Stand Out

SERMON OUTLINE

Main Text: 1 Peter 4:1-11

BIG IDEA: Because of their new identity in Christ, believers are called to leave behind their old way of life

and stand out to follow Jesus.

Two Worldviews Collide

Two Masters: the will of God vs human desires (4:2)

Two Ways of Living: the way of Jesus vs wild living

FLOOD OF WILD LIVING (4:3-4)

– Unrestrained behavior

– Self-indulgence

– Drunkenness

– Sexual immorality

– Lawless idolatry

WAY OF JESUS (4:7-11)

– Expectant in prayer

– Constant in love

– Joyful in hospitality

– Serving God’s people

– Speaking God’s words

“Larry Hurtado argues in Destroyer of the Gods that early Christianity was viewed as socially

disruptive and culturally dangerous because Christians formed a radically different kind of

community within the Roman Empire. Their allegiance to Jesus reshaped their worship, morality,

relationships, and daily way of life, causing them to stand out sharply from the surrounding

culture.”

Two Standards: God’s standards vs human standards (4:6)

Two Communities: Friends who encourage godliness vs ridicule godliness (4:4, 8)

“Show me your primary identity and your closest friends, and I will show you your destination.”

Two Motives: Self-indulgence vs glory of God (4:11)

Final Charge

Follow the world, and you will drown in the flood.

Stand out for Jesus, and you will discover that His way is better.

Choose today whom you will serve.