“When Do You Bend?” I Peter 5:5-14

“When Do You Bend?” I Peter 5:5-14

Are you walking with Christ, or are you walking in your own strength and power? Are you standing in God’s truth or in your own personal traditions and convictions?

  1. Humility Must Be P________________ By the Body of Christ.
    1. God gives every B_______ one or more abilities and talents.
    2. A P_______ that believers often develop: we get distracted.
    3. Recognize the source of all G______ abilities. James 1:17
    4. J_______ is our example of a Humble Servant of God.                                                           Matthew 23:11-12; Philippians 2:1f
  2. Stand Firm Against S_______, Not Against Each Other.
    1. V.8 warns us to be constantly A_______ to evil dangers.
    2. Satan is continually S__________ up to you.
    3. James 4:1f Turmoil between believers = Selfish Pride.
  3. Stand Firm With Your Faith In G____.
    1. Numbers 12:3 calls M_______ a very humble man.
    2. Psalm 18 says that t/ Lord is our R_____.
    3. You must choose to R_________ anchored in Christ.                                                              Romans 8:26, 34; Hebrews 12:7f

If God is testing you, will you stand against Him, or will you bow in humble submission?

“Leaders For Christ” I Peter 5:1-5

“Leaders For Christ” I Peter 5:1-5

  1. Elders Are To Be Leaders For Christ.
    1. Peter speaks to all E________ as a co-elder.
      1. Walking the walk of S__________ as a fellow elder.
      2. F_____________ with the sufferings of Christ.
      3. Peter’s R__________ is Heaven.
    2. Men who S_____________ the congregation (Psalm 23):
      1. …feeding & watering the flock. John 6:33-68
      2. …provide a safe place to find God’s peace.
      3. …protect believers from Satan.
      4. Two/ more to a congregation. Shepherd = Pastor: same in Greek.
    3. D_______________ to the truth of the Bible.
    4. L________ for Jesus: outstanding men of God.
    5. A H___________ for spreading the Gospel.
    6. Older M_____ who have developed wisdom.
  2. Other M_____ Are To Be Leaders For Christ. v5.
    1. S______________ to the elders.
    2. J________ is our prime example.
      1. Creator as a baby: submission to imperfect parents.
      2. Word of God as a child submitted to weak teachers.
      3. A sinless life subjected to… torture and death.
    3. H_________________ in each of us.
    4. Younger men, G________________ in God’s characteristics.
  3. Every B________________ of Jesus Is To Be A Leader For Christ.    Mark 10:42-45
    1. C_______________ in Humility. I Peter 5:5
      1. Humility is L________ helping others.
      2. Galatians 3:27 3.
      3. Romans 6:3-8
      4. Galatians 5:22-23 – first quality of the Spirit is L___________.
    2. The entire church family is to humbly S_____________.
    3. John 15:12-14

“Entrusted Souls: Mothers Doing Right” I Peter 4:19

“Entrusted Souls: Mothers Doing Right” I Peter 4:19

“Entrusted Souls: Mothers Doing Right” I Peter 4:19

God ordained the role of Mothers and honors it.

  1. Mothers Face Limitations of A_________ Bodies.
    1. S_______________ and vitality fade.
    2. God is G_________ than all physical limitations. Genesis 17:15f; Luke 1:36-37
  2. Mothers Face P____________________ and Destruction.
    1. E___________ opens with the miseries of the Israelites.
    2. All newborn males were to be T________________.
    3. God R_________________ baby Moses to his mother.
    4. Moses was trained as an E__________________, but…
  3. Mothers Face Great Distress or S__________________.
    1. First Samuel: the story of H_____________.
    2. God A________________ her prayer, giving her Samuel.
    3. Hannah only saw Samuel O_____________ each year.
  4. Some Mothers Face Their S________ Against their Husband.
    1. Infidelity has been a C_________ for ages. II Samuel 11
    2. Their sin led to: pregnancy, turmoil, death. (Leviticus 20:10)
  5. Some Mothers (& Grandmothers) Face R_______________
    1. I Kings 17 – A W________ … final meal, but God intervened.
    2. II Timothy 1:5 Timothy’s spiritual upbringing in Christ …
  6. Some Mothers Face S________, Poverty & a Transient Life.
    1. Mother of J_________, was not confirmed in marriage until after Jesus’ birth.
    2. Joseph and Mary had to accept a stable.
    3. They fled to Egypt to save their lives, then to Nazareth.
  7. Some Mothers Face Knowledge, H_______ , Purity Greater Than Themselves.
    1. God said Mary’s child would be the holy Son of God.
    2. At age 12, Jesus knew about His purpose on earth.
    3. Mary and the family thought Jesus had lost His S___________ (Mark 3:21f).

