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1 Peter 5:6-11
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Last week we focused on the truth that the only way to lasting exultation, recognition, and reward is by the way of humility. We also learned that proper Biblical humility places us under the mighty hand of God and He protects us from all that would destroy us. One important truth that you must understand is that if you do not learn to live in v. 6 neither will you experience any/much of the recognition or reward God has planned for you both in this life and the next. Now that statement might cause someone to think, “okay, so how do I learn to live in v. 6?” I’m glad you ask, and I know Peter is because he gives us the answer. Notice
- OUR DAILY PRACTICE! V. 7 The NIV presents “cast all your anxiety on Him…” as a command or imperative. Peter did not write it as a command– he wrote it as a participle or casting all your anxiety on Him…” The point of the statement is not to get rid of your anxiety but rather to be humble. The reason Peter wrote casting is because in order to read main humble and under God’s protection, a Christian must constantly keep on every day casting their anxieties or worries to God. One of the biggest mistakes Christians make is thinking that the true Christian life is made up of a lot of onetime events – rather than ongoing processes. Think about that and consider
- OUR DAILY PERCEPTION! V. 8 The perception Peter wants us to have concerning the devil is this: the true man or woman of God is to be so focused on being a proper representative for God and his kingdom, that the Christians every motive, thought, word, and action is to be executed with such care and concern that it does not bring shame to the name of Christ or His kingdom. Now, you get that idea or concept, right? The idea of being vigilant and sober minded is that we are so keenly aware of our Christian responsibility that our fear of causing disgrace or dishonor to Christ, His name, His kingdom, or anything else concerning our salvation relationship – drives us further, deeper into God, His Word, and prayer to keep from being consumed in sin.
- OUR DAILY PROCESS. So Peter is telling us to be vigilant, to be alert to watch always for the destructive work of the devil toward us. So how do we be vigilant and alert? Peter tells us, “resist him/the devil.” One reason many Christians fall victim so easily to the wiles of the devil is that they do nothing to actively resist his advances! So now the question is: what do we do to actively resist the devil? Well verse 9 says, “resist him/the devil, standing firm in the faith.” Finally let’s consider
- OUR DIVINE PROVISION! V. 10-11. First notice in v. 10 it is God Himself who will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. We might say it all begins and ends with God. You’ll notice also that Peter tells us that it is God who has called us to His eternal glory in Christ. As he closes this letter he reminds his readers that everything about this world is only for “a little while.” But the glory we will share and experience in Christ is eternal! And beloved, if that doesn’t cure your anxiety – nothing will!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
