SERMON OUTLINE
READ 1PETER 1:13-16
INTRODUCTION
a) What is the purpose of life? What does it mean to live a good abundant life?
b) How are your prayers guided towards how you define a purposeful good life?
c) Might we be placing God's primary calling as secondary options? (Christians to seek first the kingdom...Matt. 6:33)
GOD'S CALLING-HOLY OBEDIENCE
a) Your Almighty God (your Heavenly Father) has CALLED YOU to be his OBEDIENT children who live HOLY lives in this dark devil plagued world.
b) Holiness carries the meaning of anything that is different, unique, distinct, from what is common. Such things are set apart for the service of our Holy God.
c) Jesus, the Son of God, reveals what it looks like for humanity to live out a Holy (unique, set-apart) life for God (i.e., humility, obedience, being full of the Holy Spirit).
d) "Holiness is defined as the transcendence or absolute otherness that is basic to God's being. Jesus not only reveals who God is but what it means to be truly human - what we are supposed to be like." - Professor Bernie Van De Walle, Ambrose University/Seminary
SUFFERING FOR HOLY RADICAL OBEDIENCE AS A CHRISTIAN
a) When you suffer for being the Salt and Light of Christ in this dark world, this reveals your love for Jesus (John 14:23). This has you take up your cross following Christ's directions (Matt. 10:39). This has you lose your life only to find it saved in Christ (Matt. 10:39). This reveals how you are Christ's living witnesses moving under His authority (Acts 1:8).
WHERE IS JESUS CALLING YOU TO GO?
a) What are the dark places and spaces that need the Salt and Light (e.g. family, friends, school, work, etc.).
b) Who is desperately waiting for the Good News you have to share that rescues them from the grips of the devil?
c) As a Christian, you should know you no longer live for yourselves but for Christ who died and gave his life for you. Will you be obedient to His call upon you?
"(May) the God of all grace, who CALLED you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever" (1 Peter 5:10-11). Amen
Pastor Trevor