1 Peter 5:1-5

1. Who are the elders?

Elders are a plurality of Godly men who exhibit Christlike maturity as they lead a local church into understanding and embracing God’s call for their lives. 

2. What do elders do?

Elders are called to shepherd the flock of God among them, which they do through knowing, feeding, leading, and protecting the sheep.

3. How do elders shepherd?

Willingly - not because they have to

Eagerly - not because they want to get rich

By example - not because they want power

4. What is the reward for elders?

5. What is the response to elders?

Pray for your elders

Submit to your elders

Follow your elders to the Good Shepherd

1 Peter 4:12-19

1. What kind of suffering should you avoid?

Avoid suffering because of sin (v.15

Avoid suffering by surprise (v.12)

2. What kind of suffering should you rejoice in?

Rejoice in suffering like Christ (v.13)

Rejoice in suffering for Christ (v.14)

Rejoice in suffering as a Christian (v.16)

Rejoice in suffering for God's purposes (v.19)

3. How will you endure suffering?

Entrust your soul to your faithful Creator - while doing good

“The Time-Sensitive Life”

1Peter 4:7-11

…How much time do I have?

“The end of all things is at hand…” (v. 7)

1. A Life with Priorities.

--Pray about everything!

Romans 12:12

--Love people fervently!

Philippians 1:9-10

--Serve the Church!

Hebrews 10:24-25

2. A Life with Purpose.

“…In everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (v. 11)

"Armed for Holiness"

1 Peter 4:1-6

Main point: Christians must be willing to be weird for the sake of Christ. This kind of living is rooted in the love and hope we have from God.

What is the will of God?

Think like Jesus

Endure like Jesus

Live like Jesus

How do Christians fight sin?

Remember you are loved by God

Remember you are on the winning team

Remember you have the hope of eternal life

"Victory in Jesus!"

1 Peter 3:18-22

Main point: Jesus has triumphed over all!

Main application: Endure suffering now, for you will reign with Jesus forever!

1. Christ has died!

2. Christ has risen!

3. We are one with Christ!

4. Christ has triumphed!

"Relational Strategies"

1 peter 3:8-17

...Who is your "Relational Coach"?

1. How do you live the "good life"? (vs. 8-11)

-- Be intentional with people.

Matthew 7:12

-- Check your "wake".

2. Why do you treat people that way? (vs. 12-17)

-- The reason of your heart.

1 Peter 2:9, 11-12 Isaiah 8:11-13

--The reason for your hope.

Matthew 5:11-12 2 Corinthians 4:13-14, 16-18

"The Beauty of a God-honoring Marriage"

1 Peter 3:1-7

Wives, submit to your husbands

            Missional purpose

            Inner beauty

            Trusting submission

Husbands, honor your wives

"Slavery, Suffering, and Salvation"

1 Peter 2:18-25

What do we do about the Bible's teachings on slavery?

1. The Bible's teaching of the Imago Dei utterly destroys systems of slavery

2. The Old Testament's main story is about slaves being freed

3. The Old Testament contains radical protections for slaves

4. Slavery in Biblical times often wasn't like American slavery

5. The New Testament encourages freeing slaves and treating them as equals

What does this text have to say to us today?

Submit to your employers (v.18)

Endure unjust suffering (v.19)

Why do we endure unjust suffering with submission and respect?

1. Because you are subject to God (vv.16, 19)

2. Because God will judge justly (vv.19, 23)

3. Because there is a future reward (vv.19-20)

4. Because you are following in the footsteps of Jesus (vv.21-25)

"Living Free by Submitting to Authority"

1 Peter 2:11-17

Main Point:

Because Christians fear God, we are free to submit.

God's designed roles:

Christians are philanthropic exiles (vv.11-12)

Governments are divinely-appointed enforcers of good (vv.13-14)

God's commands on how to live:

1. Submit to authorities (v.13)

2. Do good to all (v.15)

3. Serve God (v.16)

4. Honor everyone (v.17)

“Resident Aliens”

1 PETER 2:1-12

Remember…this is not your home! (vv. 11-12)

1. You are “hungry babies”. (vv. 1-2)

--Are you longing for more…of the Word?

2. You are “living stones”. (vv. 3-8)

--Are you focused on building up…the church?

3. You are “God’s people”. (vv. 9-10)

--Do you talk about how good…God is?