1 Peter 5:4-14

The true grace of God in the midst of sufferings and trials

¹² By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you,exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God.  Stand firm in it.

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True Grace – A life of Submission

Submission to one another (1 Peter 2:13-3:12)

• In society, the work place and in the home.  We need to realize that our relationship with others in a direct reflection of our relationship with God.

Submission to His lordship

• He is Lord of the Universe.  Submit to His Lordship in your life.  LOVE HIM AND LOVE LIVING OF HIM.

True Grace – A life of Readiness

Be not fearful, but confident

• A biblical confidence.  I know that there is a devil, but I also know what took place on Calvary.  The devil lost….we give him too much credit.

We have an enemy, but we are on the attack

•  Respect the enemy
  • Psalm 91:3 – Fowler (quiet sneaky)
  • 2 Cor. 11:14 – Angel of light (good, right, masquerades as truth))
  • 1 Peter – Lion, roaring….Seeking to devour

• Recognize the enemy – He is a liar, pretender, and deceiver
  • 1 John 2:18-27

• Resist the enemy– He is the enemy, but he is a defeated foe. RESIST…STAND FIRM IN THE TRUE GRACE.  We can do it, because God has done it!

We are not alone – Others have gone before us and Christ is walking with us.

True Grace – A life of Hope

Hope because of Grace

• 1 Peter 1:2 & 10; 1 Peter 2:3; 1 Peter 4:10
• Grace=Favor. His grace is sufficient.  Our hope is in His grace.

Hope because of Glory

• 1 peter 1:4– inheritance….all the riches of heaven!
• 1 Peter 4:13-16 – Suffering is the road to Glory. Jesus and the walk to Calvary…Via Doloroso
• We know our present suffering is only for a while

Hope because of our growing character

• Restore/to make perfect. Fit together perfectly for His Glory.
• Confirm/Stablish. Set fast.
• Strengthen – Will meet the demands of life. We have the strength to do s0
• Establish/Settle – lay a foundation. Grounded settled like a foundation.

God uses different tools to build our character

• Suffering tool
• The Word of God is another tool 2 Tim. 3:16-17
• He also uses the fellowship and ministry of the church Eph. 4:11-16

MAKE US PERFECT…BUILDING OUR CHARACTER