Arming Ourselves with an “Attitude”

Arming Ourselves with an “Attitude”

Five Unique Weapons in the Arsenal of a Christian
1 Peter 4-5

By Pastor Dan Kennedy
© May 26, 2013
www.pastorkennedy.com

Having an “attitude” these days is “cool” – if it is a “world” kind of attitude. If you have this “attitude” you can be cutthroat, you can be “bad”, you can be arrogant, and you can be totally self-absorbed. This kind of an attitude can make you filthy rich; it can make you very powerful; it can make you so proud that you can gloat over your continuing worldly successes and grand attainments, lording over the “less fortunate” people around you; but, this kind of attitude will also make you very lonely, very sad and most often very bitter in the end.
The attitude that the world admires is not the attitude that God admires, nor is it beneficial to the life of a believer in Christ.
Today we will be looking at the attitudes that are the winning attitudes…attitudes that will most greatly benefit us while we are living in this world, with a heart attitude pleasing to Christ that will gather us safely home before the Throne of Almighty God. It is to those with these honorable attitudes that God will say, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of your Lord!” This all important conclusion should give us a strong desire to develop and retain the maturity of a Godly attitude.
How do we gain this kind of attitude? A major source and contributor to this mature response is testing, trial and suffering. It is not the way we would prefer success!
The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle to the churches, was telling all the Believers in Christ how they should respond to the tragedies they would be facing as they had been disbursed throughout the cities surrounding Jerusalem. They were running for their lives and for the lives of their families. Peter’s Godly advice has followed Christians throughout the ages. It is just as clear to our generation today. Everyone faces trials.
Just as the greatest armies of the world have many weapons in their arsenals to combat their enemies, God has weapons in His spiritual arsenal for us to experience and obtain His victory and blessing far greater than we ever could imagine.

Five Unique Weapons in the Arsenal of a Christian
1. Arm Yourselves with an Attitude of Mental Toughness When it Comes to Testing.
If you are a Christian, you must expect trials in your life. Trials are the means by which a believer throws the things of the world away and grasps that which is eternal.
• Peter wants us to understand that Testing Refines and Purifies Us
Testing and suffering causes the carnal lure of the world and of the flesh to loose the reality of its appeal

1 Peter 4:1-5
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

• Peter wants us to understanding that Testing Sets Us Apart from Carnal Things and Worldly People

Daniel’s Example – No matter how effective he was in leadership, or honest in his integrity, Daniel was always considered to be “An Exile from Jerusalem”

Daniel understood well, the lack of appeal of power and his unique place – or no place, in the world-centered kingdom of Babylon. He had experienced power – he had been the governor of the greatest nation of his day, under King Nebuchadnezzar, the greatest king in the world at that time. He knew the rush of power and the benefits of high position. He had governed Babylon and held it together when Nebuchadnezzar had been struck down through insanity and groveled like an ox on the ground for seven years while his hair grew as long as eagle’s feathers and his nails like claws of a bird (Daniel 4:33).

When King Nebuchadnezzar’s son, Belshazzar became king, Daniel was retired (most likely not so kindly) and released from all of his positions of high authority. When King Belshazzar initiated his pagan feasts and brought out the sacred gold and silver vessels his father had taken from the Jewish temple, for drinking wine and profane reveling, a hand appeared and its finger wrote a prophetic curse on Belshazzar’s kingdom, in the plaster of the wall of the banquet hall, in plain sight for all to see. Belshazzar’s knees buckled and he was terrified at the sight. When no one else could interpret the writing, the queen mother advised Belshazzar to call Daniel and have him read the inscription.

When Daniel was called in before Belshazzar the king promptly told him what wonderful things he as king would do for him in making him rich, famous and powerful, if in fact, he could interpret the inscription.

Daniel’s response began with: “Keep your gifts, or give them to someone else, but I will tell you what the writing means!” And he went on to explain the inscription. Daniel knew first hand of the robes, the riches and the political rewards given by heathen kings… and Daniel was yet to experience the jealous political consequence of the lion’s den with Darius’ future leadership. King Darius would kill Belshazzar and establish the Medo-Persian Empire that very evening.

