Preacher: Scott Hollingshead

Big Idea: Our God speaks… listen.

1. General Revelation: God speaks through the sky (vv.1-6)

a. What’s he telling us? God exists. 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

b. How is He telling us? Through a wordless message (a message you have to see)

(vv.2-4a) — "Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.”

c. How glorious is God? 

(vv.4b-6) — "In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. It’s rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat."

2. Special Revelation: God speaks through the Scripture (vv.7-11)

a. Bible benefits:

1. God’s word is sufficient -- "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;” (v.7a)

2. God’s word makes one wise -- "the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (v.7b)

3. God’s word brings joy -- "the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;” (v.8a)

4. God’s word brings clarity -- "the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (v.8b)

5. God’s word is eternal -- "the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;” (v.9a)

6. God’s word is truth -- "the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether"(v.9b)

b. Bible value:

- (v.10-11) — "More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."

How ought we respond to God’s speaking?

3. Our Response: Be a Biblical Person (vv.12-14)

2 types of sin:

a. Prideful ignorance

- (v.12) — "Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults."

b. Prideful arrogance 

- (vv.13-14) — "Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

Be in the Word of God everyday, read!

Preacher: Scott Hollingshead

1. God knows all there is about you (vv.1-6)

a. Every detail of your routine (vv.1-2a,3,5)

b. Every unspoken thought (vv.2b,4,6)

2. God’s sees everything you go through (vv.7-12)

a. Every moment, He sees (vv.7-9)

b. Every circumstance, He’s sovereign over (vv.10-12)

3. God pays careful attention to every detail of you (vv.13-18)

a. Every part of you planned (vv.13-15)

b. Every day of yours ordained (vv.16-18)

4. God knows the heart within you (vv.19-24)

Preacher: Chris Ritter

4 angles of worship: 

1. Worship’s issue

2. Worship’s formula

3. Worship’s power

4. Worship’s goal

1. Worship’s issue: sin

- Romans 1:23-25 -- “And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their heart to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator who is blessed forever! Amen.”

- Your most fundamental problem in life is a worship problem

- Worship leads to serving, and serving displays our worship

- Sin can be understood as a “worship exchange” -- giving up God for something else in creation.

- John 4:16-20 

2. Worship’s Formula: spirit and truth

- John 4:21-26 

- Jesus permanently destroys the “location of worship” argument

- It isn’t about a temple or mountain, and it never was

- Jesus does not put spirit against truth. He unashamedly puts them completely together

- spirit and truth: inflamed hearts and informed minds

- spirit and truth are not at odds… they’re best friends!

3. Worship’s power: the Gospel

- True worship of God in spirit and truth happens when we know the Gospel -- who Jesus is and what He has done

- Knowing the truth drives passionate worship of God the Father, through Jesus Christ

4. Worship’s Goal: praise

- Psalm 150 

- Praise = “Halle” in Hebrew. As a command: “Hallelujah” - “Hey you, praise!”

- The goal of all worship is praise of God. Adoration, heart and mind engaged together in exalting Him as our Ultimate Treasure.

Preacher: Chris Ritter

Big Idea: The devil’s roar is no match for God’s power. In light of this…

1. Be alert for the devil’s attacks

(v.8) -- "Be sober minded, be watchful…”

- Who is the Devil? A real, personal, created being, an angel of God who rebelled against God. He led a kind of insurrection against God, with other angels, and was cast out of heaven.

Revelation 12:9 -- "And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world - he was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him”

- Jude 6 refers to those angels who did not stay within their position of authority, but left their proper dwelling

- The Devil is vehemently against God and God’s people. But he is a defeated foe and he knows it.

- Through the Cross and resurrection, God has triumphed over Satan and all spiritual evil.

- What is the “roar” of Satan?

- The threat of suffering or any real suffering by which he tries to get people to deny Christ.

(v.9) -- “… the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world”

- Suffering does not produce a lack of faith, it brings it to the surface

- Satan cannot “take back” someone from God - Scripture is clear God does not lose those who are is (John 6:35-40, John 10:29)

2. Resist the Devil with a firm faith

(v.9) -- "Resist him, firm in your faith…”

- How do you know you’re resisting the Devil? Be firm in your faith

- You’re resisting the devil every time you trust God

- Jesus is our example of this (1 Peter 2:23) and Peter is repeating his exhortation in 1 Peter 4:19

3. Rejoice in God because he has called you to his eternal glory

(v. 10) -- “The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ…”

What is “his eternal glory in Christ”?

a. His - it belongs to God

b. Eternal - unending, unfading perfection

c. Glory - matchless beauty, splendor, goodness, exaltation of God

d. In Christ - All who are in Christ, saved by God’s grace, will be with God

4. Rejoice in God because He will establish you

(v.10) -- “The God of all grace… will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

5. Rejoice in God because the final victory is His

(v.11) -- To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen

- Dominion = The superior power of God to which final victory will belong
Are you standing firm in the true grace of God today?

Preacher: Scott Hollingshead

Big Idea: the Christian is free in Christ to enjoy the grace of humility by casting their anxieties on God.

1. Humility toward elders

(v.5a) -- "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders”

1 Thessalonians 5:13 -- “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.”

2. Humility towards people

(v.5b) -- "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility towards one another”

- John 13 — when Jesus “laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. The He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him."(John 13:4-5)

(v.5c) -- "for, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

5 ways pride manifests itself:

a. Self-reliance (Deut 8:17) -- Forget God

b. Self-satisfaction (Hosea 13:6) -- I don’t want God

c. Self-trust (Prov 28:26) -- I don’t need God

d. Self-selected obedience (Jer 13:9-10) -- I call the shots as God

e. Self-enthronement (Acts 12:21-23) -- I am God

Luke 18:9-14 -- "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get. But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

3. Humility towards God

(v.6a) -- "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God”

Why? -- "so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” (v.6b)

How? -- "casting your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” (v.7)

Response: Put trust into action. What anxiety do you need to lay on God right now? 

