God makes promises to Abram that define his life and point to the greater fulfillment that they have in Jesus.-1. The Promises Given to Abram-2. The Fulfillment of the Promises-3. The Promises Extended to Us

God starts to bring about his promises, however unlikely they may seem.-1. Unlikely Promises-2. Unlikely People-3. Unlikely Timing-4. Unlikely Obedience-Application- what is required of us--This points to Jesus--A joy-filled obedience

While we are suffering, we are still standing in God's grace.-1. Still standing in grace-this letter verified that grace is for real. -v.12--2. Still standing in love-.including family-level greetings. -v.13-14--3. Still standing in peace-with both God and others. -v.14--Applying to our spiritual lives--Summarize the message of 1 Peter-How is Peter authorized to write this letter- John 21-15-19-Who says we should stand firm- 1 Corinthians 16-13-What are the benefits of peace- Galatians 6-16

The God of all grace gives us grace for our suffering, and then we go to His eternal glory- What kinds of grace--1. The grace of restoring or furnishing us with every needed qualification for heaven. -v.10--2. The grace of confirming or stabilizing us now. -v.10--3. The grace of strengthening us or outfitting us even better. -v.10--4. The grace of establishing or undergirding us. -v.10-11--Application questions--Who has called us--What sort of God is this- 2 Cor 1-3-How can we keep from fear- Isaiah 41-10-When does God's promise expire- Jeremiah 32-40

Since Christ saved us and cares for us, He calls us to stand firm in our beliefs. How--1. By watching. -v.8--a. not distracted -b. not seeking escape-c. not allowing drowsiness-2. By thwarting what the devil seeks. -v.8-- a. not unaware of the lurking danger of the devil- b. not fearful of the roaring of the imposter lion- c. not passive-3. By knowing that suffering is how it is for the family of God. -v.9- - a. not expecting to be an exception- b. not distant and forgetful of others- c. not forgetting that we all endure the same kind of sufferings-Application- What is required of us--For what must we keep watch- Luke 22-31-32-Why must we resist the devil- Ephesians 6-10-18 -What difference does it make if others suffer- Hebrews 13-3

Christians have no place for worry, because we take all of our worries to God, who cares for us.-1. All. -v.7--2. Hurl them- -v.7--3. God cares for us. -v.7--Application- How do we lay down our cares--What is it that weighs us down- Luke 21-34-How does the Word get choked out- Mark 4-19 -List all legitimate sources of anxiety. Philippians 4-6

God-appointed leadership is established through God-appointed means.-1. The King They Needed-2. The King They Got-3. The King who was Coming

God intends for his people to be purified and guarded by his Word in all seasons, circumstances, and conditions of their lives. And-we'll consider this by means of two main points this morning- -1. The Young Man and his Way-2. The Word and its Objectives

The Lord calls us to humility, because He was humbled for us.-Humility means being submissive. -v.5--Humility means relating well to one another by God's grace. -v.5--Humility is lowering ourselves and waiting for God to lift us up. -v.6--What is the benefit of humility--How does God look at the absence of humility- Proverbs 6-16-17.-What happens when we humble ourselves- Luke 14-11. -Who enjoys the presence of God- Isaiah 57-15.

Since Christ remains The Chief Shepherd, we are called to receive His care. -1. Christ cares for us through His elders, who shepherd His way. -v.1-2--2. Christ cares for us by giving us Christ-like examples to follow. -v.3--3. Christ cares for all His shepherds-sheep. -v.4--Applying to Ourselves- In what way do we receive care--What does the Chief Shepherd do with bad shepherds- Ezek 34.-Who set the requirements for elders- 1 Timothy 3-2-7. -How does Christ deal with sheep-shepherds- John 21-15-17.