1 Peter 4:1-7; 2 Corinthians 10:1-5
Introduction:
1. Having established that a body of objective moral truth exists and having learned that our purpose in life is tethered to that body of truth, we turn to its application.
2. It is a shock to no one that we live in a world of widespread rebellion against God.
3. Our task in living upright in an upside-down world is to swim against that current.
Discussion:
I. The Peculiarity of Obedience
A. Those who submit to God’s will seem odd to a rebellious world, even detestable.
1. The Sodomites chided Lot for interfering with their sinful plans (Genesis 19:9).
2. Jeremiah’s peers hated him for obeying God (Jeremiah 20:7-10; 37:11-38:13).
3. Peter and John were twice abused by the council for obeying Jesus (Acts 4-5).
B. Peter related the cause of this kind of reaction from the rebels (1 Peter 4:3-4).
II. Christ Our Pattern
A. In both passages above, Christ is the paradigm for engaging these battles.
1. Paul pled with the Corinthians “…by the meekness and gentleness of Christ” (10:1).
2. Peter called his readers to arm themselves with the same mind as Christ (4:1).
B. Proper motivation is the key to success in any pursuit, and this especially applies to our quest to be obedient in a rebellious world.
III. Sound Minds and Choices
A. Peter commanded his readers to be “…serious and watchful in your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:1).
1. Serious: lit. of sound mind, in one’s right mind, self-controlled.
2. The brief time to put things right drives right-minded people to action.
B. Our spiritual battles are battles for hearts and minds, not territory (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
C. Sound minds make sound choices, and the only sound choice is obedience to the will of the Lord rather than the whims of the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:5; 1 Peter 4:2).
Conclusion:
1. This rebellious world will think we are peculiar when we go against their flow.
2. The question we must answer is, do we seek to please God or men? (Galatians 1:10)
Further Food for Thought
1. Does the peculiarity of serving God ever cause you grief among your worldly neighbors?
2. How do you balance being different from the world and having influence among them?