Graced to Lead, Called to Serve - Empowered for Purpose

1 Peter 4:1-2, 7-11&

“A vessel of Glory”

Main Points:

• You are Saved for God’s Glory

• Salvation is a mechanism for Glorification

• Transformation - focused on the will of God

• You must Serve for God’s Glory

• Prayer and Vigilance - Keys to Glorification

• A Loving Nature is the means to Overcoming -Keys to endurance and

  forgiveness

• Hospitality is an Expression of Love- A Tangible way to care)

• The Purpose of a Divine Gift- Service & Stewardship - It is other focused

• Be a Voice for God- Speak with Divine focus

• Serve from a place of Dependance - expect Divine help

• Serve with the Motive to show God’s Glory- God is the focus not you

• You must Suffer for God’s Glory

• Trials are a part of the Process - suffering is a form of glorification

• Sanctification is evidence of Transformation - suffering for evil doesn’t

  glorify God

  
  

The Call of a Minister - You are Saved for God’s Glory

Salvation is a mechanism for Glorification

(Transformation - focused on the will of God)

1 Peter 1-2 NKJV Therefore, since Christ suffered [a]for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

• Your salvation was not just so that you would avoid Hell

• Your Salvation was not just so you can have your sins erased

• Your salvation was so that you can manifest the will of God

• God is glorified when others see what salvation has wrought in your life

• True salvation is mutually beneficial; you are transformed and Gods will is done

• The Call of a Minister-You must Serve for God’s Glory

Prayer and Vigilance

(Keys to Glorification)

1 Peter4:7 NKJV But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

• Without focus and consistency there is little divine communication

• Without healthy communication, there is little transformation and limited empowerment

• Without transformation and empowerment there is little glorification

A Loving Nature is the means to Overcoming

(Keys to endurance and forgiveness)

1 Peter4:8NKJV And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

• This verse is often used to emphasize the importance of love and forgiveness within a community, as love is seen as a way to overcome and forgive the faults and mistakes of others.

• Emphasis on love: The verse's opening phrase, "Above all," highlights that love is the most important virtue, taking precedence over other qualities.

• "Covers a multitude of sins": This phrase means that a deep and sincere love can overlook and forgive many offenses and shortcomings, just as love overlooks and seeks the best for others.

• A call to action: It's a command to actively and consistently show a deep and earnest love for one another, which is the foundation for creating a more forgiving and merciful community.

Hospitality is an Expression of Love

(A Tangible way to care)

1 Peter4:9NKJV 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

• Offer hospitality without grumbling: This instruction emphasizes that hospitality should be offered willingly and with a cheerful attitude, rather than reluctantly or out of obligation.

• Hospitality's context: The verse is part of a larger passage urging believers to take on Jesus' attitude toward suffering and to live differently from the world, which can sometimes make hospitality feel burdensome.

• Hospitality's purpose: Practicing hospitality is an act of love and stewardship, serving others as good stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

• Broader application: the principle of hospitality can be applied more broadly to serving and caring for others in any circumstance, as well as within the community of faith

• Rooted in love: hospitality as a keyway to express love for fellow believers.

The Purpose of a Divine Gift

(Service & Stewardship - It is other focused)

1 Peter4:10NKJV As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

• Use your gifts to serve others:

• Each person has received a unique gift and should use it to minister to others in the church and community.

• Act as a steward of God's grace:

• You are a steward, or manager, of the "manifold grace" (varied gifts) that God has given you, and you are responsible for using them wisely for the benefit of others.

  
  

Be a Voice for God

(Speak with Divine focus)

1 Peter4:11(a) NKJV If anyone speaks, let him speak as the [a]oracles of God.

• Speak God's words:

• When speaking, speak as if you are conveying the very words of God. The

• emphasis is on the message being divinely inspired, not just your own opinion.

  
  

Serve from a place of Dependance

(expect Divine help)

1 Peter4:11(b) NKJV If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies,

• Serve with God's strength:

• When serving, do so with the strength that God provides, not with your own limited ability. This means relying on divine power to fulfill your role.

