Introduction

Good morning, family! We're gonna dive head first into God's word today, focusing our hearts and minds on the beautiful truth found in 1 Peter 5:4-10 and Romans 5:8. As we explore these scriptures, we'll be talking about loving God's people, living in God's will, and leading God's flock - three L's that form the foundation of our Christian walk.

Now, let me share a quote from Joyce Meyer: "Love is and has always been His idea. He came to love us and to teach us how to love. When we do this, life is exciting, beautiful and rewarding." So, let's keep that in our hearts as we delve deeper into the Word.

Here’s our scripture for today:

"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:4-10)

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Would you bow your heads with me as we pray?

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day. We thank You for Your word that guides us, instructs us and encourages us. As we delve into these scriptures today, we pray for Your Holy Spirit to enlighten our understanding, open our hearts, and lead us to deeper love for You and for one another. May we learn to live in Your will and lead Your flock with wisdom and humility. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Alright, are you ready to dive in? Let's get started.

Loving God's People

God is love. This is not merely an attribute of God, but it is His very essence. He is the source of all love and it is from this wellspring that we, as His children, are called to love one another.

A call to love God's people: In 1 Peter 5:5, we are instructed to "clothe ourselves with humility toward one another." This is a profound statement that requires us to put on love as if it were a garment. It means that love should be our covering, our identity, and the first thing that people see when they interact with us. It's not just about feeling love, but demonstrating it in our actions, our words, and our attitudes.

Humility is a key aspect: It requires us to put others before ourselves, to serve rather than be served, and to consider others' needs as more important than our own. This is the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated when He washed His disciples' feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest of servants. It's a love that is willing to stoop low, to get dirty, to serve without expecting anything in return.

Verse 7: The instruction is to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This is a call to trust God with our worries and fears, but it is also a call to care for one another. As we cast our cares on God, we should also be willing to bear one another's burdens, to listen to their worries, to comfort them in their fears, and to point them to the One who cares for us all.

Romans 5:8: We see the ultimate demonstration of God's love for His people: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This is sacrificial love, a love that is willing to give up everything, even life itself, for the sake of others. This is the kind of love we are called to have for God's people. It's not a love that is based on merit or worthiness, but a love that is freely given, even to those who may not deserve it.

Standing firm in the faith together: We are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles and sufferings, but are part of a global family of believers. This shared experience should draw us closer together, fostering a deep love and concern for one another.

An active, sacrificial, humble, and enduring love: It is a love that reflects the very heart of God and is the hallmark of a true follower of Christ.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you experienced this kind of love from a believer or a time when you showed this love to someone else. How did it affect you?

Living in God's Will

Living in God's will is the idea that we are not just aimlessly wandering through life, but rather, we are living according to a divine plan that God has for us ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO