How can we "live the rest of our time" for God's will today? Seeing Our Remaining Time as God’s Gift • 1 Peter 4:2 sets the frame: “Consequently, he does not live out his remaining time on earth for human passions, but for the will of God.” • Every sunrise is entrusted time, not personal property (Psalm 90:12; James 4:14). • The Lord’s ownership of our days calls for intentional, Kingdom-minded stewardship (Ephesians 5:15-17). Letting Christ’s Example Reshape Us • Verse 1 says Christ “suffered in His body,” therefore we arm ourselves “with the same resolve.” • His pattern: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 4:34). • Because He died and rose, we are “crucified with Christ” and now live by His life within us (Galatians 2:20). • Embracing that union loosens sin’s grip and frees us to pursue what delights the Father (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Trading Old Desires for God’s Desires • Peter contrasts “human passions” with “the will of God.” One inevitably drives out the other (Matthew 6:24). • Practical exchange: – Put off: bitterness, lust, greed, self-promotion (Colossians 3:5-9). – Put on: compassion, humility, purity, generosity (Colossians 3:10-14). • Ongoing repentance keeps the trade current; yesterday’s surrender does not cover today’s temptations. Staying Sensitive to the Spirit • God’s will is not guesswork; the Spirit guides through Scripture, conscience, and circumstance (Romans 8:14; John 16:13). • Daily intake of the Word renews the mind, aligning desires to God’s design (Romans 12:1-2). • Prompt obedience strengthens discernment; delayed obedience dulls it (Hebrews 5:14). Real-Life Rhythms That Keep Us Centered on God’s Will • Start the day acknowledging His rule: worship, thanksgiving, surrender. • Schedule with eternity in view—ask “Will this advance His purpose?” before filling the calendar (Proverbs 16:3). • Work as worship: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Cultivate margin for spontaneous Spirit-led service—generosity, encouragement, gospel conversations (Titus 2:14). • End the day with reflection: confess, rejoice, realign for tomorrow (Psalm 4:4). Guarding Relationships and Community • Fellowship fuels perseverance. “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Choose companions who chase the same will; bad company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Serve the local church with your gifts—God’s will is rarely a solo venture (1 Peter 4:10-11). Finishing Faithfully • The world and its desires are passing away, “but whoever does the will of God remains forever” (1 John 2:17). • Each obedient step writes a testimony that will outlast earthly time (2 Timothy 4:7-8). • Resolve: the remaining minutes, months, or decades belong to the King—lived not for fleeting passions, but for His enduring will. |
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