What if Jesus walked through the doors today and told us He was returning exactly one year from now? How would that change everything about the way we live? This powerful message from 1 Peter 4:1-11 challenges us to examine whether we're truly living like the end is near or just going through the motions of faith while our hearts remain tethered to temporary things. The passage confronts us with uncomfortable questions about idolatry in our modern lives, reminding us that anything elevated above God, whether it's sports, relationships, approval, or even our own families, can become an idol that steals our worship. Peter urges believers to arm themselves with Christ's attitude toward suffering and to be anxious to do God's will rather than chase our own desires. The text reveals ten diagnostic questions to identify idols in our lives, from what dominates our thoughts to what we defend excessively. But this isn't just about what we avoid; it's about what we pursue. People who live like the end is near are earnest and disciplined in prayer, show deep unconditional love that covers a multitude of sins, and actively use their spiritual gifts to serve others. The challenge isn't to live in fear, but to live with purpose, knowing that opposition will come when we choose to follow Jesus faithfully, yet pressing forward anyway because eternity is what truly matters.

**Sermon Notes:**

**Title:** Living Like the End is Near

**Speaker:** Jesse

**Text:** 1 Peter 4:1-11 (NLT)

**Detailed Notes:**

1. **Introduction:**

- Jesse expresses gratitude for the opportunity to lead a student takeover and highlights how student ministry serves as a bridge from kids' ministry to adult services.

- The series has been based on 1 Peter, focusing on the call to live in light of the living hope through Jesus.

2. **Theme of 1 Peter:**

- The book emphasizes living in response to the living hope given through Jesus.

- Christians should live with an awareness that this world is temporary.

3. **Passage Overview:**

- Jesse reads 1 Peter 4:1-11, highlighting the call to arm ourselves with Christ's attitude, be prepared to suffer, resist sin, and live for the will of God.

4. **Main Points:**

- **Arm Yourself with the Attitude of Christ:**

- Be ready to suffer as Christ did and cease following your sinful desires.

- Prioritize living for God's will over worldly pursuits and pleasures.

- **Understanding Idolatry:**

- Anything elevated above God can become an idol (e.g., power, pleasure, money).

- Evaluate priorities to ensure they are aligned with God's will.

- **Expect Opposition:**

- Faithful following of Jesus will likely lead to slander or rejection by former friends or worldly influences.

- Opposition is a normal part of sincerely following Christ.

- **Stay Eternally Focused:**

- Be earnest and disciplined in prayer.

- Show deep love to others, practicing hospitality and using spiritual gifts for service.

- **Utilize God's Gifts:**

- Recognize and actively use the spiritual gifts God has bestowed for the benefit of others and God's glory.

5. **Concluding Story:**

- Jesse shares an experience of witnessing baptisms and the heartfelt reminder that choosing to follow Jesus is the most significant decision in life.

- Encourages living every day with the urgency that the end is near.

**Practical Applications:**

- **Evaluate Priorities:**

- List and rank your current priorities. Align them with God's will, ensuring that none take precedence over your relationship with Him.

- **Identify Idols:**

- Reflect on what you might be elevating above God in your life. Commit to submitting these areas to Him.

- **Face Opposition with Grace:**

- Prepare for slander or rejection by grounding your identity in Christ. Maintain love and grace towards those who oppose you.

- **Enhance Prayer Life:**

- Set a daily routine for earnest and disciplined prayer, focusing on God's guidance and interceding for others.

- **Use Your Gifts:**

- Identify your spiritual gifts and find ways to serve in your church community or local area, contributing to God's work.

**Discussion Questions:**

1. **Idolatry Reflection:**

- What are some potential idols in your life that can interfere with your relationship with God? How can you ensure that God remains your top priority?

2. **Handling Opposition:**

- How have you experienced opposition when trying to live out your faith? What strategies have you found effective in maintaining faithfulness to Christ in these situations?

3. **Prayer and Urgency:**

- How does the idea of living like the end is near change your approach to prayer and interaction with others?

4. **Gifts and Service:**

- What gifts has God given you? How can you begin or continue to use them to serve others and glorify God within your church and community?

By focusing on these elements, individuals can be encouraged to align their lives more closely with biblical teachings, fully utilizing their spiritual gifts, and living with an eternal perspective.