Sermon by Rev. Prabhu
Guidelines for Victorious Christian Living
1 Peter 5:6-11
Intro
Christ’s death on Calvary does not mean the end of suffering.
Suffering continued for the church and the Christians.
Suffering and persecution are not over yet.
Peter’s warning to the suffering believers is also for us.
I. Caution – Satan is still active – Be alert 1 Peter 5:8
– we are not gullible people in the face of suffering. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert”
– Anxiety should not make us mentally dull and insensitive.
– Satan is the enemy “Your adversary, the devil”
– He is an aggressive attacker – “prowls around like a roaring lion”
Lion is symbol of powerful enemy ( Ps. 7:2; 10:2; 17:12; 22:13,21; II Tim. 4:17)
– He is out to destroy – “seeking someone to devour”
– His attacks are subtle – with direct and indirect attacks.
– God’s children – “You and I” are his targets .
– His ultimate attack is on our faith.
– We are asked not to loose balance in the face of suffering.
– We should be ever ready to recognize Satan’s subtle attack.
II. Submission – Submit to God’s Care. 5:6 “humble yourselves”
– Instead of surrendering to devil surrender to God
– Follow the model of Jesus – Following the characteristic of Jesus (Matt. 11:29) which becomes a standard for His followers (James 4:10).
– Waiting with Submission in “the mighty hand of God” Psalm 40:1
– Waiting with trust and confidence. “that He may exalt you” – in His time
– “casting all your anxiety on Him” 5:7
III. Confrontation – Resist the devil -“resist him” 5:9.
It is a battle we need to fight it out – can’t run away or avoid.
It is spiritual encounter.
Resisting Satan is not counter attack physically
Resist him with determination – “firm in your faith”
We are not the only one in the battle field- ▣ “knowing that the same experiences are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world”
Elijah thought he was alone when actually there were other saints suffering. Devil is a father of all lies. 1 Kings 19:9-18
IV. Restoration 1 Pet 5:10
– “After you have suffered for a little while” This refers to this life (1:6).
– Our Relationship with God – “the God of all grace” Rom. 8:31-39).
1. God of peace – Rom. 15:33; 16:20; I Cor. 14:33; I Thess. 5:23; Phil. 4:9; Heb. 13:20
2. God of mercy – Luke 1:78
3. God of all comfort – Rom. 12:1; II Cor. 1:3
4. God of all grace – I Pet. 5:10,12
5. God of love – II Cor. 13:11
6. not the God of confusion – I Cor. 14:33 – The NIDOTTE, vol. 2, pp. 78-79
– Our identity with God ▣ “who called you to His eternal glory in Christ” This eternal glory only comes experientially at physical death or the Second Coming!
– Our stability in God – 5:11 “will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you”
– Our protection in God – “to Him be dominion forever and ever”
Conclusion
- 1. Our present suffering is devil’s design to make us stumble and fall
- 2. We need to put up a strong fight with God’s help.
- 3. We are more than Conquerors. Romans 8:37