1. It’s been my prayer that we all gain a greater love & appreciation for Pastor Peter.
a. He loves Jesus and because of that love he loves the flock!
b. Writing to those scattered, hassled believers in the first century, he encouraged & exhorted them.
c. And through Him, the Holy Spirit has encouraged and exhorted us too.
PETER REMINDS us that God gives 2nd chances in life.
• That no one is too far from the outstretched hand of grace!
• Let’s flip over to John 21:15-19
PETER REMINDS us that God cares for His flock in suffering.
• That’s the theme of the letter. Suffering comes to all of us.
• AND God actually uses suffering & trials in our lives to form & fashion us into the image of Jesus Christ.
PETER ALSO REMINDS US that the Chief Shepherd is coming again!
• That’s where true hope comes from. This world isn’t our home.
AND SO CH5 opened with exhortations to leadership.
• It’s such an important study… be sure to pick it up!
• Now he ends the chapter with 3 more gentle, but firm exhortations…
• Humbly Cast Your Cares, Soberly Resist the Devil, and Confidently Stand in His Grace.
I. (5:5-7) Humbly Cast Your Cares
1. (5) Clothed with Humility
a. Submission isn’t a new subject, Peter mentions it earlier.
b. But it is one that we need to be reminded of continually.
c. Submission is the key to humility!
d. You show me someone who is proud, loud, boisterous and causing problems & you’ll see an unsubmissive person!
NOTE: You younger people can learn something from the older saints in the church.
• It’s not old fashioned to listen to ‘senior saints’.
• Those of you growing gracefully in age, are so needed here!!!
• We love you & appreciate the years of wisdom entrusted to U!
• But might I add, don’t confuse age with maturity. Just because you’ve been walking with the Lord for years, doesn’t mean that those years have matured you spiritually!
THAT’S WHERE PRIDE SNEAKS in… I don’t have to submit. Doesn’t he know how wise I am? That little whipper snapper!
• Listen… Listen… God RESISTS the proud! No progress!
• God hates the sin of pride…
Prov 8.13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
• Pride is what turned Lucifer into Satan!
• Pride is what plunged the human race into sin in the Garden.
• Pride is what stumbles believers every day…
1 John 2.16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.
APP: Hey… in submission, I’m trusting that my God is larger than any situation and any person in my life.
• If mom or dad make wrong decisions… I’m still right with God.
• If a pastor, or leader makes a wrong decision… I trust God.
• If my husband/wife makes a wrong decision… God is my strength
• OUR RESPONSIBILITY is not to make sure that those in authority over us make the right decisions.
• Our RESPONSIBILITY is to be right with our heavenly father no matter what He allows to come into our lives!
BECAUSE GOD gives GRACE to the humble and I want to be under the flowing fountain of God’s Amazing Grace!
2. (6-7) Therefore… HUMBLE yourselves.
a. It’s not something you want God to do. You do it.
b. You take the first step. “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me.”
c. First to God, then to those around you!
d. Then notice, God will exalt you in DUE TIME.
APP: It’s rough sometimes to be UNDER the mighty hand of God!
• The key here is: ‘DUE TIME’.
• God never exalts someone until that person is ready for it.
Psalm 75.6-7 For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.
• It’s rough sometimes waiting for God to give a promotion!
• We think we deserve more. We think we’re ready for more.
• But God in DUE SEASON, at just right time… moves in our lives!
• I’m reminded of God’s hand in my life even when I wasn’t interested, didn’t care… But He did!
Romans 5.6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
APP: It’s important during times of great humbling in my life, when things aren’t happening the way I WOULD WANT…
• To just be content with what God is doing and let Him do the encouraging, the strengthening, and the promoting!
• Save yourself the extra pain & agony and submit.
• He’ll do the promoting in His DUE TIME.
• In the meantime He wants to teach & train & develop in you the character of Christ. Humbly Submit.
THEN v7… what a precious, sweet, promise from the Lord!
• In those times of anxiousness & worry… cast them upon Jesus.
• He cares for you. He so totally cares & loves you!
• The Greek language here speaks of a ONCE & FOR ALL casting.
• It’s not giving to him a few, and holding on to the ones we think we can handle on our own.
• It’s not picking & choosing what God can handle… ALL OF THEM!
• Let’s flip over to Luke 10.38-42 (Mary & Martha)
NOTICE: Martha was distracted with much serving… she was carrying her cares & burdens around with her.
