July 8, 2018

Improving Your Impact

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Living God's Way Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1–7

Living God’s Way:

Improving Your Impact:

1 Peter 5:1-7

Jesus lived the most significant life that has ever and will ever be lived!

How To Improve Your Impact

Intro:

  • Addressed to leaders in local congregations undergoing suffering
  • Peter identifies himself as:
    • A fellow elder
    • A witness to the suffering of Christ (perhaps a reminder of his denial of Christ)
    • A partaker in the glory to be revealed (a celebration of grace and hope in Christ)
  1. Start Serving (2-3)
  • Choose Desire over duty
  • Choose Giving over getting
  • Choose being an Example over being in control

“You’re to be the example, not the exception.” Bob Russell

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26–28)

  1. Strive for Eternal Rewards (4)

Focus on Pleasing Christ most of all

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)

  • Set aside everything that Hinders you and the Sin that entangles
  • Persevere

“Persistence is an invisible living strategy in all champions”

  • Run your God-given race
  • Fix your eyes on Jesus

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,” (Jude 24)

  1. Stay Humble (5-6)

 

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,” (Philippians 2:8–9)

“Of all the classical Spiritual Disciplines, service is the most conducive to the growth of humility. When we set out on a consciously chosen course of action that accents the good of others and is for the most part a hidden work, a deep change occurs in our spirit.  Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness.”  Richard Foster (Celebration of Discipline)

  1. Stop Worrying - Start Praying (7)

Worry is letting the problem Work on you!

Praying is you and God working on the problem

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

 

Everybody’s life has influence and impact!

What will be the lasting impact of your one and only life on the lives of others?

What will be the lasting impact of your one and only life from God’s eternal perspective?

 

 

Making It Personal

  • What will be the lasting impact of your one and only life on the lives of others?
  • What will be the lasting impact of your one and only life from God’s eternal perspective?
  • Of the “Impact Enhancing” choices mentioned above, which one needs the most attention in your life right now?

Who can I share these truths with?

other sermons in this series

Jul 15

2018

Know Your Enemy

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8–14 Series: Living God's Way

Jul 1

2018

Living God's Way in the Midst of Suffering

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12–19 Series: Living God's Way

Jun 17

2018

Living for the Will of God

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1–11 Series: Living God's Way