  
  

Serve with the Motive to show God’s Glory

(God is the focus not you)

1 Peter4:11(c) that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the [b]dominion forever and ever. Amen.

• Give glory to God:

• The ultimate purpose of using these gifts is so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. This points to the glory and power belonging to God forever.

  
  

The Call of a Minister - You must Suffer for God’s Glory

Trials are a part of the Process

(suffering is a form of glorification)

1 Peter 4:12 -14 NKJV Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but 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. 14 If you are [e]reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [f]On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

• Trial are a normal part of divine living in a fallen world

• Some Persons will persecute you for you faith once it is genuinely expressed

• To be insulted for God is a blessing

• To suffer for Him is an Honor that brings God Glory

  
  

Sanctification is evidence of Transformation

(suffering for evil doesn’t glorify God)

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a [g]busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this [h]matter.

• Suffering for dishonorable acts or attitudes doesn’t Glorify God

• Only suffering because of your transformed nature is Honorable

• Salvation without Sanctification dishonors God

Declarative Prayer:

1. We Declare that we are Saved for God’s Glory

2. We Declare that we will Serve for God’s Glory

3. We Declare that we may Suffer for God’s Glory

4. We Declare that we will be Sanctified for God’s Glory

   
   

   IN JESUS NAME

Remembered by God (Family/household)

Gen 19:29  And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

Acts 16:31-34 31  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.  32  And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.  33  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.  34  And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Acts 11:14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

1. My family is my first mission field.

Psalm 18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

2. My family is not always an accurate representation of my spiritual life.

   
   

3. God expects me to represent my family before Him.

Gen 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:

4. My relationship with God must benefit my family.

Job 1:5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Psalm 112:1 & 2 1  Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.  2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

5. My prayers for my family are recorded by God. (Remembered)

Psalm 58:6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.

6. My prayers activate God’s intervention.

Gen 18:33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

Gen 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

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The Fear of The Lord

A Foundation for Wisdom Growth and Maturity

Acts 9:31 - Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. 

Psalm 112:1-10 NKJV - 1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments.  2  His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed.  3  Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.  4  Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.  5  A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.  6  Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.  7  He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.  8  His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.  9  He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor.  10  The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish. 

“A Submission that leads to exaltation”

Main Points:

• The Impact of an Encounter with God - Changed by the Spirit of God

• What is the Fear of the Lord? - The driving force behind spiritual transformation

• The fear of the Lord was the delight of Jesus - a Catalyst and driving force

• The Fear of the Lord engenders Reverence for His word - the things of God move you

• The Fear of the Lord is a Treasure - something to be sought out and desired

• A vision must be defended and Protected

• A The Fear of the Lord gives Special Access - intimacy with God

• The Fear of God is the basis for receiving Divine Knowledge - information from Gods perspective

• The fear of the Lord promotes loving Obedience - a genuine desire to please God

• The fear of the Lord Cause you to turn from Evil - alters your desire and direction

• The fear of the Lord is a source of Blessing - it transforms your whole Life

The Impact of an Encounter with God

(Changed by the Spirit of God)

Acts 9:31 NKJV - 31 Then the [g]churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified.[h] And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Isaiah 8:1; 11:2-3. Isaiah 33:6

• It starts with then, which implies something critical happened to bring this about. In the passage above Saul was converted to Paul in dramatic fashion on the Damascus road.

• Paul met God – Divine Encounter

• Paul was given instruction from God - Divine Purpose

• Paul was delivered from spiritual and natural blindness - Divine Revelation

• Paul preached Christ boldly - Active Service

• Paul persisted in spite of attacks and persecution - Divine Empowerment

What did this lead to: Growth and Expansion

• The church experiencing Peace

• The church being built up

• The church walking in the Fear of the Lord

• The church operating lead by the Holy Spirit

• The church being multiplied

What is the Fear of the Lord?

