From Here to Home — 1 Peter 5:5-14

Home is just a short walk from here. The distance is not far, but the way is not easy. So …

I. Walk humbly. (5-7)

• Our humility. (5a, 6a)
• God’s hand. (5b-7)
  • God’s opposing hand. (5b)
  • God’s giving hand. (5c)
  • God’s ruling hand. (6a-b)
  • God’s lifting hand . (6c)
  • God’s sustaining hand. (7)

II. Walk alertly. (8-9)

• Be alert in thinking. (8)
  • Our enemy is an accuser.
  • Our enemy is a slanderer.
  • Our enemy is a prowler.
  • Our enemy is an intimidator.
  • Our enemy is a destroyer.
• Be alert in posture. (9)

III. Walk steadfastly. (10-12)

• Rooted in the past. (10b)
• Confident in the future. (10c-11)
• Faithful in the present. (10a)
• Resilient in the process. (12)

Leading Through the Fire — 1 Peter 5:1-4

I. A Leader’s experience. (1)

• I lead best when I stand among you. (1a)
• I lead best when I focus on Christ. (1b)
• I lead best when I speak from experience. (1c)

II. A Leader’s calling. (1-2a)

• I must lead out of maturity. (1a)
• I must lead out of responsibility. (2b)
• I must lead out of accessibility. (2a)

III. A Leader’s method. (2b-3)

• I must lead with the right mindset. (2b)
• I must lead with the right motive. (2c)
• I must lead with the right manner. (3)

IV. A Leader’s hope. (4)

• I face accountability. (4a)
• I face hope. (4b)

Christian Suffering — 1 Peter 4:12-19

Suffering is a fact. But Christ transforms suffering for His people.

I. Suffering is a test to pass. (12)

• Timing … it is unexpected. (“do not be surprised”)
• Feelings … it is painful. (“fiery trial”)
• Purpose … it is refining. (“fiery trial“)
• Duration … it seems endless (“when it comes … were happening”)
• Identity … it is confusing. (“Beloved …the fiery trial … comes upon you”)

II. Suffering is fellowship to enter. (13-14)

• When you share Christ’s sufferings, He shares His Spirit with you.
• Suffering comes before and leads to glory.

III. Suffering is choice to make. (15-16)

• We can choose to suffer for doing wrong. (15)
• We can choose to suffer for doing right. (16)

IV. Suffering is a judgment to face. (17-18)

• Judgment for the believing = discipline. (17a)
• Judgment for the unbelieving = destruction. (17b-18)

V. Suffering is an opportunity to seize. (19)

Last Days Living — 1 Peter 4:7-11

I. Reclaim your prayer life. (7)

• Pray with the end in view. (7a)
• Pray with your mind controlled. (7b)

II. Rekindle your Christian relationships. (8-9)

• Shared grace. (8)
• Shared life. (9)

III. Refocus your service. (10-11)

• God has given something to me. (10a)
• God gave it to me, but it is for other people. (10b)
• I am responsible to make sure it helps others. (10c)
• God’s gifts to me are unique. (10d-11a)
• God’s gifts all have one goal. (11b)