Surrenderd Hearts & Renewed Minds

In 1Peter 4 we were challenged to pray for each other, to love each other and to show hospitality to each other. As we strive to incorporate these actions into our church life, let’s consider what Peter has to teach about going into our hearts and tapping Christ-like qualities that the Holy Spirit has brought to us when He moved in at salvation. Last time we considered what to do on the outside, today let’s focus on bringing what’s inside, out.

In the height of the battle against sin and the struggles we face in a sin broken world, we can isolate our attention on ourselves and forget about our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing the same things. We are not to neglect or abuse our church family. Peter reflects on this reality as it relates to the church in 1Peter 4:7-9 Peter highlights certain responsibili-ties that we have to each other in the church.

As goes the home, so goes society and the nation.  Centuries ago Confucius said, “The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of its homes.” One of the greatest things we can do as believers is help to build godly Christian homes.  In Colossians 3, Paul addresses the various members of the family and points out the factors that make for a strong and godly home.

Because "above" is where you are already in Christ, it is foolish and harmful to live for the things below. We should naturally seek after eternal, heavenly things.

We are citizens of heaven and citizens of the United States of America. We are commanded to set our affections on things above and not on things of the earth, where Christ sits at the right hand of God, and our love for America should never be greater than our love for our God and our heavenly home where we will enjoy His unbroken fellowship forever. This dual citizenship can bring about conflicts of interest and Paul provides some clear guidelines for a Christian’s obligation to government.

We are brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul teaches us an important lesson in Romans 16:3-12. As we are looking unto Jesus, we must be faithful in the matter of giving loving appreciation to those who serve.