Putting God: F.I.R.S.T. takes:
Focus
Identity
Reverence
Suffering
T
1 Peter 4:1-19
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
If you are unwilling to suffer, then ultimately you’ll be unwilling to do what’s right. Obedience to God (many times) takes suffering. Doing what’s right often (not always) involves pain.
Wowza. Yes, that stings.
I’m going to take you through a spiritual work-out routine with me.
Three Scriptures I’ve had to come to embrace (I consider it an upper-body day to guard my heart, tongue and mind):
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends
1 Peter 4:7-8
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
This is the runway that we give people as we’re working with them, believing for them to come to repentance, into the grace of God and mature in him. It requires patience, the fruit of the Holy Spirit that literally means LONG-SUFFERING.
No pain, no gain in the gym. (My recumbent bike). So it is in relationships (marriages, family, friendships and work relationships included), godliness, health, finances and the pursuit of the high call of God in Christ Jesus.
Luke 9:23-27
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
Come to Christ at the cross to find grace, help, forgiveness and healing in the midst of the salvation that he provides.
Second City Church - The Inside Job - Pastor Rollan Fisher 2019