Proud vs. Humble. 1 Peter 5:5-14

Transcription

1 Proud vs. Humble 1 Peter 5:5-14 Lesson 13 This week, we will finish our study of the book of 1 Peter. As we do, we will zero in on several final admonitions or warnings that Peter gave the church. He knew there were fiery trials ahead for the believers and he wanted them to be prepared. Above all else, he commanded them to be humble. He was absolutely convinced that if believers would humbly submit to one another, they would strengthen themselves against the enemy who was constantly seeking to devour and ruin the church. One of the ways we humble ourselves is by casting our cares and anxieties upon the Lord. When we are overwhelmed and feel as if we are falling apart, we can choose to either hold on to our worries and try to resolve them on our own, or we can humbly admit they are too much for us and willingly give them to Christ to carry and solve. He knows we are prone to be anxious and worried, and He simply invites us to surrender our cares past, present and future, to Him. Peter goes on to exhort us to be watchful and sober concerning Satan and his tactics. We are never to let our guard down or forget that he is a dangerous and relentless enemy. We must resist him the same way Jesus did with the Word of God. The truly humble child of God knows her own weaknesses and turns to God for her strength and help in time of need. To do anything less would be prideful and lead to certain devastation! Peter closes by reminding us that God is in complete control. Our personal struggles can work for us and even bring glory to God if we allow them. When facing trials, instead of complaining, try humbly asking God what He is trying to teach you. If you will do this, you will find yourself firmly fixed when the storms of life come your way. And, you will not lose hope because you will recognize that God has a purpose in all you face. 1

2 Open your Bible and begin with a word of prayer This Week s Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-14 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. 13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen. NKJV This Week s Memory Verse: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 1. Verse 5 of this week s study packs a lot of information into one statement. Read this verse and answer the following questions. a. Who are the younger people supposed to submit to? b. Who are we all to submit to? c. Who does God resist? d. Who does God give grace to? e. Read Ephesians 5:19-21 and note how we are to treat each other and why? 2

3 The greatest test of whether the holiness we profess to seek or to attain is truth and life will be whether it produces an increasing humility in us. In man, humility is the one thing needed to allow God's holiness to dwell in him and shine through him. The chief mark of counterfeit holiness is lack of humility. The holiest will be the humblest. Andrew Murray ( ) 2. Humility is not an attribute that we naturally lay hold of and practice in our lives. We are by nature proud and desire to please ourselves above all else. However, we now have the Spirit of God residing in us. What do the following verses tell us about living humbly? a. Ephesians 4:2: b. Philippians 2:3: c. Romans 12:16: d. Colossians 3:12: e. Using the above verses as your guide, how can you personally maintain an attitude of humility? 3

4 3. Verse 8 of this week s scripture states that we are to be sober and diligent. Why are we to be so? a. In what way does Ephesians 6:12 reinforce this warning? 4. What four benefits do we receive from suffering, according to verse 10 of this week s scripture? a. How does James 1:2-4 encourage us further when we are going through difficult times in our lives? b. What further reassurance regarding trials does the Apostle Paul give us in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10? c. Personal: Do you feel like your circumstances are about to crush you? If so, are you able to turn to the promises that God has made to get you through this rough time? Why or why not? I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God. - Elisabeth Elliot ( ) (Elisabeth Elliot s husband, Jim Elliot, was killed in 1956 while attempting to make missionary contact with the Auca of eastern Ecuador.) 4

5 Reflect and Respond What has touched your heart and encouraged your spiritual growth during this week s study? Result In what practical ways can you apply what you have learned this week? 5

6 Thoughts & Prayers 6