2010-11-07
1 Peter - God's Favor to the Humble
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction

Questions for a sojourner:
Am I here by God's appointment?
Am I in God's keeping, and abiding in Christ?
Am I in training for God's purpose? (trials, suffering, Word, relationship, and prayer)
Am I in His purpose, in His timing?
Fervently loving on another from the heart produces fertile soil for spiritual growth.
There is a call to all sorts of suffering. All suffering is for our good, but we must stay on the path!
Come on Shepherds. Stay focused! Be shepherds of God's flock.
Heart to heart relationships, communication, life on life, real hospitality, loving fervently.

What is required of the shepherd?
Personal, absolute surrender, and the resulting presentation of Christ in life on life relationships.

B. Put on Humility and Receive God's Favor

1 Peter 5: 5 - 6
Put on humility as a working virtue—like a slave's work apron
Humility make all of the other virtues able to be used for the purposes of Jesus
Matthew 11: 29 I am gentle and humble in heart
Proud; to show above; humble, lowly, below
Proverbs 3: 34; James 4: 6 - 7 Gives grace to the humble
2 Corinthians 12: 9 To make it through
Exodus 33: 13
Grace is also shown in His favor
Power/grace for ministry and your calling
Romans 1: 5
Romans 12: 6
Romans 15: 15
1 Corinthians 3: 10
Galatians 2: 9
Ephesians 3: 2,7
Luke 2: 52 Jesus grew wisdom and stature, and it favor with God and man.
Acts 2: 47Humility comes before God's favor. A prayer for children, prayer for the church.
Philippians 2: 5 - 111 The humility of Christ, and the exalting of Christ.
Maybe this will help our understanding. Is this a trait we encourage with our children?
This is a key to usefulness to God in their life—fulfilling their calling and His favor resting
If we always rescue our children from all trials and suffering, and give into their desires...
Trials and suffering have the potential to bring humility.
1 Peter 5: 6 - 7 We must submit to God in the trial

C. Cast All Your Worry and Anxiety on Him

Another common theme and lesson in trials and suffering
He is your Great Shepherd, who cares for your soul
1 Peter 5: 8
Humility, favor and grace, letting God carry your worries; the suffering that teaches
There is an enemy who will be trying to exploit your situation... he's coming.
Self-controlled and sober-minded; on the ready; not depressed or self-focused or discouraged
He is looking for someone in your situation, so he can intimidate them with fear or deceive them
1 Peter 5: 8 - 11 Resist him. Don't crumble at the first attack. Put up your shield.
He will make you strong, firm and steadfast. And, it will be a glorious ending...

D. I am not Making this Journey without Heart to Heart Friends and Co-Laborers

1 Peter 5: 10 - 11