(The driving force behind spiritual transformation)

Definition: The fear of the Lord primarily speaks of a reverential awe, respect, and humble submission towards God’s Majesty and Holiness which leads to and motivates loving obedience and turning away from evil.

The fear of the Lord was the delight of Jesus

(a Catalyst and driving force)

Isaiah 11:1-5 - 1 There shall come forth a [a]Rod from the [b]stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall [c]grow out of his roots.

2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

The Spirit of counsel and might,

The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

3 His delight is in the fear of the Lord, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist.

• Seven Spiritual graces or manifestations of the Holy Spirit were in operation in Jesus but He delighted in the Fear of God and it resulted in:

• Jesus judged not by natural sight but spiritual insight

• His judgements were righteous and equitable

• He was able to scatter and dismantle evil strongholds

• It caused him to be exalted and Faithful to the plan of God

This shows that the fear of the Lord in our lives can be a catalyst and driving force behind Godly Spiritual empowerment and results. It is not by natural might or Power but by a spiritual drive and empowerment that the changes of God occur in our life and through our life.

The Fear of the Lord engenders Reverence for His word

(the things of God move you)

Isiah 66:1-2nkjv - 1 “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? 2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist, ”Says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.

• God has made everything but He pays attention to those who are Humble, Contrite and have a reverential fear of his words, whether written (logos) or (rhema)spoken.

• For you to Reverence something you need to have a Revelation of its Value.

The Fear of the Lord is a Treasure

(something to be sought out and desired)

Isaiah 33:5-6 - 5 The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. 6 Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the Lord is His treasure.

• God is exalted, just and righteous. He gives wisdom and knowledge and strength, but He prizes and treasure fear of Him above all else.

• It suggests that fear of God should be sought because it carries a special value in the eyes of the lord.

The Fear of the Lord gives Special Access

(intimacy with God)

Psalm 25:14 NKJV - Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall [b]He teach in the way He chooses. 13 He himself shall dwell in [c]prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.

• The verse suggests special guidance beyond just normal understanding and direction

• A level of results that don’t necessarily match his stature, intellect or ability

• Favor for his descendants that is independent of their nature

• Special knowledge and commitment from God

The Fear of God is the basis for receiving Divine Knowledge

(information from Gods perspective)

Psalm 1:1-7 NKJV - To know wisdom and instruction, To [a]perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion— 5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will [b]attain wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

• Without Godly fear knowledge can corrupt, make proud and deceive you into error

• if you desire the traits spoken of in verses 1-6, you need verse 7

The fear of the Lord promotes loving Obedience

(a genuine desire to please God)

Deut. 10:12-13 NKJV - 12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your [f]good?

• What you revere and respect, you will love, serve, obey and cherish

The fear of the Lord Cause you to turn from Evil

(alters your desire and direction)

Prov. 3:5-8 NKJV - 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [b]direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your [c]flesh, And strength[d] to your bones.

• Do not count on your own estimation of your wisdom

• Develop a reverence for God that will move you away from evil

• A reverence that will improve your health and strength

The fear of the Lord is a source of Blessing

(it transform your whole Life)

1 Praise[a] the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord

• You will reverence God, Who delights greatly in His commandments.

2 His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed

• Doing his will is a joy; your descendants will be stronger because of your ways

3 Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness [b]endures forever.

• You will have wealth and everlasting respect from those who know you

4 Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous

• You will have revelation in difficult times and still be a compassionate caring individual

5 A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion. 6 Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.

• You will be diligent and judicious in your business

7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is established; He will not be afraid, Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.

• You will not be ruled by fear. Your heart will be stable and established

9 He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His [c]horn will be exalted with honor.

• You will be honored for your ways and your assistance to those in need

10 The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish.

• Even the wicked will despair because their efforts will not be able to stop or distort your path.

Declarative Prayer:

1. We Declare that we will Learn the fear of the lord

2. We Declare that we will live by the fear of the lord

3. We Declare that we will be established through the fear of the lord

4. We Declare that we will have dominion as a result of the fear of the lord

IN JESUS NAME

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Take the Quiz to see what you remembered:

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