• She was even trying to toss them onto her sister.
• But Mary… she was at the feet of Jesus. Peaceful & Comforted
Jesus is the CHIEF SHEPHERD… He’s the pastor that will never let you down, never discourage you, never feel overwhelmed.
• He’s like the father who cuddles his little children.
• Flip over to Psalm 103:8-17
Psalm 103:13-14 (NLT) The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust.
Matthew 11.28-29 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
II. (5:8-9) Soberly Resist The Devil
1. (8-9) There’s always a battle.
a. This is so important… there’s always a battle.
b. In times of struggle. In times of anxiety & frustration.
c. In times of peace. In times of blessing.
d. YOUR ADVERSARY the DEVIL walks about like a roaring lion.
e. ADVERSARY… reminds us of an attorney, arguing and doing what he needs to do win his case!
f. ADVERSARY… reminds us of an ENEMY who comes against us at every turn! -- He’s on the prowl, looking to devour.
YOU want to grow and be used mightily of the Lord.
• Satan wants to devour & destroy you.
• He wants to devour your dreams, your ministry, you, your kids, your family, your entire life!
• So be sober… WATCHFUL. Be vigilant… ON GUARD.
• And v9 RESIST him steadfast in the faith.
2. (9) Resist the Devil.
a. please take note here that Peter doesn’t say to talk to Satan, or rebuke Satan, or step all over Satan.
b. The key to victory is to RESIST HIM steadfast in your faith!
c. This means we take our stand on the Word of God refusing to be moved or distracted.
d. It means we will take our stand in the power of God’s Holy Spirit strengthening us.
e. It means we will say NO TO SIN & YES to righteousness.
Yes there will be attacks. Yes there will be the roaring lion.
• But the Lord is our Protector! Daniels’ testimony will be ours!
• He’s roaring… he’s fighting… he’s accusing… BUT
• The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Jesus will stand in our defense!
And as we do, we’ll be reminded that the same sufferings we’re going through are shared with others around the world.
• You’re not the only one suffering what you’re suffering.
• You’re surrounded by a brotherhood who loves Jesus and is willing to live for Him no matter what comes our way.
NOTE: I’ve noticed in my life it’s easier to talk than it is to walk.
• I mean, I’ll say this, and pray for that and stand real strong.
• But then when it comes into my life, my knees wobble, my faith falters, and God is testing me on my words!
• “I WILL LIVE FOR YOU NO MATTER WHAT, JESUS” Really?
• Then there comes a testing…
• Guys we don’t live by what we see, or feel…
• But by faith, not by sight! My God is working on a far greater purpose in my life than what I feel or see.
2 Cor. 4.17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
III. (5:10-14) Confidently Stand In His Grace
1. (10-12) Stand in grace.
a. The Bible says we are to stand in grace. That’s our foundation… God’s wonderful love & grace toward us.
b. We can’t stand strong if we’re always worried if we will lose our salvation… especially during difficult times.
c. You have to know that you know that you know you are saved and it’s by His grace that we stand and walk in Him!
d. Yes we’ll suffer for a while… But we have faith in the GOD of all grace! Isn’t that awesome!?
I love this: He’s not the GOD of all wrath OR of all judgment.
• He’s not the GOD of all works & self-effort!
• He’s the God of ALL GRACE.
John 1.14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
THE ATMOSPHERE of spiritual growth is always God’s grace.
• You can’t have too much grace flowing in a church, in a home, in a marriage, with your kids, in your friendships.
• Bible teachers… teach His word with an emphasis on grace.
• The gospel is the good news of God’s grace.
• But some say… if you teach grace, then the people will just run out and sin and life for themselves and just live recklessly.
• But that’s not the grace of God, it’s the foolishness of man.
• Let’s flip over to Titus 2.11-15… as we close.
I’ve noticed that when people really understand grace, they really begin to grow & flourish!
• It’s not a works problem. Oh just work more, that’s it. NO.
• You can work & work & never experience the grace of God.
• As I see and know and understand and nourish myself on the grace of God, I grow… I love… I serve… I hate sin even more!
• I get the victory in my life and live for Jesus with every ounce of energy He’s given me!
• Spiritual growth comes not in the ROCKY SOIL of the Law, but in the fertile, lush nutritious soil of grace!