- Philippians 4:6 -- “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Preacher: Scott Hollingshead

Big Idea: Elders-- Shepherd the flock entrusted to your care faithfully. Flock-- Submit yourself to a church where there are elders who shepherd the flock entrusted to their care faithfully.

1. A word from elder to elders -- "So I exhort the elders among you,” (v.1a)

1a. A fellow elder-- "as a fellow elder” (v1.b)

2a. A fellow witness-- "and a witness of the sufferings of Christ,” (v1.c)

3a. A fellow partaker-- "as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed” (v.1d)

2. A word of exhortation to elders: Shepherd God’s flock -- "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you” (v.2a)

How do elders shepherd? "Exercising oversight” (v.2b)

1a. Potential pitfall #1-- "not under compulsion” (v.2c)

1b. Shepherd willingly-- "but willingly, as God would have you” (v.2d)

2a. Potential pitfall #2-- "not for shameful gain” (v.2e)

2b. Shepherd generously-- "but eagerly” (v.2f)

3a. Potential pitfall #3-- "not domineering over those in your charge” (v.3a)

3b. Shepherd humbly-- "but being examples to the flock” (v.3b)

3. A word of hope for elders: A promised reward for faithful shepherds

1a. Shepherd like Jesus is coming back-- "And when the Chief Shepherd appears,” (v.4a)

2a. Shepherd for an eternal reward-- "you will receive the unfading crown of glory."(v.4b)

Preacher: Scott Hollingshead

Big Idea: 6 reasons to keep rejoicing in suffering for Jesus. Suffering…

1. Refines us

(v.12) -- "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."

- Resist the surprise factor

2. Unites us with Jesus

(v.13) -- "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

- Rejoice now so you may exuberantly rejoice then

3. Invites God’s presence

(v.14) -- If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

- Refreshes you by taking over

4. Brings God glory

(vv.15-16) -- "But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

- Reveals that God is glorious to you

5. Prepares us to meet Jesus

(vv.17-18) -- "For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God? And 'If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’”

- Readying us to receive our inheritance

6. Moves us to entrust our lives to God

(v.19) -- "Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

- Relish in God's sovereign care.

Preacher: Scott Hollingshead

Big Idea: The essential elements of a God glorifying life are prayer, love, and service.

1. Fact: Jesus is coming back soon

(v.7a) -- "The end of all things is at hand”

2. Response: Live every day like He’s coming back

a. Be focused in your PRAYERS

(v.7b) -- "therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers”

2. Be stretched in your LOVE

(v.8a) -- "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly”

- Why? "Since love covers a multitude of sins” (v.8b)

(v.9) -- "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling”

3. Be good stewards of your SERVICE

(vv.10-11a) -- "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever speaks as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves as one who serves by the strength that God supplies”

3. Purpose: To glorify God

(v.11b) -- "in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

- Before you live your life for Jesus, you need to give your life to Jesus.

Preacher: Scott Hollingshead

Big Idea: The battle for the Christian is won and lost in the mind. Therefore, ARM YOUR MIND FOR BATTLE.

4 truths to arm your mind:

1. Sin’s too destructive not to live in victory over its power

(vv.1-2) -- "Since therefore Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God”

2. Life’s too short not to live wholeheartedly for God

(v.3) -- "For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do (living in…)”

6 ways your life was one big party:

a. Sensuality

b. Passions

c. Drunkenness

d. Orgies

e. Drinking parties

f. Lawless idolatry

3. Friends’ souls are too important to run into evil with them

(v.4a) -- "With respect to this they are surprised”

3 mind-games people play:

a. Peer Pressure-- "when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery” (v.4b)

b. Rejection/Insult-- "and they malign you” (v.4c)

c. Guilt-- "but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and
the dead” (v.4d)

4. Resurrection’s hope is too great not to be a proclaimer of Jesus

(v.6) -- "For this is why the Gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does"

Preacher: Scott Hollingshead

Big idea: Jesus wins and those who are in Him win too!

- When you lose sight of hope in suffering, look to Jesus to remind you of your victory…

1. Victory over sin and death

(v.18a) -- "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he may bring us to God,”

Interpretive decisions:

a. Respect contextual constraints

b. Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture

c. Seek to understand authorial intent-- "being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (v.18b)

2. Victory over Satan and demons

3 most common interpretations:

a. Peter was referring to Christ descending by His living spirit into Sheol/Hades to preach to imprisoned demonic spirits awaiting final judgment in the interim of his death and resurrection.

b. In defense against post-mortem conversion, Augustine said the text refers to Christ’s preaching through Noah to unbelievers in his day while Noah was building the ark.

c. Text describes Christ’s proclamation of victory over all His enemies after his death and resurrection.

- Genesis 6:1-4

- Revelation 20:7; Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4

(vv.19-20) -- "in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.”

So how does this connect or serve as a type to baptism?

(v.21) -- "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

a. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith

b. Baptism comes with an appeal

c. Victory in His triumphant rule

(v.22) -- "who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him.”

Bringing faith to life:

a. Suffering is purposeful and its path leads to victory.

b. Nothing can come against you that is beyond the control of Jesus

c. In your suffering, Jesus still reigns and rules.