Here are Simon Peter's closing thoughts, in a nutshell:

I. Humility a remedy for anxiety.

II. Resist the enemy by what you feed your mind.

III. Friends in Christ give you strength to stand.

It's all relational in nature. As we learn to submit ourselves to others, especially those in authority, and especially those who are mature in Christ, we learn to trust God more and become anxious less often. We resist the enemy by turning to God and His Word instead of turning to anything else that would keep us from feeling things we don't like. Friends who care for one another and pray for one another hep us do both of the first two things on Peter's list.

This Sermon was preached on November 24th 2019 at Living Water Community Church in Ypsilanti Michigan by Pastor Clark Cothern. 

1 Peter 5:5-14

Rock Solid Advice

Questions for Discussion

1. What, for you, triggers anxiety? (That may require some serious thought and perhaps some discussion with those who know you well.)

2. Simon Peter offers advice that might sound a little "out there" at first. He says we should become humble and submit ourselves to authority as part of getting rid of our anxiety. After hearing the pastor speak about this for a few minutes, do you get a sense for what Peter might have meant?

3. What are some ways we tend to avoid bad feelings, especially anxious thoughts and feelings? What things are good for us (and feed our souls and bodies) and what things are harmful to us (by keeping us from healthy habits)?

4. What are a few basic things we can do as an alternative to "escapism?"

5. How do friends help us in this pursuit?

6. What is necessary in a friendship for you to stay friends even through disagreements?