“Serve One Another” I Peter 4:7-11

“Serve One Another” I Peter 4:7-11

Christ commands every Christian to serve others.

  1. Be R_________ to enter eternity. (V. 7)
    1. I Peter 4:3 We have W_________ enough time in the old ways.
    2. Peter reminds us of ancient N________.                                                                        II Peter 2:5; Genesis 6:3
    3. Jesus spoke of His second C_____________ to earth.                                            Matthew 24:42-44
    4. Major D________ of the New Testament.                                                                      II Peter 3:8f; Revelation 22:7
  2. God Gives You Multiple G_____ to Use, Including Special Gifts.
    1. Your L_____ comes from God.                                                                                            Exodus 28:3; 31:1f; Romans 12:6-8
    2. God holds you A_________________ for their use. Matthew 25:14
    3. God gives His S_______ to every obedient believer of Christ. Acts 2:38; Galatians 5:22-23; I Peter 4:8; First Corinthians 13:4-8a
    4. The Spirit gives improved abilities: additional special G________.                  Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:4f
    5. We will be J______________ through Christ based upon our love. Matthew 25:34-40
  3. How Can You L________________ Serve Christ’s Body Today
    1. G_________ in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23
    2. P______________ to be workers for Christ in His church.
    3. P___________________ in community & regional Christian ministry
    4. Prepare for a short-term M_____________ project.

As God’s personal representatives in this world, He commands us to do it well. Let’s serve our Savior together!

“Sharing the Sufferings of Christ” I Peter 3:13-18; 4:1-5, 12-19

“Sharing the Sufferings of Christ” I Peter 3:13-18; 4:1-5, 12-19

“Sharing the Sufferings of Christ” I Peter 3:13-18; 4:1-5, 12-19

John 15:17-23

If you want eternal life with God, you will be sharing the sufferings of Christ.

  1. J_______ Leads in Righteousness through Sufferings (v. 18; 4:12-13)
    1. Jesus S______________________ Heaven to rectify corruption.
      1. He came as a Shepherd. 2. He faced down evil. 3. He intentionally stepped into the hands of His enemies. 4. He battled & triumphed over death.
    2. Jesus Leads His Disciples into S__________________ (4:1).
    3. God does N______ enjoy seeing His children suffer.
      1. Suffering comes from the violation of God’s will.
      2. Sin is taught and promoted by Satan.
      3. Satan is against God’s people.
    4. Jesus is V_______________ over suffering; promises victory for us.
  2. Don’t be S____________________ to Suffer for Jesus.
    1. Life with Jesus was different than the average routine.
    2. Life with Jesus R________________ His followers to speak out (3:15)
    3. Life with Jesus Demands our B_______ behavior always.
    4. A C_______________ of Friends & Habits is required. (4:4)
      1. Love the people but we must reject ALL sin.
      2. Old “friends” will be surprised…
      3. You become Light in Christ.
    5. Friendship with Jesus is forever; social friends – temporary.
    6. Real Friends will see the good in you and will want it.
    7. Your P______________: Glorify God through Jesus. 4:11
  3. Living For Jesus Is Not Easy, But It Gives The Best Rewards.
    1. Generally, to own Good things costs you something.
    2. 4:3 We have WASTED enough time in the old ways.
    3. 4:13 = Let your rejoicing in Christ multiply… Acts 4; 5:12f
    4. V. 14 God R______________ all who suffer for Jesus.
    5. V. 17-18 Final W_______________.

“Think and Do Good” I Peter 3:8-12

“Think and Do Good” I Peter 3:8-12

During troubling times, remember: Noah, Joseph, the Israelites, Moses… (Exodus 3:7-8a).

Romans 8:28

Live the good qualities taught by God.

