1. Causes of discontent.

A. A focus on self (James 4:1-3).

B. A focus on material things (Ecc. 5:10)

C. A focus on entitlements (Proverbs 13:4)

2. Counter measures for discontentment.

Temporal - Proverbs 23:4-5

Ownership - 1 Timothy 6:7

Perspective - Proverbs 16:8

3. Compensation for contentment.

A. God's Presence (Hebrews 13:5)

B. God's Provision (Phil. 4:13,19)

C. God's Character (! Timothy 6:6)

The Real Deal - Romans 10:9-13

As we come to the end of 1 Peter, Peter departs with this admonition - "Stand fast in it." We ask, What is the, it?: The answer is fourfold:

1. Stand firm in your security. (ch 1)

2. Stand firm in your identity. (ch 2)

3. Stand firm in your responsibility. (ch 3)

4. Stand firm in your reality. (chs 3-5)

I Peter 5:7

Observations on dealing with anxiety and worry.

Observation 1: The Bible says cast "all" your anxiety on Him.

Observation 2: God never instructs us to ____________ anxiety or worry.

Observation 3: ____________ your anxiety on Jesus.

Observation 4: God cares for you.

1. Humility will be revealed in your _____________ (5a)

2. Humility is primarily an _______________ of your mind (5b).

3. Humility and discovery of God's _________ go hand in hand (5c).

4. Humility exists under God's mighty hand. (6a).

5. Humility can anticipate __________ (6b).

As we come to the end of I Peter, Peter gets more specific and addresses certain people groups within the church. This morning he speaks to the church Elders. Peter talks about the Elder's responsibilities, the requirements for Eldership and the rewards the Elders will receive.

1. The Elders' _____________ (1-2a).

A. The Elder is to be a _____________.

B. The Elder is to be an ____________.

II. The Elders' _______________ (2b-3).

A. The Elder is to have a __________

spirit.

B. The Elder is not to pursue _______.

C. The Elder is to be an ____________.

III. The Elders' _________________ (4).

Suffering and difficulty is one of those tools that God uses in your life. God uses pain and suffering to:

1. Develop _____________ (James 1:3).

2. Bring ________________ (James 1:4).

3, Assure us of our _________________(I Peter 1:7).

4. Prove the genuine nature of our

____________________ (I Peter 1:7).

5. Develop in us _____________ (2 Corinthians 12:7).

6. Keep us on track (Psalm 119:67).

7. Deepen our _____ in the heart of God (Hosea).

8. Help others (2 Corinthians 1:4).

9. Reveal what we really __________ (Deuteronomy 13:3; John 12:25).

10. Display God's glory (Genesis 50:20).

In medical settings, vital signs give a picture of a person's health. Today we consider the vital signs of a healthy church.

1. ________________ (7).

2. ________________ (8).

3. _________________(9).

4. _________________ (10-11).

5. _________________ (11).

I Peter 4:1-6

A life devoted to Christ results in change. There should be a

1. Change in ____________ (v.1b).

2. Change in your ______________ (v.2). 3. Change in your ______________ (v.3). 4. Change in your _______, probably. (v4).