An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop and we can take a stand against his schemes with resilient resistance. This past Sunday, we heard from Pastor Sean Curry as he finished out our study on 1 Peter by breaking down the importance of having spiritual leaders in our lives. Without submitting to the authority of elders and to the authority of Jesus, we set ourselves up to fall victim to the enemy whose goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. A posture of humility is imperative to live resiliently. 

Exiles on our way to eternity

Living hope

Suffering is normal

God is good

Time is short

Missions is our calling

Humility is our posture

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

1 Peter 4:19

“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed…”

1 Peter 5:1 

“…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

1 Peter 5:2-4

“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5

How do you lead?“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Mark 10:45

“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”

1 Peter 5:6-7

What do you need to lay down to carry the burden of the Lord?“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8

“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

Colossians 2:15

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 6:12

“Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

1 Peter 5:9

Resilient Resistance“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.”

1 Peter 5:10-12