Scarcely Saved 1Peter 4:12-19

The story and the message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God. 1Corinthians1:18 [Amplified Version]

Many problems in relationships are caused by unrealistic expectations. As a matter of fact ofttimes when dating there are efforts made to guard against reality i.e. We dress differently than normal. We are abnormally generous, agreeable, considerate, and focused. Thus, with the criteria presented, plans for the future are skewed.

God, on the other hand, is blatantly honest about our future in relationship to Him. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation...(John16:33); “...if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you...”(John15:20); “Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you...”(Matthew5:11). God the Holy Spirit, speaking through Peter said, “Don't be astonished at the fiery trial...as if something unusual were occurring to you”...because you have presented your bodies as living sacrifices...which is the true worship that you should offer... Romans12:1

You can rejoice in suffering (whatever kind, since Jesus suffered all kinds other than for wrong) because in Christ, you suffer with Him – sharing – and thereby reveal His glory. (1Peter4:13) And you should be willing to magnify the glory of Jesus by whatever means for your salvation as if you were the last one picked. The world would call that crazy but we call it the power of God...even if we are scarcely saved.

SCARCELY SAVED? Verse 18

• Narrow VS Broad Matthew7:13-14 Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

• One VS Many 1Corinthian8:6 1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. ; 1Timothy2:5 1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Hebrews10:12 Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

• None other VS one of a Few Acts4:12 Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

• The (one) Way VS A (of some) Way John14:6 Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

• The Truth VS a Teacher of truth “

• The Life VS a Way of Living “

• Chosen VS Qualifying Romans9:15-16 Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

; Ephesians1:4-5 Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

• At this Late Date 1Peter4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

• It is worth the short times of sufferings Romans8:18 Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

• Trust the God who chose you 1Peter4:19

GLORIFYING GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST - WORSHIP

To glorify God does not mean to make Him glorious. It means to display His glory, to reflect His glory. There is a connection between glory and worship. Romans11:36-12:1 “To him be glory forever. Amen. Therefore...sacrifice...which is your spiritual worship.”

Worship:

1. We hold a person or thing in a place of glory.

2. We worship that person or thing.

3. Our worship is done by making sacrifices.

Worship of God through Jesus

1. We show off the glory of God demonstrated by Jesus' substitutionary atonement to pay for our sin. We brag on him.

2. We focus on Jesus as the fullness of God in a form that is understandable by humans. We consider how our lives will portray His reality and His glory.

3. We make sacrifices of the lives that have been entrusted to us.

   ...including time, money, family, our bodies...

So if you can show Him off in or by your suffering, there will come a time of rejoicing and gladness. Romans8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

You can expect Holy Spirit blessing and relief.

DISGRACING THE IMAGE OF GOD BY WORLDLY LIVING – MEDDLING

• Expect to be punished if you are a law breaker

• Do not expect Holy Spirit blessing and relief if your persecution is for anything other than the gospel.

You Should:

• Confront sins in the lives of other believers using the Word

• Help administer church discipline according to the Word

• Challenge unbelievers with the gospel

• Exhort fellow believers to greater levels of godliness by the Word

You Should Not:

• Consider yourself the holy spirit.

• Cause disruptions in work or government that are not in keeping with godly character and respect.

JUDGMENT BEGINNING AT THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD

• The vision of Ezekiel 9

  • The mark on those who weep over sin V.4

  • None spared who do not have the mark. Begin at My sanctuary V.6

  • Not many were spared V.8b But a scarce few were!!!

Do you have reason to believe that you have been saved?