 

  1. Our God and Savior Are G________.
    1. Psalm 106:1-2
    2. Matthew 19:16-17a
    3. John 10:10-11, 14
    4. Acts 10:38
    5. Third John, vs.11
  2. God Wants All P__________ to Learn and Think Good.
    1. Psalm 14:1, 3m  God is a refuge. Psalm 16:1-2
    2. Warning to Israel – Isaiah 1:16-18
    3. Romans 12 – directions to live pleasing to God. Verse 21    Galatians 5:22-23
    4. The battle begins in our mind. Philippians 4:8
  3. God Wants All People to P____________ Doing Good.
    1. Philippians 4:9
    2. Follow the example of Jesus. Luke 6:27-38   – The Golden Rule: verse 31
    3. Galatians 6:9-10
    4. Take to heart the warning of I Peter 3:11.

“Inherit A Blessing” I Peter 3:8-12

“Inherit A Blessing” I Peter 3:8-12

Believers of Jesus are to inherit a Blessing.

  1. The Inheritance of This World Is T___________________.
    1. Three qualifications of inheritance both in this world & in eternity.
    2. Most people live life as if they have forever.
    3. We live on this earth only a S___________
    4. I Peter 1:17f This world’s inheritance is futile.
    5. I Peter 2:8 people inherit destruction when they reject Christ.
  2. Inherit A Blessing By Becoming An H_______.9
    1. I Peter 1:1-2 identifies “the Called.”
    2. 1:3, 23 Heirs are “born again” through the Word.   John 1:1-4, 14; Hebrews 4:12-16
    3. John 3:1-7 to be born again involves: Joel 2:28-32
    4. Rebirth on the first day of the church. Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16
    5. I Peter 2:9-10 = God’s Heirs.
    6. I Peter 5:10 believers eternally complete.
  3. Inherit A Blessing Because the O__________ Died. Colossians 1:15f.
    1. The central message of the Gospel (1:3):
    2. 1:2 believers of Jesus are sprinkled with His blood.
    3. Jesus paid for every sin by the cruelty of the cross.
    4. 1:18-21 our changed faith & hope:
    5. 2:24 Our wounds are healed because Jesus paid for them.
  4. Inherit A Blessing By G_______________ In His Characteristics.
    1. God’s characteristics that we are to have:
    2. God demands total submission to Heavenly standards.
    3. God’s Spirit enables and empowers us (3:8-11).
    4. “Put On” Christ. Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-8
    5. With Christ, plus God’s Spirit, we produce. Galatians 5:22-23.

“Suffering Servants” I Peter 2:18-25

Suffering Servants I Peter 2:18-25

To follow God’s plan, we become SUFFERING SERVANTS.

  1. J_________ Lived on Earth as a Suffering Servant (v. 21-24)
    1. The Messiah would be a Man of S____________. Isaiah 52:13-15a; 53:1-12
      1. He would look like a commoner; familiar with heartaches.
      2. He would live a sinless life.
      3. He would pay for all sins of mankind.
      4. God would glorify Him.
    2. God’s L________ for people motivated Jesus to leave heaven.
      1. Jesus was not forced out of heaven. Isaiah 7:14; John 1:1-4, 14
      2. I Timothy 1:14 3. John 10:10; 3:16-17
    3. Jesus left the glory and perfection of H___________ to make the Way for people to return to their Heavenly Father. Jesus endured a sinful world.
  2. The New Testament D_______________ Lived as Suffering Servants.
    1. People in the first century chose suffering for Jesus: Gospels, Acts
    2. Followers of Jesus were transformed, blessed with His Spirit and redirected in purpose.
      1. Peter, Andrew, James and John left fishing to be fishers of men. John 6
      2. Matthew chose Jesus over wealth. Psalm 50:10
      3. Luke left the eminence of medicine. John 4:14; 14:6
      4. Paul left prestige and power of the ruling class. Philippians 3:17
    3. Peter, James and John were eye witnesses. Matthew 17:1-8
    4. First century believers accepted suffering, anticipating Eternal LIFE!
  3. Believers in Christ C______________ to be Suffering Servants.
    1. God’s Spirit moves in our minds and hearts…
    2. When those over us are unreasonable, we will give our best work, as to God. Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 6:44-45
    3. Hear the words of our Master.” John 14:15
    4. God disciplines all of His children. Hebrews 11
    5. Hebrews 12:1-8; James 1:2-4

Continue to walk in the steps of Jesus; even through sufferings.

