Series: Time to Grow Up Step 6: Be Alert to Danger
Sermon Text: 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
Psalm Reading: Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
Pastor Tabitha Martin
1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
1 Peter 5:6-11 NIV
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Step 1: Have Faith in Jesus
Step 2: Obey the word
Step 3: Endure Like Jesus
Step 4: Crave Jesus
Step 5: Revere Jesus as Lord
Step 6: Be Alert to Danger
Memory Verse:
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10
Message Reflection Questions
Read Psalm 31:5. Take two minutes to silently repeat this verse in prayer.
Read 1 Peter 4:12-14. What keeps us from being able to rejoice in our suffering?
How can our suffering be used to bring others into the presence of God?
Of these different statements, which have you experienced in your life?
a. It refines us, molds us, and shapes us into the image of Christ (1 Peter 2:21)
b. It tests our faith and confirms we are children of God (1 Peter 1:7)
c. Suffering can be used to bring glory to God (1 Peter 1:7)
d. It makes us strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10)
Read 1 Peter 5:6-11. Why are we more vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks during hardships?
Compare and contrast pre-resurrection and post-resurrection Peter, what stands out to you? What part of Peter’s story do you relate to the most?
Self-awareness is important. Which tactic from the enemy are you most prone to: pride, control, isolation, avoidance, recklessness, or apathy?
How can you work with God to replace those temptations with humility, casting your cares, remembering others suffering, resistance, self-control or alertness?
As you close in prayer use Jesus’ prayer in John 17:1-11. Ask God to help us be alert to the dangers, and to be awake to His power, and to give us courage to overcome the enemy.
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