Oct 26, 2014 |Questionable

Living Questionably

10.26.14 | Questionable

Living Questionably

Noel Heikkinen

Pastor Noel Heikkinen challenges us to live “questionable lives”, loving those and having sympathy for those around us, continuing the series “Questionable”.

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Riverview exists to proclaim the liberating power of the Gospel as we grow, serve, and go.

As followers of Jesus, we should have traits that allow us to stand in a culture that is hostile to the Gospel.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)

People who have true “sympathy” generally do not say, “I know how you feel.” Because since they know how you feel, they also know how unhelpful it is to hear someone say, “I know how you feel.” True sympathy is a fairly quiet, time-intensive, presence-intensive way of being.

– John Piper

When you are a blessing, you will be blessed.

“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:10-12)

The key to blessings is overcoming the challenges of living Questionably.

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? (1 Peter 3:13)

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:14-15)

Sometimes, living out the ideal Questionable life is difficult to do.

having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:16)

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, (1 Peter 3:18)

Pray.

Plan.

Commit.

Live.

Though living Questionably may be difficult, Apostle Paul shows us how to live this way of life.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison – that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:2-6)

Living Questionably means to live in this world with giant arrows always pointing towards Jesus.

Youth