For the week of September 7, 2026
MONDAY
Day One: Arm Yourself
Truth: 1 Peter 4:1-6 says, “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.”
Sermon Point: Peter tells believers to arm themselves with Christ’s way of thinking, because every response to suffering begins in our minds – what we believe always shapes how we behave. Just as Christ was unwaveringly obedient even through unjust suffering, we are called to adopt that same resolve. Have we? Does doing the next right thing even matter more to us than avoiding pain? Because it’s only when our thinking is transformed in this way that we begin dying to self – that’s when sin loses its grip, God’s grace takes hold, and obedience becomes our steady path even when the world pushes back. True freedom comes when glorifying God even outweighs any fear of suffering. Only then will our lives – and FM church – bear the fruit God intends.
Application: Steward the grace God’s given you today by encouraging someone else, serving sacrificially, giving generously, etc. (in other words, go make disciples!) so that by doing so a mindset that prioritizes God’s mission over personal ease or comfort begins to transform your heart and mind.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Praise God with everything in you for what Christ suffered so that we might truly live as we follow His example – all for God’s Glory Alone!
- Pray earnestly that FM church would arm ourselves with Christ’s way of thinking in all things, at all times, no matter what.
TUESDAY
Day Two: A New Life Looks Different
Truth: 1 Peter 4:1-6 says, “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.”
Sermon Point: A transformed mind leads to a transformed life, where believers no longer chase human passions but devote their entire lives to glorifying God by doing His will. Lifelong obedience – rooted in Christ’s own suffering and mindset – is the defining mark of a fully devoted follower of Jesus. From the moment of our justification until the day we die, we walk the narrow, well‑lighted path of the New Life, willing to keep doing the next right thing for God’s Glory Alone, no matter what suffering may come. Compared to the eternal surpassing greatness of being a servant of Christ Jesus, our suffering here on this earth is just not a big deal.
Application: Identify at least one “next right thing” – even if it costs you discomfort, convenience, or approval – and do it!
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Thank Jesus that He devoted the entirety of His life to glorifying God by doing His Father’s will.
- Pray that the Spirit will strengthen and help us to put our suffering in the proper perspective.
WEDNESDAY
Day Three: We’re Done With That
Truth: 1 Peter 4:1-6 says, “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.”
Sermon Point: Peter reminds believers that we’ve had our fill of the old way of life – one marked by sensuality, drunkenness, and idolatry. Now we are called to live differently. However, when we refuse to join the unbelieving world in their flood of debauchery, we must not be surprised when they respond with shock and hostility. Their rejection is part of the suffering we should expect when our minds have been transformed to live for the will of God rather than for human passions.
Application: Identify a piece of your “old life” behavior that still clings to you and intentionally replace it with a Christ-honoring practice.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Repent of the times and ways you have chosen to stay mired in the same flood of debauchery as the unbelieving world.
- Praise God for the grace that has rescued us from darkness, lifted us out of the miry clay, and set our feet upon the rock of Christ Jesus!
THURSDAY
Day Four: An Accounting
Truth: 1 Peter 4:1-6 says, “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.”
Sermon Point: Peter warns that a Day of Judgment is coming. Every person who has ever or will ever live will one day give an account before God, a reality we easily forget even though Scripture repeats it constantly. The good news is that believers can face that day with nothing to fear because Christ has already atoned for their sin. Even though the world will continue to slander and malign us, we must continue to steward God’s grace…because it’s grace that will sustain us now and forever!
Application: Set an alarm to go off three times today. When it does, spend a moment reflecting on the Day of Judgment that is coming. May it fill you with gratitude for God’s grace in Christ…as well as compel you to live for God’s Honor and Glory Alone.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Thank God that He is a God who judges justly and pours out mercy to all those He has called to be His beloved children.
- Pray that an eternal mindset would reshape how we think about (and live) our lives here and now.
FRIDAY
Day Five: Living in the Spirit
Truth: 1 Peter 4:1-6 says, “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.”
Sermon Point: It’s the coming judgment that makes the preaching of the Gospel so vital! It’s what has sustained God’s people across all generations. From the prophets, to the nation of Israel, to Christ, to the apostles, God has always preserved His people through their suffering, calling them to live in the Spirit rather than the flesh. Though the world may judge, revile, and inflict hardship on believers, those who trust in Jesus stand firm in God’s grace and peace, no matter what, because they know their inheritance is secure. The Holy Spirit within us seals that hope, sanctifies us daily, and empowers us to glorify God by doing the next right thing until the day we stand blameless before Him.
Application: Live in the Spirit today…and Go Make Disciples…for God’s Glory Alone.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Praise God for the Gospel…and thank Him for the ones who shared it with you.
- Pray that more and more people at FM would embrace and obey the commission we’ve been given.