Who are you living to impress? Friends, family, coworkers—or the world you scroll through each day? Or are you living for an audience of One—God Himself? In 1 Peter 4, the apostle Peter speaks to Christians facing fiery trials: persecution, rejection, and hardship. In the middle of their storms, they were tempted to seek human approval or give in to fear. But Peter calls believers then—and us now—to live for God alone.
This message challenges us to evaluate who truly drives our decisions: ourselves, others, or God. When we live for God’s approval, we gain strength to face suffering with joy, trust, and eternal perspective. Just as Christ suffered with purpose—focused solely on the will of His Father—we are called to align our lives with God’s purpose, not the fleeting applause of the world.
We’ll explore how living for others leaves us empty, but living for God fills us with purpose, peace, and strength, even in suffering. As Peter reminds us, trials aren’t strange—they’re refining. And they’re an opportunity to glorify God. This week, you’ll be challenged to take three intentional steps: daily surrender to God, seek support from fellow believers, and trust God through one specific hardship.
Big Idea: Who we live for—ourselves, others, or God—determines how we handle life’s storms.
It’s time to live for your true audience—God alone—and discover the joy and strength that comes from a life centered on Him.
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