“Keep your gifts, or give them to someone else,” was the response of a man who knew the vanity of worldly wealth and power.

When one has tasted the meaninglessness of what the world has to offer, their most enviable treasures are very bland when you know and have experienced the depth of God’s treasures! Testing and trials draw us into the vast mines of God’s wealth, leaving the superficial and fleeting pleasures, jewels and pride sought by treasure seekers in the world to be seen for what they are – valueless.

1 Peter 4:1-2
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

• Peter wants us to understanding that Testing Makes Us Aware of our Accountability

1 Peter 4:3 …You have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Testing chips away at the lies perpetrated by the world, which try to make us believe that the things it offers have everything our soul longs for. They don’t. Everyone will one day give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

2. Arm Yourselves with Mental Preparation for an End-Time Game Plan.
Mental Planning on what to Expect if you are a sincere Christian

• Establishing an End-Time Game Plan
• Clear the Channel of Prayer
• Love Each Other
• Be Hospitable
• Use your Gifts
• Speak Under the Authority of God’s Word
• Serve with the Strength God Gives

1 Peter 4:7-11
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

“The End” could be nearer than we think. Death is only a breath away, and we are always to be prepared for our Lord to return.

We should not only have an understanding of what we should expect as a Christian, we should be prepared for rejection from those around us who do not know and love God, as we do.

3. Arm Yourselves to Expect Suffering as a Christian including Rejection and No Reputation.
Jesus Made Himself of No Reputation (Phil. 2:6-7)
Philippians 2:6–7 (NKJV)
6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Suffering is a universal language. Everyone will experience it.
It is how we respond to suffering that will cause its ultimate pain or benefit.

1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

This is a reoccurring theme in 1 Peter; it is the fourth time the element of suffering for Christ has been mentioned in as many chapters…with the same emphasis on how our response should be: responding by committing themselves to the very Throne of God, our Faithful Creator, instead of trying to “set the record straight here on the earth!” ...While continuing to do good.

Chapter 1 – The Reoccurring Theme of Testing and Suffering

1 Peter 1:3–9
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Chapter 2 – The Reoccurring Theme of Testing and Suffering

1 Peter 2:19–25
19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Chapter 3 – The Reoccurring Theme of Testing and Suffering

1 Peter 3:8–18
Suffering for Doing Good
8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
11 He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit….

Chapter 4 – The Reoccurring Theme of Testing and Suffering

1 Peter 4:1
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Do you think the Apostle Peter is trying to tell us to expect suffering if we are a Christian? Trials and Suffering chip away at the façade of the world for the Christian. God’s desire is for Spiritual reality, not a Christian charade.

4. Arm Yourselves with a Shepherd Attitude if You are a Leader in the Church.

• Be Responsible in your position – that means you will need to make tough decisions.
• Serve as a Shepherd – serve with love and care, not as a dictator.
Serving as Leaders in the Church
1 Peter 5:1-4
5 1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Peter is letting us know that Spiritual Leadership has expectations far greater than the worldly concept of the qualities of a typical business or political leader.

5. Arm Yourselves by Striving for Humility, Counteracting Anxiety, and Resisting the Enemy.
1 Peter 5:5-11
5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Believers in Christ should be Striving for Humility, Finding God’s Strength and Power a Resource for Anxiety, while at the same time, with vigilance and power from God through the Blood of Jesus Christ, we must be Resisting the Enemy.

Five Unique Weapons in the Arsenal of a Christian
1. Arm Yourselves with an Attitude of Mental Toughness When it Comes to Testing.
2. Arm Yourselves with Mental Preparation for an End-Time Game Plan.
3. Arm Yourselves to Expect Suffering as a Christian, including Rejection and No Reputation.
4. Arm Yourselves with a Shepherd’s Attitude if You are a Leader in the Church.
5. Arm Yourselves by Striving for Humility, Counteracting Anxiety, and Resisting the Enemy.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war
as the world does.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up
against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:3–5