Israel is in land (Ezek 37; Daniel 9:24-27; Jer 30:7)

2) Europe or ancient Roman Empire is reviving (Daniel 2, 7, 9)

3) Jerusalem a burdensome stone (Zech 12:2-3)

4) Russia/Persian Alliance (Ezekiel 38-39)

5) Technology that provides Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:18)

6) World Wars, False Messiahs, etc. (Matthew 24)

7) Temple Preparations (Dan 9:27; 2 Thes 2; Mat 24:15; Rev 11:1)

8) Increase in knowledge and travel at time of end (Daniel 12:2)

 

B.     Our conduct should be one of self-control and sobriety in our PRAYERS

 

C.     Our conduct should demonstrate a stretched out LOVE

(Proverbs 10:12, 19:11; James 5:20; contrast Phil 4:1-2)

 

D.     Our conduct should use the gifts that God has EQUIPPED us with.

 

Some reasons we don’t use our gifts: 1) busyness; 2) confidence; 3) lazy; 4) apathetic; 5) no love of Jesus (John 14:15); 6) Bitterness; 7) desire for anonymity (reason some people go to big churches).

 

Going         God expects you to live for the will of God in prayer, love, and service!

Deeper