“The Battlefields of Mankind” I Peter 2:11-21

“The Battlefields of Mankind” I Peter 2:11-21

“The Battlefields of Mankind” I Peter 2:11-21

The battles of humanity are due to Satan. How do we prepare for the fight?

  1. The Battlefield within Our S_____. (v.11)
    1. D_________ of our flesh are at odds with the need of our Soul.
      1. Eat enough of the right F_______… Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:3-4
      2. We put God to t/ T_____ as we Neglect His rules. Psalm 119:9-16; I John 2:3-6
      3. Satan repeats his L____ (Genesis 3:5) Colossians 3:23-25
    2. Romans 7 describes the constant B_______ Romans 8:1f; 12:1-2
    3. I John 2:15-17
  2. We Face A S___________ Battlefield (Vs. 12-14, 17-18)
    1. Everyone must deal with other P_________.
    2. World focus: live for S______. Jesus commands us to Love others.
    3. Golden Rule (not a suggestion) Matthew 7:12
    4. Social Battles are afflicting us.
    5. God blessed us with freedom to voice God’s truth & righteousness.
  3. We Face a P____________ Battlefield Every Day.  (Vs. 11-15, 20)
    1. We’re physical creatures that must take care of our N_________.
      1. God commands: keep our bodies pure. I Corinthians 3:16-17
      2. Jesus died for you & your body.
    2. There is W______ with Evil in our streets. Romans 1:18-32
    3. We must S_____________ LAW Officers & Government Officials, with one exception. Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1
    4. God does N_____ condemn Law Officers or Soldiers. Luke 7; Acts 10; 16
  4. We All Fight On A S_______________ Battlefield. John 4:24
    1. We leave this world to S________ before our Creator.
    2. God has provided t/ spiritual A_________. Ephesians 6:10-18.
    3. Our only D____________… stand in Jesus and Biblical instruction.
    4. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, preached, surrendered and died for our sin, He kept His focus on the Word of God.
    5. Jesus has defeated Satan & death.

“The Priesthood of God” I Peter 2:4-12

“The Priesthood of God” I Peter 2:4-12

“The Priesthood of God” I Peter 2:4-12

John 8:44; Romans 8:9-17; 9:6-8.

What is God’s assignment for you who obey Jesus Christ?

  1. God Appointed A___________ Family to Serve as Priests to God.
    1. God kept His P__________ to Abram of making a great nation.
      1. God foretold numerous B____________. Genesis 12:1-3.
      2. God blessed those who B_____________ with His provisions and care.
      3. Through Israel’s twelve sons, God expanded Abraham’s family.
    2. God B__________ Israel with special protection and provision. Exodus 19:4-6a
    3. God established A________ and his sons as the priests. Lev. 21; Numbers 6
    4. Through the _____ years that followed, all of Israel wavered. Jeremiah 7:23-25
    5. The majority of priests and Israel rebelled, resulting in their enslavement.
    6. In God’s D_______________ of Israel, He kept His promises. Jeremiah 33:14-18
  2. C________________ Are to Be God’s Holy Priesthood. (Vs. 5, 9)
    1. Christians have been R____________ by God’s perfect sacrifice. I Peter 1:18-19
    2. E_______ person washed in the blood is a Priest (v.5) Galatians 3:27-28
    3. Vs.4-5 = You are “Living Stones” being assembled as a spiritual house…
    4. O.T. L____ required the priests to be sprinkled with the blood repeatedly, but you are sprinkled by the perfect Blood of Christ once.
      1. Hebrews 9:22 God provided His final perfect sacrifice. We gladly serve.
      2. The blood of the Lamb paid for every sin so that all may live.
    5. Have you been cleansed by Christ’s blood? Acts 22:16
  3. Believers of Jesus are the R_________ Priesthood.  (Vs. 9-12)
    1. God A_________ all disciples of Jesus into His eternal family. Romans 8:15-17
    2. Christians are part of God’s world-wide Special Forces Team.
    3. Christian Priests are the O_____ people belonging to God. The Door, John 10:7f
    4. Christ makes all Believers O_____ Priesthood as equals.
    5. We don’t D____________ or earn this Royal Status.
    6. God’s Priests are A__________ and strangers in this world.
    7. Fulfill the G_____________ commandments: love God & love people.
    8. Remain grounded on the Eternal R_______, Jesus Christ.
    9. Serve God with E_______________, allowing God to polish your rough spots.