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1 Peter 5:6-14 ESV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 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. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

I. ROOTED IN TRUST OF GOD (6-7)
A. Be humble because your faith is in God and not yourself.
B. Instead of worrying if others are impressed with you, take your worries and cast them upon God.
C. We can trust Jesus will take care of us and our problems.

II. DON’T GET CAUGHT SLIPPIN’ (8)
A. Be firm in your faith and watch out for the Devil because he is on the prowl.
B. The Devil wants to destroy us. God wants to take care of us. Trust God and resist the Devil.

III. IN THIS TOGETHER (9)
A. As Christians we are connected not only by our same Savior but the same struggle.
B. Part of the good God brings from our suffering is that we can help others who struggle with the same things.

IV. THE GOD OF ALL GRACE (10-11)
A. Peter reminds us constantly that where suffering has increased grace has super increased.
B. Part of God’s grace is that while we may suffer in this life, it will not last long.

NEXT STEPS: When suffering comes…
1. Resist the urge to not believe God.
2. Run to the church rather than away from it.
3. Rest in the Gospel of Grace and the God of all Grace.